For over 40 years, Spartacus Gym has been Vancouver's most affordable gym - starting at just $45 / month. Spartacus is the best Vancouver gym that I've ever belonged to. The rates are extremely reasonable and the classes are top notch. I'm also a fan of the nostalgic feel that you get when you step inside-this helps to maintain the demographic which makes it such a great place to train.
I have been a Spartacus member and regular devotee for many years now. I despise the odd time I may have to train anywhere else. Staff is always awesome, and literally a place where everyone knows your name. Spartacus Gym is my happy place. Thank you everyone from staff and members for always making me feel welcome, accepted and always having a place to go let out my steam.
I have been a Spartacus member and regular devotee for many years now. I despise the odd time I may have to train anywhere else. Staff is always awesome, and literally a place where everyone knows your name. Spartacus Gym is my happy place. Thank you everyone from staff and members for always making me feel welcome, accepted and always having a place to go let out my steam.
Services
Spartacus Gym is a straight-forward, fully-equipped old-school place to lift weights, work the heavy bag, learn martial arts including kickboxing and Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu, stretch and do some cardio. We have three power racks, two Rogue benches, and two Rogue deadlift platforms. We have dumbbells that go up to 120 pounds each.
Looking to boost your workout recovery in Vancouver? Look no further than our private infrared sauna located at Spartacus Gym on Commerical Drive. Infrared saunas differ from traditional saunas by penetrating deep into the tissues as opposed to simply heating the air around you. In addition to infrared saunas being more comfortable than traditional saunas, infrared offers several unique benefits that can greatly improve your overall health.
Spartacus Gym's Kickboxing program is a hybrid of western Boxing, Muay Thai, and Dutch-style Kickboxing. The main objective of our program is to foster the development of fundamentally sound strikers who possess excellent footwork, timing, movement, and strong defensive awareness. Muay Thai is known as the "art of 8 limbs" - or as the art of punching, kicking, kneeing, and elbowing.
Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes featuring a specialized curriculum designed especially for the beginner and intermediate student. To maintain the best possible student to instructor ratio, classes are capped at 16 students for each Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class. Everyone at Spartacus receives plenty of individual attention and personalized coaching.
Spartacus Gym offers a wide-range of personal training packages featuring some of the top fitness professionals in Vancouver. Our trainers have extensive experience working with people of all ages, lifestyles, and backgrounds. Roy Duquette has been involved with Spartacus Gym for over 25 years.
Roy first began training at Spartacus Gym in 1993 as a regular member and was originally hired on as an administrative assistant, personal trainer, and group class instructor in 1998.In 2002, Roy left to start his own company, Duquette Strength and Development.
Roy first began training at Spartacus Gym in 1993 as a regular member and was originally hired on as an administrative assistant, personal trainer, and group class instructor in 1998.In 2002, Roy left to start his own company, Duquette Strength and Development.
Reviews (27)
Pip Harding
Jan 26, 2022
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Jonah Haliburton
Dec 13, 2021
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Jim Hua
Jul 26, 2021
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Working close to this gym, I wanted to sign up to this gym and pay the full year up front but decided to try one week first for $30 as they told me I could use it towards a full year. The gym is small and equipment is old but I felt it was sufficient enough with the equipment and weights. I decided I would do the year. On the last day of my week I didn't go to the gym as it was my rest day so the next day I went I told the girl at the desk I want to sign up for a year and pay the price up front she said because my week ended yesterday she wouldn't be deducting the $30 I paid already for 1 week
Daniel Jang
Apr 19, 2021
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I am pretty interested in this gym and I may join in the next few months. I called before and was told that they have dumbbells up to 120 pounds which is great. I also like how it seems to be a gym that is more old school and not a commercial gym like Club 16.
The monthly price also seems fair to me and it is pretty close to where I live. The only thing that is stopping me from joining immediately is that I don't really like the commercial drive area as it can be quite busy sometimes.
The monthly price also seems fair to me and it is pretty close to where I live. The only thing that is stopping me from joining immediately is that I don't really like the commercial drive area as it can be quite busy sometimes.
Kelly Chen
Apr 02, 2021
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Love this gym!! Easily my favourite gym ever. Owners and staff are so nice. I love the atmosphere. There are great covid guidelines. It’s a great gym for lifters (or anyone really) Free parking too :)
I thought I wouldn’t like old style looking gyms but this one is pretty awesome. I feel completely comfortable and at home at Spartacus. I can tell the equipment/machines were thoughtfully picked out. The owner knows his stuff for sure!!
Spartacus is definitely a hidden gem!
I thought I wouldn’t like old style looking gyms but this one is pretty awesome. I feel completely comfortable and at home at Spartacus. I can tell the equipment/machines were thoughtfully picked out. The owner knows his stuff for sure!!
Spartacus is definitely a hidden gem!
Luna M.
Dec 01, 2020
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I went to this gym for a couple of years. However, I found the managers and staff me of the owners very disregarding and egocentric. Before Covid-19 the gym was packed at full capacity and it was very hard to access a machine. I stopped going there. It was useless to make the effort to get there when there was not even space to do my workouts.
