Xelf Fitness image

Xelf Fitness

Massage therapist Personal trainer Physiotherapist Nutritionist Life coach

One of the Top rated Massage therapists in Hamilton


Address

1 West Avenue S, Hamilton, ON L8N 2R9, Canada

Website

xelf.ca

Contact

+1 905-923-7595

Rating on Google Maps

5.00 (120 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 7 am to 8 pm
  • Friday: 7 am to 8 pm
  • Saturday: 7 am to 8 pm
  • Sunday: 8 am to 3 pm
  • Monday: (Family Day Canada), 7 am to 8 pm, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: 7 am to 8 pm
  • Wednesday: 7 am to 8 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Xelf (27) Damian (17) program (14) fitness (13) body (13) pain (11) work (11) started (10) Foundation (10) Program (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Yas 3 years ago on Google
    Xelf Fitness is a gem of a gym with an amazing atmosphere. Everyone's so nice and helpful. The trainers are all amazing and dedicated to this gym. their knowledge/expertise, positivity and encouragement have made my experience SO enjoyable. Xelf fitness teaches you accountability, how to track your progress, mobility, flexibility, strength AND delivers a wicked workout out of it! If you want to transform your relationship with your body this is the place to go.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amina D. 8 months ago on Google
    I have been working with Blaise since May. I had concerns about my posture (thanks to computers and texting), weak back and shoulders, and some ankle pain/ mobility issues. These problems are respectively 10, 13, and 5 years old. I have worked with multiple trainers, massage therapists, physiotherapist, chiropractors, osteopaths, and had acupuncture with very little to no improvement. A friend recommended I see Blaise since this was her area of expertise. I owe that person dinner, cause my experience has been exceptional! I was an avid hiker and had to stop due to the pain. Last month, I was in the UK and walked probably 15-20km a day with no issues- I have not been able to do this in 5 years! Friends and family have commented on my improved posture- I stand taller and apparently look more confident. Even the way I walk has changed. My hips are looser, my toes don't point outwards anymore, and I can't even remember ever walking with my toes pointing straight forward- maybe when I was in my early 20s? I feel stronger, especially in the areas of concern in my upper body. My job requires a lot of use of my arms and requires shoulder stability/mobility. My career puts me at risk of injuries parallel to massage therapists and I had been concerned about my longevity in this field. Thanks to my program with Blaise, I am now able to work an average of 2-3 hours more per day without experiencing tension or pain in my neck and shoulders. That in itself has increased my ability to earn more income. It is only August, so all of my problems are not cured, but we are getting pretty darn close. I highly recommend every single person with a mobility issue, sports injury, any movement limited person to start working with Blaise. You will not regret it.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zora T. 1 year ago on Google • 115 reviews
    Was looking for a gym in my area and a family member suggested Xelf. Great place, love the lay-back attitude. Excellent price and super friendly staff. I like that no one bothers you like the big box-style gym. I would suggest this place but I like the empty gym❤️

