Months after debating between unfreezing my membership or halting it altogether, I finally resolved to cancel the LA Fitness subscription. In hindsight, the decision had come too late, for the annual fee had already been deducted from my account before coming to a conclusion.
"But where will you exercise?" A coworker responded in shock. "When will you have your 'me' time?!"
Frankly, the 'me' time had always existed, gym or not. It was the difference of experimenting with instructor-led classes in the flesh versus choosing my own routine from YouTube's never-ending collection of content.
Google Reviews had been fueled with the lack of communication and transparency of various LA locations, though their qualms are applicable to any gym and could be easily appeased had they invested efforts to understand the billing process from enrolment. Speaking from personal experience, I've had no issues in reaching customer service representatives, local or corporate, and have further found quite seamless membership management options between the online account, the app, and email confirmations.
"But where will you exercise?" A coworker responded in shock. "When will you have your 'me' time?!"
Frankly, the 'me' time had always existed, gym or not. It was the difference of experimenting with instructor-led classes in the flesh versus choosing my own routine from YouTube's never-ending collection of content.
Google Reviews had been fueled with the lack of communication and transparency of various LA locations, though their qualms are applicable to any gym and could be easily appeased had they invested efforts to understand the billing process from enrolment. Speaking from personal experience, I've had no issues in reaching customer service representatives, local or corporate, and have further found quite seamless membership management options between the online account, the app, and email confirmations.
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After finally resolving to cancel, I recalled that my first payment had included pre-payment for one additional month. As such, I'd have the opportunity to continue using the membership even following the online cancellation. With this in mind, it seemed only reasonable to attempt classes at other GTA locations before period end. Yonge/Sheppard's Signature Club would assume my first trial.
Premier Plus and Signature Clubs are supposedly categorized at different membership tiers, thus I called in advance to confirm eligibility. The parking validation process was also made known to me, though I opted for street parking instead, for enforcement does not commence on Sundays before 1 PM.
Premier Plus and Signature Clubs are supposedly categorized at different membership tiers, thus I called in advance to confirm eligibility. The parking validation process was also made known to me, though I opted for street parking instead, for enforcement does not commence on Sundays before 1 PM.
At 8:45 AM, I left the house to pick up my browsing partner, eventually pulling up to the Greenfield Ave entrance around 9:30 AM. This provided me with just enough time to locate the facility on the third floor, mark my spot in the studio, determine the availability of lockers and washrooms, and change shoes.
I had presumed the facility to be smaller than a standalone gym, given its location in a commercial building, however, the opposite observations were made. The training area was approximately the same size as that of Vega, but equipped with more Bosu balls and equipment than one could imagine. The group fitness studio, cycle studio, and administrative area each assumed a dedicated space - similar to Woodbine but contrary to Vega and Hurontario. Beyond the typical LA elements of a pool and basketball court, the floor also included a HIIT studio, likely only accessible with reservations and additional charges. The changerooms were separated from the rest of the exercise area with a long, winding corridor, which also housed the Women's Only training area.
I had presumed the facility to be smaller than a standalone gym, given its location in a commercial building, however, the opposite observations were made. The training area was approximately the same size as that of Vega, but equipped with more Bosu balls and equipment than one could imagine. The group fitness studio, cycle studio, and administrative area each assumed a dedicated space - similar to Woodbine but contrary to Vega and Hurontario. Beyond the typical LA elements of a pool and basketball court, the floor also included a HIIT studio, likely only accessible with reservations and additional charges. The changerooms were separated from the rest of the exercise area with a long, winding corridor, which also housed the Women's Only training area.
My spot in Zumba class was marked with none other than my trusty water bottle. At 9:44 AM, I re-emerged from the changerooms to find the instructor warming up moderately while awaiting last-minute participants. She would then greet the class, note the supplementary speaker before her that had been brought from home to amplify her chosen tracks, then commence with punctuality at 9:45 AM.
The session was a full class of, seemingly, regulars. Unsurprisingly, the vast majority were middle-aged women. The bulk appeared to be acquainted with the moves, only struggling minimally. My position at the front enabled a clear view of my own movements, though I was more focused on the instructor given unfamiliarity with the songs and choreography.
The session was a full class of, seemingly, regulars. Unsurprisingly, the vast majority were middle-aged women. The bulk appeared to be acquainted with the moves, only struggling minimally. My position at the front enabled a clear view of my own movements, though I was more focused on the instructor given unfamiliarity with the songs and choreography.
