Goodlife Fitness on Sheppard East, formerly The Fitness Institute, is located in the ground level of a commercial building in North York on Sheppard Avenue, just west of Victoria Park, it is definitely one of the best equipped fitness clubs in the area.

The club offers a wide variety of top-notch strength and cardio equipment, including the Gary Roberts elite training facility where, I am told, quite a few NHL players train. There are also tennis courts and a full-size pool.

Having just celebrated its 50th anniversary, the club's change rooms are, while expansive and comfortable, starting to show their age.

Their 'spa' services refer to the steam rooms and saunas in the change room along with the complimentary personal hygiene products they provide.

I used to think that aquafit was only for seniors, pregnant women and all-inclusive resort vacationers who've had one to many rum drinks, but I have a new-found respect for the activity after taking a mom and baby class with one of my daughters.

It can be a pretty good gentle, but challenging workout. I was, however, the only non-octogenarian in the class.

Even though I snuck in late, I still felt I got a good workout and the time swam by quickly. The Fitness Institute definitely gets bonus marks for having a salt water pool!

The clientele seems to be a mix of elite athletes, wealthy professionals, and seniors who live in the area.

Although the Goodlife offers junior tennis programs and 'family swim' on Sundays, I'm told this is not a family recreational facility. They have no life guards for the pool so usage is limited to those aged 18 and older.

If you live in the area, the Goodlife and its roster of services can keep you fit and healthy in a jiffy.