  • 5/5 Andrew S. 3 months ago on Google • 21 reviews New
    The gym is amazing and improving everyday. Omar is an awesome personal trainer too. He does alot to help his members. I had an issue with my keys falling into a locker and he helped me promptly. Omar is pretty ripped too!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Liam S. 4 months ago on Google • 8 reviews
    My time at this gym has been life changing! I’ve spent 2 months being trained by Damian and have never been healthier. He’s helped me not only with exercise, but lifestyle and nutrition too. I went from 29% body fat to 21% and have gained 4 pounds of muscle in only 2 and a half months! 10/10 would recommend
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Donna L. 1 year ago on Google
    They have amazing and caring coaches! They did initial assessments before starting to generate sets of personalized workouts to help achieve your goal. At each session, they will go through each exercise and watch your form. This helped me understand my body and feel confident in going to the gym by myself. I did the foundation program last winter and I still utilize a lot of what I have learned. I’m the healthiest I’ve been!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Patty B. 4 years ago on Google
    If someone would have said to me two years ago that I would have committed to going to the gym at least two times a week every week (well ALMOST every week) for strength training and work outs, I NEVER would have believed them. I think it's more about the absolutely wonderful trainers and educators at Xelf Fitness Studio. It was Omar that started Amanda and I on this journey and we have come to know and love each and every one at Xelf Fitness Studio. They are all so knowledgeable, approachable, down to earth people that take ALL OF OUR SASS and give it right back in such a fun way while we are still working hard to attain our goals. If you are searching for that special kind of gym that is completely different from most of the others, give Omar a call!! You won't regret it!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pradeep B. 2 years ago on Google
    Me and my wife are enrolled in the foundation program here and it is one of the best decisions we've taken for our general health, fitness, and well being. Xelf team is fantastic to work with and they're curated programs and supportive environment makes workouts a joy. Will definitely recommend them to anyone who wants to start their journey of better fitter lifestyle.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrea P. 9 months ago on Google • 44 reviews
    I’ve spent my whole life trying to understand what people enjoy about fitness. I had been told, by fit people, that gyms are places of camaraderie and motivation, but I never believed them until I started the foundations program at Xelf. Omar and Damian have made fitness make more sense to me - in addition to creating a space that feels non-judgemental and friendly. I highly recommend booking an info session: these guys are the real deal and they care about people. Not sure what else you can ask for.

  • 5/5 Diana 4 months ago on Google • 19 reviews
    I’m so happy I joined this gym! It’s not busy and it’s very aesthetically pleasing which I swear helps you feel more motivated lol I’d also reccomend the Foundation program to anyone! The Foundation program helped me establish a routine. I was able to commit to a workout 3X a week, and I’ve even been able to continue this independently once the program ended. It improved my posture, strength, balance and overall confidence. The trainers also are all incredibly nice and professional. They know how to inspire you to push your limits without it feeling aggressive or intimidating. As someone who joined this program without any prior gym membership or exercise routine , and with an inconsistent work schedule, it’s entirely possible to make this work. Don’t even hesitate about joining this program, you won’t regret it:)

  • 5/5 Susie E. 8 months ago on Google • 18 reviews
    When I started at XELF in 2020, I could barely walk 15 minutes without back pain after an injury. Because of the pandemic & staff changes, I've moved around with trainers over the years but working with both Sara & Blaise in the past year & a half have improved my lifestyle by tenfold. After Sara went on leave, Blaise took over with her knowledge of fascial posture adjustment & corrective exercise. Her training sessions have significantly improved my mobility and overall well-being. I'm living pain free and mostly discomfort free (if I keep up with my stretches haha). I've gained so much valuable body awareness & fitness knowledge from joining Xelf.

  • 5/5 Eric H. 9 months ago on Google • 4 reviews
    Damian was great to work with on identifying some “blind spots” I had with movements I’d been frustrated with in my time in gyms over the last 10 years. With Damian’s help- I realized there was still much, much more to learn and improve on. Damian customized a single session for me to work through questions and concerns at my own pace- and openly invited me to check back in after putting some of his advice to work on my own. Xelf is a great and no pressure Gym- trainers support knowledge levels from basic, to intermediate and advanced.

  • 5/5 Megan M. 1 year ago on Google
    I completed the foundation program and loved the whole thing! Xelf has the perfect balance of fun/easy going and strict when necessary. I recommend this program to anyone old or young, experienced or not! It is a great fitness community, where they really care about their clients well being!

  • 5/5 Karol B. 1 year ago on Google
    I joined Xelf back in Sept 2022. This has been a positive experience for me — as someone who has struggled with committing to exercise ever since I can remember. Damian is super knowledgeable and does a great job at designing workouts that are specific for your needs. The foundations program was an awesome addition to my journey of self betterment, since completing it I continue to do semi-private classes 3 times a week. I want to give a shout out to Noah, I train with him the most and he is always committed to helping me improve at every session. I really appreciate your positive attitude and keeping everyone motivated during workouts. Big thanks!