Isaac Peltz
Aug 12, 2020
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Stefano Papa
Aug 11, 2020
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Spartacus is an amazing, uniquely vintage, gym with a fantastic work out community to boot. The staff and owners are all very kind and friendly. The equipment is all well maintained. Despite facing a global pandemic, this gym feels as vibrant as ever. It truly is a hidden gem in the workout community.
Cory
Jul 06, 2020
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I briefly went here for about 3 month over the mid/late summer and the gym has everything you need. There's 3 squat racks, 2 power benches with one adjustable bench for incline presses, multiple standard benches by the dumbbells, lots of machines, and 2 designated area to deadlift.
It can get busy during peak times so social distancing becomes a bit hard.
Overall great community gym and you will notice the same faces coming and going.
It can get busy during peak times so social distancing becomes a bit hard.
Overall great community gym and you will notice the same faces coming and going.
Cayden Orallo
Jun 17, 2020
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James B.
Jan 13, 2020
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Susanne J.
Mar 27, 2018
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Here I am, a new mom, finally finding a time to hit the gym and have the energy to boot and I show up at Spartacus for a drop in, which is listed on their site as $9. Got myself rallied early and walked in. Place looks decent, plenty of equipment, but the guy won't let me do a drop in because I don't have ID. So I left...and I'm still dumbfounded.... a) it's not listed on their website where the fees are that IS is required b) you want to put more roadblocks up for potential customers coming to the gym? Bad business practices....
Ely W.
Mar 25, 2018
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Benji S.
Oct 20, 2017
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I'm really enjoying being a member of Spartacus gym. I love the old school vibe of the space. The staff are awesome. Always super friendly even at 5:30 am ! It's not a huge gym but for me it's got more then enough equipment. Lot's of different cardio options as well. I also like the fact that there are members of all ages and fitness levels who use this place. It's not an intimidating gym if you're just starting out.
Michael L.
Jul 30, 2016
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J. M.
Jun 09, 2016
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I've been a member here for a few months now and so far it's the best gym I've ever visited.
I think the difference is that it's locally owned - not a huge chain.
The staff are great. Very helpful.
The other patrons are friendly and welcoming.
The class sizes are small and I really feel like I'm getting the most out of every session that I can.
It's got a great location and the class schedule works really well for people who work 9-5 - lots of early morning and evening options to choose from as well as daytime classes.
I think the difference is that it's locally owned - not a huge chain.
The staff are great. Very helpful.
The other patrons are friendly and welcoming.
The class sizes are small and I really feel like I'm getting the most out of every session that I can.
It's got a great location and the class schedule works really well for people who work 9-5 - lots of early morning and evening options to choose from as well as daytime classes.
Richard M.
Feb 25, 2016
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I've been a regular at Spartacus for over a year now and was at Steve Nash for years before that. They are very different experiences so I can't say one is better than the other. However, I can say without a doubt that I'm really enjoying my down-to-business, inner city, no nonsense, Spartacus gym. I like to get in and get out and don't need fancy cucumber water or tvs in the change rooms.
Although it is very busy right after work I can't fault the gym for that. The staff are friendly and the clientele are perfect. Friendly and non-judgemental, with good weight room etiquette
Although it is very busy right after work I can't fault the gym for that. The staff are friendly and the clientele are perfect. Friendly and non-judgemental, with good weight room etiquette
J. A.
Aug 21, 2015
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My partner live in Vancouver bc
So I got to go to this gym few times.
Mix feeling. It's definitely not those big gyms like you have in San Francisco. How ever. I like that gym a lot. They have many things in a small place.
Cool people. Clean. Fell like a private gym. Overall. I love it
Just a note. There is some new stuff I think they should add. And the bad ones to fix
So I got to go to this gym few times.
Mix feeling. It's definitely not those big gyms like you have in San Francisco. How ever. I like that gym a lot. They have many things in a small place.
Cool people. Clean. Fell like a private gym. Overall. I love it
Just a note. There is some new stuff I think they should add. And the bad ones to fix
Marco F.
Feb 24, 2015
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Great gym for a serious bodybuilders/powerlifters as well as the average trainee. I was seeking a good iron gym where I could work out during a visit to Van and found this on Yelp so I popped in for a very reasonably priced $10 day pass. Nothing fancy but they have all the essentials. 2 power racks and tons of barbells, dumbbells and plates.
Heather N.
May 10, 2014
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I've been a member at Spartacus for about four years. I recently moved away from Commercial Drive but I just can't bear to give up my $30/month membership because I love this gym!
It's in a basement on Commercial Drive- there are no panoramic views or high ceilings. The current owner has done a lot to upgrade the facility, and it shows. The upgraded lighting and ventilation systems have really improved the gym without compromising the character. Fresh paint and new equipment have made the space even better. The upgrades to the women's change room were long overdue. Thanks for
It's in a basement on Commercial Drive- there are no panoramic views or high ceilings. The current owner has done a lot to upgrade the facility, and it shows. The upgraded lighting and ventilation systems have really improved the gym without compromising the character. Fresh paint and new equipment have made the space even better. The upgrades to the women's change room were long overdue. Thanks for
Erik K.