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Overall, it was a fun, upbeat class with some EDM tracks mixed with Latin and pop. The instructor was well acquainted with her sequences, pausing minimally, if at all. She appeared to have Latin dance background, exhibiting a strong foundation in Cha-Cha and Bachata steps, but later transitioned to Zumba as a career.
Despite participants not being very loud, instructor kept energy level high and even summoned class participants to dance with her at the front throughout. I, being in the front row, was obviously included in this selection, thus strived to perform the choreo without any prior knowledge.
Despite participants not being very loud, instructor kept energy level high and even summoned class participants to dance with her at the front throughout. I, being in the front row, was obviously included in this selection, thus strived to perform the choreo without any prior knowledge.
The class ended as timely as it started, making way for yoga enthusiasts to slam down their mats even before all Zumba attendees had exited. I quickly changed into sweat-free attire, then braced myself for the day's unshakable humidity levels.
Next up on the agenda was a Loblaws stopover. The garage on Empress Avenue enabled two hours of complimentary parking with purchase of ten dollars or more. Six jugs of distilled water and two Coffee Crisp bars set me back the required minimum. The grocery giant would be without on-site signage regarding validation procedures. A nearby cashier informed that a man in the parking gate booth would inspect the receipt to enable egress, which later proved true.
The third stop would be Hazukido for redemption of my soon-to-expire birthday reward. Yanking open the doors to reveal plentiful A/C, I was surprised to observe an incredibly limited selection of offerings. The croissant sandwiches I had aimed to redeem as part of the BOGO offer were nowhere to be seen. Similarly, the single member of staff was also MIA during the first few minutes of arrival.
My objective was to stack the BOGO offer with the Perfect Pairing (croissant and coffee combo) and PRESTO discount. Alas, the thoroughly tattooed and utterly indifferent cashier informed that the location had transitioned to an express outpost, "Hazukido Quick", and did not offer the same perks as the standalone shops. While I had relinquished ten dollars to facilitate processing of mobile only offers, the Perfect Pairing could not be claimed as croissants did not appear on the online menu. In addition, the PRESTO discount would not apply.
My objective was to stack the BOGO offer with the Perfect Pairing (croissant and coffee combo) and PRESTO discount. Alas, the thoroughly tattooed and utterly indifferent cashier informed that the location had transitioned to an express outpost, "Hazukido Quick", and did not offer the same perks as the standalone shops. While I had relinquished ten dollars to facilitate processing of mobile only offers, the Perfect Pairing could not be claimed as croissants did not appear on the online menu. In addition, the PRESTO discount would not apply.
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Faced with the hiccup, I debated routing to the next nearest location. At seeing an all-red route to Fairview, I ultimately decided to procure basic croissants due to upcoming afternoon schedules. A Chocolate Drizzle Croffle and Sausage Croissant set me back just $3.50 plus tax. The former is ideally consumed fresh, for toasting reinstates warmth but sacrifices its sturdy chocolate topping. Meanwhile, the Sausage Croissant is passable: a tad sodden even after toasting with a sodium-laden sausage segment.
Throughout this process, my browsing partner proved highly adaptable. Obtaining a coffee wasn't critical, and neither were specific lunch plans desired. Having secured parking immediately before the store entrance, I suggested heading towards Midori Ramen next door for lunch.
Paitan in Vancouver had disappointed me. In fact, it was the only dish consumed over the trip that failed to meet/exceed expectations. The revelation led me back to Midori.
Cold ramen would have constituted my first choice to combat the dreadful heat outside. That said, Midori would not be offering any chilled broths to meet climatic needs. Being promoted instead would be:
Being only moderately hungry, we took to sharing a Hitori Combo of a Signature Tori Paitan with Thin Noodles and a Mini Tori Don. The combo included one platter of deep-fried gyoza drizzled with creamy, tart mayo and a soft drink of choice. Neither of us were particularly fond of the Kinton-style dumplings, expressing preference for the traditional half-steamed, half-pan-fried rendition.
Cold ramen would have constituted my first choice to combat the dreadful heat outside. That said, Midori would not be offering any chilled broths to meet climatic needs. Being promoted instead would be:
- Happy Hour specials on Monday to Thursday between 2-5 PM
- A two-month long Ramenlicious event that introduces new rotating flavours every two weeks
- Hitori (一人), Futari (二人), and Kazoku 家族 Combo meals for parties of 1, 2, or 4 guests
Being only moderately hungry, we took to sharing a Hitori Combo of a Signature Tori Paitan with Thin Noodles and a Mini Tori Don. The combo included one platter of deep-fried gyoza drizzled with creamy, tart mayo and a soft drink of choice. Neither of us were particularly fond of the Kinton-style dumplings, expressing preference for the traditional half-steamed, half-pan-fried rendition.
