Active Living Centre

One of the best fitness facilities in the city!

The Active Living Center is HUGE. Seriously, it’s probably one of the biggest gyms in Winnipeg. The equipment is in very good shape, the huge space allows you to work out without feeling like everyone is next to you watching, and there’s so many different ways you can get in a work out.You can lift weights (they have 2 dedicated spaces that have dumbbells that range from 5 pounds to 100+, squat racks, benches for chest presses, machines that isolate every muscle you can think of, and a deadlift area. I’m sure I’m missing some things, that’s how big and diversified this gym is.)You can swim, because they have a huge Olympic sized swimming pool.You can play basketball, volleyball, squash, badminton, etc in the courts they have in the facility.They have plenty of locker space, you can even rent lockers out for a certain period of time, and you can pay for towel service.They offer free classes, such as spin class, yoga class, strength training class, and many more. You don’t even have to sign up, you just show up to the class.The membership for non students/alumni/staff is on the expensive side, but honestly, it’s worth it. The way I see it, it’s an investment for your health and physical well-being. We easily purchase and invest in things that aren’t good for us on a daily basis without hesitation, so why do we hesitate with our health. I definitely think it’s worth the price.The only downside I can think of is that the gym does get a little busy in the peak hours and it may be difficult to find an empty squat rack, bench, or deadlift area. Usually people are nice and let you work in/ finish fast, but I know some people get annoyed by that. But this is the case for any gym during peak hours so take that with a grain of salt.Staff are helpful and generally nice. Could be a little more approachable in my opinion but this is just my personal experience.Overall, this place is a 9/10.It’s not a 10 because nothing is perfect…

The good:Staff are friendly and helpful when approached. The facility is large, and equipment is abundant.The bad:-Students are forced to pay for the gym, as part of their tuition. There are very few exceptions to avoid fees, and it's been engrossed by the student governing body (UMSU) and the University, as a favor to students. Even though the gym cannot accommodate all students. The schools mandate assumes that an active lifestyle requires a gym membership.-During and post pandemic, students could not avoid gym fees, despite closures and limit-timed gym slots.-An authoritarian approach is pretty much required to reduce COVID transmission with masking, which I don't personally favor. The University takes an apathetic approach. Asking you to, but not enforcing the policy. Often, both students and staff can be found not wearing or partially wearing a mask; this includes times when students/staff are required to re-mask (e.g. after moving away from weights, getting water etc.)-Staff are motivated to keep the gym quiet but give exceptions to their weightlifting buddies.-When anything breaks at the gym, it takes months or years to repair. The gym has had non-functioning analogue clocks for years.-The mens bathrooms have no urinal cakes, so it always smells like piss.-Faucets often do not trigger properly and water flow is poor in the bathrooms. Many soap dispensers are broken. Hand sanitizer is often empty.-The area-mats dedicated to deadlifting are partially set-in-place and slide. Not ideal.-If staff see someone using equipment wrong. They do not intervene. Gym policy is also that no one else intervenes.

Great food, amazing atmosphere and very friendly service that cannot be beat. Love the old school diner feel.

Best gym in the city in my opinion — not that I’ve been to many. Super modern facility that is very spacious and has a large variety of workout equipment, including a track on the top floor that is always relatively empty. Highly recommend.

Wonderful gym, you can find so much equipment here and a chill environment. Would highly recommend.

Very large, tons of equipment, well-kept and cheaper than some other gyms in the city, but it's very busy on weekdays.

One of the best fitness centres in Winnipeg....every facility is best btw they have a lot of facilities ...swimming, table tennis, volleyball, squash they got it all

Great place to swim and play basketball. The membership fees are very affordable as well.