Oct 07, 2013
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Great place. I've been working out here for little over a year now. I find the gym etiquette of the members is excellent and the staff are fantastic. That is something I noticed after I had been to a couple of other gyms by chance or circumstance a handful of times since signing up here. Regardless of how nice a gym a place is, it is the people who use it that make it a good or bad place in my estimation. This place has all the good people and is a real central hub to the community overall. It is very welcoming with a good mixture of ages, body-types, and is an LBGT friendly environment
Alexandra J.
Nov 22, 2012
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I have been a member of Spartacus gym, on and off, for about ten years now.
Some people love this place, and some hate it.. depends what you are looking for.
I like this place because it is an affordable, no nonsense, straight up gym. The only thing you can do here is get fit. There is no steam room to go hide in, no tea lounge... just a big room full of fitness equipment. What they do offer, which makes it more than just a small neighborhood gym, is classes. Right in the middle of this big room full of sweaty, grunting weight-lifters is an enclosed studio space. They offer yoga, spinning, aerobics
Some people love this place, and some hate it.. depends what you are looking for.
I like this place because it is an affordable, no nonsense, straight up gym. The only thing you can do here is get fit. There is no steam room to go hide in, no tea lounge... just a big room full of fitness equipment. What they do offer, which makes it more than just a small neighborhood gym, is classes. Right in the middle of this big room full of sweaty, grunting weight-lifters is an enclosed studio space. They offer yoga, spinning, aerobics
Robyn H.
Oct 11, 2012
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Spartacus Gym is Vancouver's best kept secret, especially considering that the city's as health-conscious, gym/yoga-obsessed as they get.
But here's this old little gym tucked away underneath Caffé Roma on Commercial Drive, charging less than $40 per month (which includes access to almost all their classes: yoga, spin, pilates, zumba, etc.)... but the place is absolutely unpretentious and all-inclusive, plus the staff are amazing. Roy and Nelson, in particular, are inspirational - if you get a chance to take a class or training session with them, do so!
While not the fanciest
But here's this old little gym tucked away underneath Caffé Roma on Commercial Drive, charging less than $40 per month (which includes access to almost all their classes: yoga, spin, pilates, zumba, etc.)... but the place is absolutely unpretentious and all-inclusive, plus the staff are amazing. Roy and Nelson, in particular, are inspirational - if you get a chance to take a class or training session with them, do so!
While not the fanciest
Esther G.
Jul 04, 2012
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An affordable gym for people in the area that has plenty of weights, machines and a big room for classes. It helps that they keep the room open all the time, so you can go in and use the exercise balls, jump ropes, mats, etc., when there aren't any classes.
If you're looking for some five-star gym, this isn't it. If you're looking for a place that has super buff people who love looking at themselves as they become even buffer, this isn't the spot either.
What you will find are people of all ages and body types. You won't feel intimidated or out of place.
It does
If you're looking for some five-star gym, this isn't it. If you're looking for a place that has super buff people who love looking at themselves as they become even buffer, this isn't the spot either.
What you will find are people of all ages and body types. You won't feel intimidated or out of place.
It does
Eva B.
Jan 14, 2011
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I signed up for a membership here a few years ago with my sisters. The idea was that we would go together and support each other. Well it ended up that I was the only one that actually went regularly. I would have kept going here, but I don't actually live in this neighborhood. I had to drive in order to make it on time to some of the classes I liked. The one bonus was they do have underground parking for members. Upon signing up I found out they even offer one free session with a personal trainer which is a great introduction to the gym.
The classes are all really good, but get there
The classes are all really good, but get there
Mercedes G.
Jan 08, 2010
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One of the only fitness centres along The Drive, Spartacus is the most low-key, affordable and comfortable fitness centres I have ever had the pleasure of sweating in.
The staff is friendly and the classes are taught by knowledgable, skilled and lovely instructors who only want to see you do your best (not to see you in your short shorts...ladies, you know what I'm talking about) or see you suffer. The owners are vivacious and clearly love life, with a no-nonsense attitude to fitness that has served them well.
Did I mention the affordability of Spartacus? Impressively low prices that
The staff is friendly and the classes are taught by knowledgable, skilled and lovely instructors who only want to see you do your best (not to see you in your short shorts...ladies, you know what I'm talking about) or see you suffer. The owners are vivacious and clearly love life, with a no-nonsense attitude to fitness that has served them well.
Did I mention the affordability of Spartacus? Impressively low prices that
Dani B.
Apr 03, 2009
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I love Spartacus gym, its not pretentious and it's very welcoming. They also give you the best deal in town when it comes to taking the classes they offer. You can either pay for a monthly membership or a 10-time (which has no expiry date) pass for $60 and take any of their classes. Since my schedule changes weekly, I go for the pass instead of the membership.
I love the Pilates, yoga, and yogalates classes in particular.
The instructors vary in level and it's good to know who's who before you take a class.
In terms of Pilates Pam is more beginner/intermediate and Herb is definitely
I love the Pilates, yoga, and yogalates classes in particular.
The instructors vary in level and it's good to know who's who before you take a class.
In terms of Pilates Pam is more beginner/intermediate and Herb is definitely
