How it
started
Ultimate Athletics is the culmination of a lifelong passion for founders Paula Ryff and Vlad Radanovic. What started as a shared vision has grown into one of Midtown Toronto's most trusted fitness destinations. As we enter our 14th year in Summerhill, Ultimate Athletics has become an essential part of daily life for thousands of Torontonians who expect the very best for their health and fitness.
“Paula and Vlad are rockstars! They are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, motivating and fun!”
Paula and Vlad built Ultimate Athletics around a simple belief:
Exceptional results come from expert coaching, thoughtful programming, and a community that keeps you coming back.
Every part of the studio reflects that philosophy. Our energizing group classes, well-equipped gym floor, Reformer Pilates studio and one-on-one personal training all work together to support every goal, whether you're building strength, improving mobility, training for performance or simply investing in feeling your best.
“Hands down the best boutique gym in the city. Amazing instructors, breadth of classes, and personal training that gets results.”
Plenty of places in Toronto have good equipment. Fourteen years in Summerhill comes down to a few things we refuse to compromise on:
Everything under one roof.
Everyone knows your name.
Expert coaches
Twenty-nine experienced instructors and personal trainers who coach, not just count reps. They watch your technique, adjust the set-up to your body, and know when to push you and when to pull you back — so every class or session leaves you better than it found you.
20 class types to choose from
Reformer Pilates, mat Pilates, spin, boxing, barre, strength, conditioning and mobility — 75+ classes a week across 20 formats, plus a full training floor with a cardio deck, turf and a dedicated iron room. Your routine can change; your gym doesn’t have to.
A neighbourhood club, not a chain
Owner-run since day one, at Yonge & Summerhill. Paula and Vlad are on the floor, and our front desk knows members by name — 70 Google reviews averaging 4.7 say it better than we can.
Our members don’t just work out here. They get stronger, they get known, and they become part of something bigger than a gym.
“The team and people at UA are so kind, outgoing, and make you feel so welcomed regardless of athleticism or skill level!”
- Co-Founder
- Instructor
- Personal Trainer
Paula
Ryff
A former student of the National Ballet of Canada and the Russian Academy of Classical Ballet, Paula danced and trained professionally in classical ballet and contemporary dance since the age of five. Her rigorous training and discipline have set the stage for her passion and commitment in life, but specifically in fitness. Paula has danced and trained internationally, both in Canada and in Europe. Her professional career in ballet has expanded her knowledge of the body and movement mechanics, allowing her to have a dynamic and unique style of teaching. Widely recognized as a Level IV Pilates Instructor with Stott Pilates, and having completed workshops at Body Harmonics, Garuda, and Thomas Myers, Paula has developed one of the most successful, athletic Pilates programs in Toronto for men and women of all ages and fitness levels. Paula has competed in figure/fitness championships, where she has won multiple first place titles and has completed numerous weight-training certifications. Paula also holds a degree in holistic nutrition and incorporates diet planning into her work with clientele. Paula excels in motivating clients to achieve and obtain limitless goals. She sets an incredibly high standard and continues to keep her clients challenged with enthusiasm, energy, humour, and small dance moves to entertain!
- Co-Founder
- Instructor
- Personal Trainer
Vlad
Radanovic
With a background of athletics and competitive ballroom dance, Vlad has a natural athleticism that not only defines his agility and physicality, but has shaped his training philosophy. He is the 'Jack of all Trades'. Vlad is known for his wide variety of training genres and multitude of classes. Vlad's recognition in the fitness industry stems from his dynamic spin, boxing and aerobic classes with high-energy, changing choreography and skill set. His boxing skills were developed in amateur boxing early on in his childhood. He developed a unique class with these training regimes in place for the average 'gym-goer'. Vlad has also designed kettlebell and mixed martial arts training classes, accessible for the average participant. Vlad is certified in weight training and kettlebell, and has been active in the fitness industry for over two decades. His professionalism and personality have allowed for longstanding relationships with clients and have established a community not only at Ultimate Athletics, but within Toronto as well.
“A gym with outstanding quality, both in teaching and in the variety of classes offered.”