Who We Are

…and our History

The Fitness Institute is known as one of Canada’s premium health and fitness clubs in that it combines a world class upscale setting with the finest trainers and experts in the fitness industry. It was founded in 1963 by the famous Canadian coach, Lloyd Percival whereby the “FI” quickly won recognition for its high standards in developing the finest possible system for improving the well-being of its members to the highest level by means of medically and scientifically based fitness and lifestyle management services, rendered in a first-class recreational environment.

Today the Fitness Institute is overseen by Steve Roest who is the current President and Owner. He has extensive experience in the fitness industry in a variety of roles, including training the Toronto Raptors basketball team, fifteen years of experience in personal training and a football career with the University of Toronto varsity team and the Toronto Argonauts. He was voted Toronto’s best personal trainer by Toronto Life magazine in 2000.

At the Fitness Institute we know that only our success in improving the well-being of those we serve will assure the long term strength, continuity and success of this organization.

The Fitness Institute is home to Canada’s first ever “Olympic High Performance Testing and Sports Medicine Centre”, where many of Canada’s top Olympic athletes come to train. Some of the athletes include women from the two-time Olympic gold medal winning hockey team, Canada’s best tennis player and Gold Medalist Daniel Nestor as well as a host of other professional and Olympic athletes.

The Fitness Institute is also home to the Gary Roberts High Performance Centre as it continues its tradition of being a leader in high performance training. As a master trainer, Gary brings a tremendous amount of experience as he was a professional hockey player who played 21 seasons in the NHL, winning the Stanley Cup 1989. Since his retirement, Roberts has become a leader in high performance training for athletes. He has been training players from juniors and the NHL during the offseason.

The Fitness Institute is the best combination of service, world class facilities and expert staff. We know you will feel comfortable and motivated at the Fitness Institute.

“Changing members’ lives for the better” has been our mission since 1963 and it continues today to serve our members with an unparalleled degree of excellence.