"Weighting" the Gyms, Which Is the Best ?

Things have been a bit slow on the boxing front. Stockyards has just re-opened, and I have been doing some regular training at Bloor.
I sometimes get people asking me about finding a place to train, and how to find a good boxing gym.
I would like to take this opportunity to talk about boxing gyms, and gyms in general. I have tried a few in the Toronto area, and would like to present this "Consumer Report On Toronto Gyms".
Some of these are boxing gyms, some are regular gyms but have boxing facilities. Ratings will be out of 10. Only gyms that I have attended will be rated.
None of the gyms rated received a 10 / 10, but a couple came close.
Without further interruption, here it is:

Goodlife Fitness, fitness center with boxing equipment at some locations.  RATING:  3 / 10
A very "typical" chain fitness center. Impersonal and a bit on the expensive side. In addition to the high monthly fees, they always try to sell you personal training, which nobody really needs. Personal training for six months costs about $5000, and they seem to think it is no big deal. Oh, $5000, just like that. Yeah, I have that right here in my wallet.
They were also very reluctant to cancel membership after the contract period. They kept billing me for a month after, and then claimed to have not received the cancellation request. They also did not refund me for the month they were supposed to have cancelled.
OVERALL: NOT RECOMMENDED

Premier Fitness, fitness center with boxing equipment at some locations. RATING: 4 / 10
Very similar to Goodlife, except that I did not have so many problems with cancelling the membership
They also want to sell you a rediculously-priced personal training packages. Also, the boxing facilities cost extra, which they don't tell you up-front.
Update: Premier Fitness went bankrupt, and most locations have closed, while other locations were taken over by other companies.
OVERALL: NOW CLOSED

Extreme Couture, MMA gym with boxing. RATING: 6 / 10
I took a couple of trial classes here. I have to say it is nothing special. There is not really anything bad about it. It is a fine-quality gym, just don't get suckered into the "Couture" name. Although this gym offers boxing, they are not certified for competition. They offer classes and recreational boxing only.
OVERALL: NOTHING SPECIAL

Kingsway Boxing Club, Competition boxing club with fitness facilities with two locations. RATING: 0 / 10
I have to say this is the absolute worst boxing facility I have ever set foot in. In the eight months I was there none of the "coaches" were able to deliver what they promised. They put up a nice fake front, and pretend to care, but when you want to question them about something, they get upset. Also, the training is very negative.When you don't learn as fast as they want, or don't understand something, the "coaches" would reply with a sarcastic response. Also, the fees are very high for what they have to offer. The most expensive boxing gym in Toronto. It is clear they care only about money, and not about the quality of coaching.
OVERALL: STAY AWAY, FAR AWAY! 

Lansdowne Boxing Gym, Competition boxing club. Now defunct. RATING: 7 / 10
This was a good gym, but has since closed.
OVERALL: IT IS CLOSED, GOOD LUCK

Bloor Street Fitness,  (UPDATED) Fitness center with boxing facilities and a ring. RATING: 5 / 10
I have to say this is one of the better fitness centers in Toronto.  There is 24/7 key-card access. I also like how they often encourage feedback from the members, and will usually try what is suggested. The boxing facility was dying, and I suggested they revive it. They did. They now even offer supervised soft sparring classes. The only negative thing is some of the other members are not the greatest people in the world to exercise with. This seems to be a big problem at this location. It is not the fault of management, but it can in some cases reduce the enjoyment of the facilities. However, the great staff and the rest of the members outbalance the idiots.
OVERALL: NOT RECOMMENDED See new review here:  NEW REVIEW

Stockyards Boxing Gym, (UPDATED) Competition boxing facility. RATING: 9 / 10
This facility is also called Stockyards Boxing and Fitness, but they specialize in boxing.  The coach is a former professional boxer whose opponents list includes Hector "Macho" Camacho. The facility here is new, and the coaching is great. You can tell that the coaches and trainers really enjoy teaching. They are patient and understanding, and if you show your seriousness about the sport, they will do their best to help you. The only thing that keeps this gym from getting a "10", is the lack of a shower facility. I don't know how they overlooked this. You sweat...you shower...it is a very simple concept. I have a work-around. I bring my own. It is amazing what a spray bottle can do. Anyway, if they install a shower, this gym would be a perfect "10".
OVERALL: RECOMMENDED See new review here:  NEW REVIEW

That is all for now.  If you are interested in further information about any of these gyms, let me know.

Paul "The Brick" Brec