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The Mini Tori Don was topped with plenty of scallions (likely soaked beforehand to remove pungency), a few strips of beni shouga, and a similar creamy condiment. In spite of the protein bits adopting the same tenderness of the sous-vide chicken "chashu" used to top their ramen, the bowl lacked complexity overall. Its elements were simple to prepare and assembled in a manner that did not reflect gustatory harmony, thus failing to justify its associated $8.99 price tag.
The Signature Tori Paitan boasted a gratifying, creamy broth infused with aonori and onions, a delectably golden ramen egg, and thin, firm noodles reminiscent of wonton noodles. One slice each of pork and chicken chashu proved inadequate to quench the appetite of two. Nevertheless, I thoroughly relished the smoky aftertaste of the scorched pork chashu.
Totalling under $40 with tax and tip, the meal was satisfactory. Based on collective findings, however, I'd recommend adhering to ramen without venturing into the appetizer and don categories.
The Signature Tori Paitan boasted a gratifying, creamy broth infused with aonori and onions, a delectably golden ramen egg, and thin, firm noodles reminiscent of wonton noodles. One slice each of pork and chicken chashu proved inadequate to quench the appetite of two. Nevertheless, I thoroughly relished the smoky aftertaste of the scorched pork chashu.
Totalling under $40 with tax and tip, the meal was satisfactory. Based on collective findings, however, I'd recommend adhering to ramen without venturing into the appetizer and don categories.
It was nearing 12:30 PM by this point, risking my ability to arrive in time for the 2 PM Activate booking. My browsing partner continued to munch on the remnants of my Mini Tori Don as I hurried across the street towards Don't Yell At Me.
Technical difficulties experienced on the app would be rectified in store by the sole barista-cashier on duty. She effortlessly handled both delivery and in-store drink orders and applied my 15% off app voucher with impressive swiftness, enabling procurement of a Sea Salted Caramel Coffee Latte in a timely manner.
Technical difficulties experienced on the app would be rectified in store by the sole barista-cashier on duty. She effortlessly handled both delivery and in-store drink orders and applied my 15% off app voucher with impressive swiftness, enabling procurement of a Sea Salted Caramel Coffee Latte in a timely manner.
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I departed in high spirits, sipping on the innovative, sweet-salty concoction that my browsing partner had obtained during our last visit.
Forty minutes later, I was back at home and rushing a change of clothes for Activate. The once-sunny conditions transitioned to grey skies and precipitation just as we began the commute. Upon arrival, we were faced with a heavy downpour - one that hurled droplets at us at full speed, soaking us thoroughly as we dashed towards the entrance.
Activate Mississauga was found to be a smaller facility compared to Brampton, in spite of being a standalone establishment. Since my last visit, admission prices have been raised from $25 to $28.49 per person, while the minimum player count has been lowered from three to two people. To prevent being split up during gameplay, we maintained a party of five, the maximum number of people allowed in a game room at a time.
The newly-opened facility featured just one of each game room. In place of the sequence with climbing holds, Mississauga boasted a life-sized Pacman-style interface. As per my recollection, there was one room featuring hexagonal targets with weighted balls; this was modified to a grid of multiple small panels with lighter balls, to enable inclusive gameplay.
Much to my relief, the facility was well ventilated and did not entail many lineups. The number of visitors were restricted as to ensure that wait times never exceeded five minutes. My sole gripe was the laser room, which was musty and immediately caused irritation and itchy nostrils.
Perspiration levels were also regulated by alternating activities of high and low intensity. Given the relatively dry state in which I found myself at the end of the 90-minute period, the rest of the day could proceed without going home to shower. A swap of clothing could be executed in either the accessible bathroom stall or the two unisex changerooms near the lockers.
Much to my relief, the facility was well ventilated and did not entail many lineups. The number of visitors were restricted as to ensure that wait times never exceeded five minutes. My sole gripe was the laser room, which was musty and immediately caused irritation and itchy nostrils.
Perspiration levels were also regulated by alternating activities of high and low intensity. Given the relatively dry state in which I found myself at the end of the 90-minute period, the rest of the day could proceed without going home to shower. A swap of clothing could be executed in either the accessible bathroom stall or the two unisex changerooms near the lockers.
