Toronto is a fantastic city for free programming. It can take a little bit of research, but it’s incredible what you can find that’s offered for free throughout the year. It does feel like the city truly comes alive during the summer, and free activities and events are certainly ramped up when it’s warm out. I love living in a city that encourages and supports unique experiences for everyone that don’t cost a thing.
This is part of the reason why I’m so proud to be working with Adidas Canada as one of their Canadian brand ambassadors for the #HereToCreate program that launched this month. From May to September, there is a free Adidas workout in Toronto every Thursday at 7pm night that anyone can sign up to take. I love this inclusive mentality that opens up an amazing experience (and workout!) to women of all ages and backgrounds who, perhaps, may have not yet had the opportunity to workout with a top trainer, a major brand, or in a boutique gym.
From the calls, questions, comments and emails I’ve received about the Adidas workout – and how quickly each week has booked up – it’s easy to see that I’m not the only one who is excited about this new free program in the city. A lot of people have been asking what the class is like, what they can expect, and more about Master Trainer, Julian Ho, so I decided to take this opportunity to show you!
Before the launch of this Adidas workout in Toronto, I had never heard of Julian Ho, or taken one of his classes (he regularly teaches at Equinox). To be honest, I’m often wary of women-only group fitness classes because I think they’ll be wimpy, and really had no idea what to expect of his class. Even as someone who works out multiple times a week – doing everything from bootcamp to barre – I had my ass handed to me in Julian’s first ‘Athleticon‘ class for Adidas and I instantly became a huge fan.
The name ‘Athleticon’ comes from athletic conditioning, and Julian’s class really does get you to train like an athlete with guaranteed conditioning. I love that his workouts are high intensity, high cardio and incorporates plyometrics and resistance training with weights. And no, you won’t be using a five pound dumbbell, your only options will be 10 or 15, minimum. If it sounds intense, that’s because it is. But Julian’s high energy is so warm and encouraging that you’ll find yourself pushing yourself harder than you ever have before.
The images in this post were captured this past Thursday before the evening class at Totum Life Science on King West. Julian and I met up before class so he could show me a preview of some of the moves he had planned for us, and below you’ll see live action shots from the full class, capture by the talented Nathalia of AMILLIONMINDS.
Julian’s “warm up” isn’t your usual light stretch and casual bit of cardio. Oh no. His warm up includes multiple sets of jumping jacks, tuck jumps, squats, lunges, and even sun salutations. Seriously, getting through Julian’s warm up is almost as hard as the ‘official’ workout portion of the class!
One thing I really like about Julian’s class is that he forces you to step out of your comfort zone in every way possible. At most group workout classes, you rarely talk to new people, or make new friends, but, here Julian makes introducing yourself to new people you don’t know part of his class. There is also a lot of partner and group work that really helps bring everyone together as a team which helps when you’re all suffering through the challenging sweat session together.
As a brand ambassador for the #HereToCreate program – and free Adidas workout in Toronto – you’ll find me at the workout every Thursday at 7pm at Totum Life Science alongside my fellow ambassadors Catriona Smart, Jessica Mulroney and Christina, The Athletarian.
If you are interested in joining us for an amazing free workout in downtown Toronto this summer, be sure to check the HereToCreate.ca website every Thursday morning to register for the following week’s class. Trust me, they fill up quickly and there’s only 25 spots available each week!
Can’t wait to see you there!
xo
Ps. For more info on what I’m wearing in these photos click HERE
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