  • 5/5 Rachel L. 11 months ago on Google
    I love working out at Xelf. I finished the Foundations Program and it has been such a great journey. I have noticed significant improvements in my day to day life when it comes to overall strength, posture and flexibility. Highly recommend the team at Xelf!

  • 5/5 Harzin J. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing staff and studio! Damian trained my son during off-season football on strength and conditioning. My son made tremendous strides in his speed, agility and overall fitness level on the field. Thank you so much Damian and staff for your support and expertise!! Highly recommended - 10 stars!

  • 5/5 Karl C. 1 year ago on Google
    I love this gym! Just completed the foundation program. At points I was so bored- the focus is doing the same movements with progressive overload (pretty traditional method) but I saw great results. I've started applying their approach to my own workouts as opposed to the ADD, all over the place lack of focus I was doing before. I'm grateful to them to help me see the value in that style of training. Also started kickboxing - Noah is a great teacher. After building the foundation of the basic punches and kicks we quickly got drills that are a legit martial art. I'm seeing improvement fast

  • 5/5 Andrea A. 1 year ago on Google
    I started here with the Foundation Program. The staff and trainers are super nice and knowledgable. Their workouts are easy to follow and modifiable if needed. I found this extremely helpful as someone with a disability! The way their personal training studio is set up encourages independence and confidence. One of the best programs and environments I’ve been a part of!

  • 5/5 Zach A. 1 year ago on Google
    I could not recommend the Foundations Program at Xelf enough! As someone who has struggled with gym commitment (forever), I was nervous when I started Xelf's Foundation Program. I very quickly found that their accessible and education-oriented approach to fitness made my journey so enjoyable. With the Xelf trainers, I was able to cohesively set and understand my goals, and the results were noticeable almost immediately. Great for someone like me, starting from square one. In addition to increasing body confidence and energy levels, what I did not expect was the impact a regular exercise plan would have on my mental health. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression, I could not believe the physiological changes I experienced in many facets of my everyday life. Dealing with stressful situations, work anxiety, being present in my life, all vastly improved since I started Foundations. Their mission is true to the experience - Xelf has helped me level up to a happier, more active and engaged life (body and mind!). Shout out to my main trainer Noah for his knowledge, attentiveness, and enthusiasm that kept me motivated and clear on my goals and next steps. Not stopping my journey any time soon. Xelf is the best!

  • 5/5 Rob R. 1 year ago on Google
    Incredibly grateful to have found this amazing fitness space in downtown Hamilton. 24/7 key card access, quality equipment and set-up (everything one needs), great owners / managers always asking for feedback on how to make the space better, never crowded, always clean towels in the shower room, free parking, incredibly reasonable price, big windows on the second floor let in lots of natural light (but cannot be seen from street-level). All-in-all, an inspiring space, where I was able to recover from some long-term injuries and rebuild strength. Thanks so much to the team at Xelf!

  • 5/5 John M. 1 year ago on Google
    I started coming to Xelf in November of 2021, twice a week for private sessions with Damian. The short version is, it has been life changing! Back in 2016 I was injured at work, I herniated 2 disc in my T-spine that compress the spinal cord. This injury had left me totally incapacitated, unable yo work, go out with friends or do stuff I used to love (skiing etc). After a 5 year battle with WSIB I lost my benefits because they blamed my injury on my pre-existing scoliosis(yet I was driving a transport 14 hours a day prior to my injury). Anyways, I had previously tried everything under the sun in terms of pain management and rehabilitation. Physiotherapy, massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, medication and the list goes on. Just when I was giving up hope to find something that would help, I was suggested by a friend to find a personal trainer who really knows what they’re doing. After a quick google search, that lead me right to XELF fitness. After just 8 months of working with Damian and his team, I’m now doing 10x better than I was before. I have much less pain, way more mobility and flexibility. I definitely see myself being able to start working again in the near future at this rate. Damian is brilliant, he's put together a plan that is exactly what I needed to succeed. He has the knowledge to change and adapt to exercises and movements that cause me pain or limitations. I wouldn’t be where I am now without Xelf. I can’t say thank you enough XELF. I’m excited to continue with you and just continue working on improving my overall health! Thanks!

