Over the past few years, luxury gyms and wellness clubs have completely revolutionized the fitness scene in Toronto. However, for some members of one of the city’s most buzzed-about fitness centers, recent changes at the club have left them wondering whether it’s all just a workout in disappointment.
The arrival of Winnipeg-based Altea Active in 2021 sparked a wave of excitement in the city’s fitness community. As Toronto’s first location of the “social wellness club,” Altea Active was a breath of fresh air, offering a sprawling 89,000 sq. ft. space at Liberty Village’s Novus building. The gym quickly gained a loyal following, with many members considering it a groundbreaking concept in the fitness world.
A Gym Like No Other
Altea Active’s appeal was undeniable. The club provided an extensive range of services, including aquatic training, fitness classes, open gym spaces, a restaurant, and even childcare. At a time when health and wellness were increasingly prioritized, the gym’s offerings seemed to provide everything anyone could want in a fitness club — and then some.
With memberships starting at $95 per month (though that price has since risen), many members justified the steep cost due to the sheer variety and caliber of services available. The gym also boasted highly trained instructors who cultivated their own dedicated fan bases. This blend of luxury, convenience, and community made Altea Active one of the most sought-after fitness clubs in Toronto.
But Recent Changes Have Left Members Feeling Disappointed
However, over the past few months, some long-time members have noticed a shift in the gym’s offerings — and it’s not one they’re happy about.
One member, who has been with Altea since 2022 and wishes to remain anonymous, shared with blogTO her frustration with recent changes. “They cancelled the swim programming,” she said. “Then they removed all family programming, including events and camps.” The member also noted that the daycare hours were drastically altered, cutting down on its availability, with the centre now closing for a few hours during the day.
For this member, the changes were more than just a few inconveniences; they represented a fundamental shift in what she had originally loved about the gym. “I’ve loved my membership for the last three years,” she confessed. “The daycare was a huge help, especially with two maternity leaves. The staff were amazing with newborns and babies. It was so affordable and convenient, which was invaluable to me as a new mom trying to stay fit and mentally healthy.”
Now, though, she’s questioning whether it’s still worth it. “I have access to gyms with all the amenities and a pool at home,” she admitted. “But Altea was always worth it for the community. Now, it feels like they care more about their bottom line than the people they serve.”
Decline in Quality: A Trend Many Are Noticing
Another member, going by the pseudonym Sara, echoed similar concerns. Sara pointed out that quality at the gym had noticeably declined in recent months. “Shower and bathroom stalls don’t lock anymore,” she said. “When I first joined in 2021, there were Dyson hand dryers everywhere, but now they’re gone.” Sara also mentioned other changes, including reduced class schedules, the removal of the restaurant, and the replacement of popular activities like Top Golf with reformer pilates. “These were things that really drew me to Altea in the first place,” she said. “Especially the childcare.”
Sara is far from alone in her disappointment. A quick glance at recent Google Reviews for Altea Active reveals a growing number of members expressing similar concerns. Many have cited a noticeable drop in service quality and a reduction in the very amenities that initially attracted them to the club.
Allegations of Membership Cancellations Over Negative Reviews
The situation has taken a more dramatic turn, with some members alleging that their memberships were revoked after leaving negative reviews. One reviewer claimed that after posting a complaint about the removal of a favorite instructor, his membership was terminated when he refused to take down his Google review. The alleged email exchange that followed seems to show a staff member threatening the termination of his membership unless the review was removed.
The email, purportedly from the general manager, reportedly states: “We respect your right to share your opinion; however, publicly misrepresenting the club in a way that is misleading or damaging is not aligned with our member code of conduct or policies. If you choose to keep your review up, we will take that as confirmation that this club is no longer the right fit for you, and we will proceed in terminating your membership.”
These allegations have further fueled discontent among members, many of whom feel the gym is prioritizing its reputation over the concerns of its loyal members.
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Altea’s Silence on the Matter
At the time of publication, Altea Active has not responded to blogTO’s request for comment regarding these ongoing issues. While the gym has addressed some of the negative reviews publicly, many members continue to feel that their concerns are being dismissed or ignored. The club’s management has yet to substantiate any of the claims made by its members, leaving the public wondering what will happen next.
As more members voice their dissatisfaction, the future of Altea Active in Toronto remains uncertain. Will it be able to win back the trust of its community, or has it strayed too far from the original vision that made it a fitness icon in the first place? Only time will tell.
For now, Toronto’s fitness scene has a new question to consider: Is Altea Active still the social wellness haven it once promised to be? Or has it fallen victim to the very issues that many members fear most — corporate greed and a lack of accountability?
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