At the end of our reserved booking time, our team was noted to finish in 10th place, ranking on the day's leaderboard. After a round of photos in front of the green screen, we somehow climbed to 6th place.
The rain had stopped when we returned to the waiting area once again. Locker and gameplay wristbands were returned to the front desk. Each player would then be supplied a keyring with a QR code. The staff informed that returning players could tap into the facility using the tag and verify one's scores online by scanning the QR code.
The rain had stopped when we returned to the waiting area once again. Locker and gameplay wristbands were returned to the front desk. Each player would then be supplied a keyring with a QR code. The staff informed that returning players could tap into the facility using the tag and verify one's scores online by scanning the QR code.
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With about three hours till dinnertime, we parted ways for The Rec Room and Costco. The latter was my obvious choice, for the absence of precipitation and proximity of the warehouse appealed to my need for Drano.
Parking was secured without tremendous difficulty. Unfortunately, I neither found the drain-opening solution nor the 0.0% Radler of my interest. Potato salad, more Choco Churro Turtle Chips, and soap were placed into the cart instead. Before departing, I voiced desires for a soft serve cone.
"Ice cream before dinner?" My browsing partner raised an eyebrow, yet placed the order nevertheless.
Parking was secured without tremendous difficulty. Unfortunately, I neither found the drain-opening solution nor the 0.0% Radler of my interest. Potato salad, more Choco Churro Turtle Chips, and soap were placed into the cart instead. Before departing, I voiced desires for a soft serve cone.
"Ice cream before dinner?" My browsing partner raised an eyebrow, yet placed the order nevertheless.
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The treat entailed at least fifteen minutes of a wait. Then, we'd proceed with grocery drop-offs and head in the direction of Square One.
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As a consequence of the unexpected grocery run, our arrival at the mall was rather delayed. Within minutes of meeting up at The Rec Room, we'd part again to head towards Gyu-Kaku.
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The Yakiniku Party set would provide in abundance for our table of five. A number of items would be identical to those featured in the two-person Chef's Choice set, including the Gyu-Kaku Salad, Gyu-Sushi, and Japanese Chicken Karaage. Chicken Garlic Noodles and Spicy Tuna Volcano were amongst the outliers. The former would serve to substitute White Rice or Beef Sukiyaki Bibimbap, providing a delectable mass of crispy yakisoba noodles in a hot stone pot. Spicy Tuna Volcano, on the other hand, emerged as no more than chopped tuna over a rigid mass of breaded rice.
Supplementing the spread would be a 3.5 oz portion of Harami Skirt Steak, redeemed from my available points balance.
Our server was careful to inquire of allergies. Upon hearing of the table's aversion towards peanuts, he noted the need to avoid Umakara marinade. Umakara Ribeye was substituted with Toro Beef at no extra charge, while Umakara Pork was swapped for Teriyaki Pork.
Supplementing the spread would be a 3.5 oz portion of Harami Skirt Steak, redeemed from my available points balance.
Our server was careful to inquire of allergies. Upon hearing of the table's aversion towards peanuts, he noted the need to avoid Umakara marinade. Umakara Ribeye was substituted with Toro Beef at no extra charge, while Umakara Pork was swapped for Teriyaki Pork.
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Service was consistent with all previous visits: amicable, attentive, and with great communication.
Memorable was the yakisoba dish, along with the Basil Chicken Breast. Through trial and error, we'd see success with our follow-up S'mores run. The key was to ensure the skewer penetrated the marshmallow fully before rotating it about the grill, as heat would cause drooping and possible loss of the stabilized sugar mass. (Nearby, a flaming marshmallow had resulted from excessive heat exposure in one location.)
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The event would simultaneously celebrate those with July birthdays, including a birthday banner, song, green tea (or vanilla) ice cream, and paper crowns for four of five attendees.
In the air-conditioned lobby of Sussex Centre, we bid farewell and made promises for future gatherings. While the two other vehicles departed the garage, my browsing partner and I crossed the street for a quick stroll around Kariya Park.
The evening hours saw sunset gradients and near-vacant pathways.
Damp patches about the park trails had materialized following the afternoon's rainstorm. Nearby flora remained intact, covered with dew droplets that drew attention to their beautiful hue and embossed surfaces.
The skies began to dim as we returned to fetch the car. Twelve hours of nonstop activity had passed by the time my browsing partner was returned home. Then, at the thirteen-hour mark, I too retreated for a well-deserved shower and slumber.
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