  • 5/5 Omar S. 1 year ago on Google
    Great gym, friendly staff and definitely not like your typical gym atmosphere. The space is calm and relaxing and the location is central. Staff doesn’t press you on deals/promos they let you do your thing and are super encouraging. Rates are very reasonable.

  • 5/5 Renata 1 year ago on Google
    BEST strength training experience. I'm incredibly active but was seriously prevented by injury (AC joint sprain, hypermobility, SI joint issues) from doing things I love. I came to Xelf with a set of goals over 3 months that I didn't actually think I'd be able to meet. Not only did my strength coach, Damian, know how to structure a plan to suit my goals and my body type, his contacts within the broader community (i.e. chiropractors, massage therapists) form a SUPER team that supported me through the whole time. I'm literally the strongest I've ever been, feeling great in my body again, and with his coaching, I have a solid plan to follow on my own now and I'm mentally ready for the next step!!

  • 5/5 Michelle A. 1 year ago on Google • 1 review
    The fitness answer for this Accounting Manager, who sits all day and works long hours, was Xelf Fitness! From my first information session to my extremely thorough assessment to today, the Xelf Fitness Foundation Program, Staff and facilities has been the perfect fit for my fitness needs! I am in my mid 50’s and experiencing the aches and pains that come with aging and sitting all day. I knew I needed to move more and increase my strength training but regular gyms overwhelm me with all the people. The Foundation Program’s semi-private sessions are worth every penny! I’m guided and encouraged all the way through my workouts! I was already sold and then I had my assessment with Damian Lockhart. Damian recognized that my many years of sitting had really affected my body physically. He recommended extra sessions before the start of the Foundation Program. Some of you may think ‘money grab’ but I assure you, Damian had my best interest in mind. The extra sessions helped me correct some bad posture problems that would have led to reduced benefits from the Foundation Program. Damian explained his suggestion for the extra sessions in such a way that made sense; I trusted his experience and knowledge and he didn’t let me down. The extra sessions allowed my body to ease into the workouts after years of little to no regular exercise. One month later I started the Foundation Program at an improved fitness level that has allowed my body to get the results of the program that my body needed! The main difference, I believe, between the Xelf Fitness Foundation Program and other gym programs is the semi-private sessions with their educated and passionate instructors! I constantly witness the instructors adjust routines for myself and others based on our bodies specific needs or limitations. It’s this personal attention and adjustments as needed that set Xelf Fitness apart from all the others!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laura M. 8 months ago on Google • 1 review
    I went to Xelf with 10/10 chronic pain, and 3 months later my pain has decreased to 2/10. The vibe is accepting, non-judgmental, relaxed and encouraging. Blaise, especially, has extensive experience working with injuries and pain. She tailors the workout to accommodate your body's needs. She listens and works with you on forming goals. She gently pushes you, always being attentive and sensitive to whatever limitations you may have. I am so grateful. Thank you Blaise and thank you Xelf!!

  • 5/5 Justin R. 3 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    Can’t speak highly enough of this place! I’ve been a member for years now. I enjoy going to a gym that isn’t absolutely packed. I recently signed up for a couple months of personal training. Training with Damian I learned that the team there really is about what they preach. He was able to help me focus in my training to get the long-term results I’m looking for. As well as address some personal imbalances I had long given up on. I don’t just feel stronger & healthier, I feel smarter and more confident in my whole approach to training.


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