Bloor Street Boxing and Fitness is one of Toronto's most iconic gyms. Founded by former lightweight National Champion Paul Ryan as a non profit to get kids off the streets, the gym started as a boxing gym with the ring, the bags and the facilities to train local youth into champions. That was back in 1993.

Since that time Bloor Boxing and Fitness has not only become a leading boxing training facility for competitive men and women fighters but it has also transformed into a full service fitness facility.

The main floor boasts a good selection of machines, free weights and cardio equipment while the boxing ring and classes have moved upstairs.

Boxing classes take place every day of the week except Sunday. There are lots of punching bags to go around, but the real centerpiece is the ring itself - it's the same one that Mohammed Ali and Rocky Marciano battled in New York's Times Square.

The overall vibe seems pretty casual, in keeping with the no-attitude aesthetic the owner is looking for.

Here it's all about the work-out and members tend to be drawn from the surrounding neighbourhoods - Parkdale , Roncesvalles and The Junction.

Most people working out here are in their 20's or 30's but the actual membership spans from 16 to 75 years young. Music tends to be of the standard satellite radio variety and satellite TV's are embedded into most cardio machines.