Fortis Fitness

10/04/2026

What separates Fortis from most other gyms and especially from typical commercial gyms is our constant pursuit of the best knowledge out there from the top coaches, trainers and athletes in the worlds of strength and human performance.

Today we had the privilege of hosting a seminar with Craig Bongelli, a highly respected strength coach who studied personally under the great Louie Simmons at Westside Barbell.

The topic today was: Conjugate Training for Athletes. It was an opportunity to learn more about the principles behind conjugate training, developing strength, improving technique, and understanding why we train the way we do.

A huge thank you to Craig for sharing his knowledge, experience, and passion for strength training with our community.

10/03/2026

Stopped by a random Starbucks at a gas station in Mississauga the other day. Couldn’t help but notice the three people at the table beside me – two guys and a pretty blond lady. So I look at the lady and ask, “does that guy across from you know that he looks exactly like Erik Paulson (famous MMA fighter, catch wrestler and BJJ black belt)? She laughs and replies “That’s because HE IS Erik Paulson”. So I run over to their table and begin the requisite questions, pictures, etc. We spoke about Jack Dempsey and “combination men” (guys who could box and catch wrestle), Sakuraba, BJJ, the Ruotolos, and the fascinating origins of catch wrestling.

This guy is a great example of the paradox of the martial arts – the true, “Badasses” on the planet are so hardened and capable they are paradoxically friendly, soft spoken and kind. In the 5 or 10 minutes I “ terrorized” these nice people, Erik asked me multiple times how he could help ME. He gave me quite possibly life changing advice and invited me to train at their seminar the next day, or at his gym in Fullerton, California. Incredible.

MMA fighting history, skills and coaching aside…simply a great person Erik Paulson

- Sean Kelly

09/26/2026

On August 1 2026 Fortis member Laurie MacDougall Sookraj was the first Canadian woman to lift the historic Dinnie Stones in Scotland, which weigh a combined 733lbs total, over 4.5x her bodyweight!!

The stones were originally used as counterweights for building a bridge in Scotland and were famously lifted by Donald Dinnie in the 1800s. They have been a test of strength since they were recovered in 1953 after the war.

Only 28 women have ever accomplished the feat and Laurie was #22🔥

We are so proud of you Laurie!! This is incredible!! Congrats! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

09/13/2026

Another annual MEMBER APPRECIATION BARBECUE in the books!

To all of our wonderful members and friends who made it out to this event, all of our members, past and present — we appreciate you more than you know!

THANK YOU!❤️

08/25/2026

08/25/2026

Shout out and HUGE thank you to ALL OF OUR WONDERFUL FORTIS MEMBERS!

The Toronto Humane Society is one of our favorite organizations for regular donations. It was an honour to make this donation on behalf of all of you, our fine members.

This charity continues to hold a very special place in our hearts, protecting the innocent, beautiful animals we love. One visit and anyone will appreciate this wonderful organization and its staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to help and care for animals in need.

If you’d like to make a personal donation, you can do so here:

https://www.torontohumanesociety.com/

08/11/2026

A big welcome to Paco Maciel who dropped in at Fortis Fitness today while visiting Toronto. Last week he competed at the NAPF North American Regional Powerlifting Championships in St. John’s Newfoundland taking home a gold medal for deadlift at the 93 kg open category! 🥇

We love welcoming people from around the world to train, connect, and be part of our community. 🌎💪

Thanks for dropping in, Paco! 🙌🏼 It was great having you at Fortis. Safe travels and hope to see you back in Toronto again soon! 🇨🇦 🇲🇽

To book a tour and try out the gym, please email us at [email protected]

07/28/2026

Congratulations to our member Alex Di Giorgio who competed at the Band of Barbells Toronto Summer Cup OPA powerlifting competition on Saturday July 18th!

Squat: 190kg/418lbs
Bench Press: 125kg/275lbs
Deadlift: 220kg/484lbs
Total: 535kg/1177lbs at 74kg 
9/9 Day
79.43 GL points

Way to go Alex! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

07/24/2026

A flashback to May 30th when we hosted a WRPF powerlifting competition at our gym.

Fortis Strength Lives Here 🔥

Wish we had taken more photos…thankful we got this one! @

M.L. Cooke Craig Hawco Ben Okyere Matt Allen Roy

06/18/2026

One of the things I love about this gym…you never know who will be dropping by. Case in point, Fortis member Omar Isuf with the one and only John Haack...one of the greatest powerlifters of all time!🔥

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