If you’re new to strength training, not especially comfortable in a gym setting, or simply unsure of how to get started, we understand.
We’ve put together everything you need to know to take the first step.
Come visit in person and see if Recess is the right fit for you.
Our low-barrier, low-commitment single class offer. Pay only $8 for a single class, with the discount code.
Complete the form by providing your email address and we'll send a special discount code straight to your inbox.
With this code you'll be able to pay only $8 for a class.
P.S. Check your junk mail folder.
P.P.S. No worries if you're not ready right away, this discount code won't expire.
Our classes work using a credit system. Buy credits, and redeem them by reserving your spot in the class.
You'll purchase a single class, and during checkout enter the code into the discount code field to pay only $8.
You'll also be prompted to create an account during this process. (It's here where you'll be able to sign our waiver, add an emergency contact, and complete your profile.)
With this single class credit on your file, all you need now is to book into your class of choice.
You can book into any Get Stronger or Mat Pilates class.
Don't be discouraged by a waitlist - our flexible cancellation policy means waitlists do move.
Get the code sent to your email!
Get some insight so you know what to anticipate.
We recommend arriving about 10 minutes early to the gym. We’ll welcome you, show you where to change your shoes and store your belongings, and point out the washrooms and anything else you may need.
This is also a good opportunity to speak with your instructor about any injuries, concerns, or anything else that may be helpful for them to know before class begins.
The whole class will begin with a warm-up led by your instructor, using exercises that are relevant to that class.
The goal is:
Depending on the class, the warm-up may be done standing, on a mat, or with light equipment such as a resistance band.
You may be trying some new movements, or returning to exercises you haven’t done in a while.
Our goal is to help you find an intensity that safely challenges the target muscles without overdoing it. Your instructor will help you determine an appropriate starting weight, and guide you toward fine-tuning the weight so that it hits a 7/10 intensity.
Part of exercising is learning how to connect with your body and recognize what different levels of effort feel like. Everyone is different, so it’s completely normal if developing that awareness is part of the learning process too.
After class, your instructor may provide more orientation about how classes fit into your goals of building strength. For example, they may explain how Get Stronger follows a curriculum and you can expect to see intensity progress over time.
After after class — for example, the next day — you may feel a little bit sore, but you should still be able to carry on with your life as normal.
When to return for your second class? We recommend waiting until your body has fully recovered from the exercises before returning for another class. Every body is different, so there isn’t one set amount of time this will take. As your body gets more used to the exercises, you should start recovering more easily.
Recovery is the most important part of building strength.
Here are the most common questions we get asked.
No. Our classes are designed to be accessible to people with a wide range of experience, including people who are brand new to strength training.
Your instructor will guide you through the exercises, help you understand the movements, and support you in finding an appropriate starting point.
Our classes are intentionally kept small so that instructors can properly coach the room, answer questions, and give individual feedback when needed.
Get Stronger classes have a maximum of 12 participants, and Mat Pilates is 10. The goal is always to make sure you have enough space, access to equipment, and support from your instructor.
Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in. You do not need special workout clothing or gear.
Please bring indoor shoes to change into when you arrive. Many participants wear socks during strength training, because it can allow you to feel the ground beneath you and does not introduce instability as many running shoes do.
For Pilates, you can participate in socks or bare feet.
It is recommended to bring a water bottle.
First, you must be cleared for exercise before participating in class.
When it comes to modifications, we’re committed to making the class as accessible and pain-free as possible based on your ability, comfort, mobility, experience, or temporary limitations.
If you have an injury or limitation that may affect how you participate, please email adrian@recessfitclub.com ahead of time. This gives us the opportunity to determine how best to accommodate you and, hopefully, put your mind at ease before you arrive.
Our instructors are prepared with progressions and regressions for the exercises in our planned curriculum. However, we cannot create unrelated exercises on the spot or permit substitutions, including exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist or other healthcare provider, without prior arrangement.
There is no single “type” of person who comes to Recess.
Our members include people with different ages, backgrounds, fitness histories, and levels of experience. Many are learning strength training for the first time, returning after time away, or simply looking for a more supportive and structured way to get stronger.
You do not need to already feel comfortable in a gym to belong here.
At Recess, we’re focused on building exercise skills so that we can exercise sustainably.
As your safety our #1 priority, that’s why we have a policy that you should never exercise through pain.
If something hurts or doesn’t feel right, let your instructor know. Sometimes a small adjustment to your technique is all that’s needed; in other cases, we may modify the exercise so that it’s appropriate for you.
