FAQs and Studio Policies
General
What is Vertical Coast Fitness?
Vertical Coast is a locally owned and operated fitness studio located at 1524 Fort Street, in the Stadacona Centre in Victoria, BC. Our coach-led classes combine full-body cardio and resistance training using VersaClimber machines, banded moves, and bodyweight exercises. All classes are set to music and designed to challenge and energize you.
Who can take classes at Vertical Coast?
Our classes are open to anyone 19 or older, and accessible to all fitness levels. Every class is led by a certified coach who will demo the workout and offer modifications as needed. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned athlete, you’ll find a challenge that works for you.
When can I book classes?
All classes are available to book online up to 7 days in advance. We recommend booking early to secure your preferred time and spot.
What should I bring to class?
Bring indoor (clean) athletic shoes and a water bottle, and wear athletic clothes you can move freely in. We have lockers and cubbies available for your belongings.
How early should I arrive?
First time? Please arrive at least 15 minutes early so we can show you around and answer any questions. Late entry is not permitted. If you’re running late, please contact us immediately.
Returning members: please aim to arrive at least 5 (ideally 10!) minutes early so you can settle in before the demo.
What amenities do you have?
We have fully accessible and universal showers and toilets. For your convenience, we offer small sweat towels to all clients, and shower towels for those who are showering. We have cubbies and lockers for your belongings as well as shoe and coat storage. We are pleased to offer Tallu & Co. bath and body products, Saje deodorant sprays, hair products from The Natural, Dyson Supersonic Nural™ hair dryers, and LED-lit vanity mirrors. For that perfect pick-me-up before or after class, we’re thrilled to partner with WakeWater for electrolytes and Hornby Organic for energy bars.
Can I park at the gym?
Absolutely! There are free parking spaces (both covered and uncovered) on both sides of the Stadacona Centre. Enter from Fort Street if you’re coming from Oak Bay, or from Pandora Avenue if you’re coming from Downtown. There is lots of parking on surrounding streets as well (such as St. Charles Street, or Pandora Avenue in front of Stadacona Park).
Can I bus or bike to the gym?
Yes, the gym is conveniently located on many bus and bike routes.
If you are bussing from the direction of Oak Bay, try the #2, #5 or #8 routes. From UVic / Camosun, search the #14 or #15 buses. And from Downtown, many routes including the #2, #5, #11, #14, #15, and #22 work well.
For cyclists, the gym has dedicated cycling lanes from both approaches (Fort Street and Pandora Avenue sides). Stadacona Centre has bike racks available but please note, no bikes are allowed inside the gym.
Classes & Booking
How do I book a class?
Classes are booked through our online booking system, accessed via this website (see top right) or the Vertical Coast Fitness app. Simply select your preferred date, time, and machine on the studio map, then confirm your reservation. Please note, you will have to purchase a class credit in advance of confirming your booking – this credit could be through an intro offer, a single drop-in, a class pack or a monthly membership.
What is Pick-a-Spot?
Every class uses Pick-a-Spot technology. When you book, you’ll see a studio map and can choose your exact machine before confirming your reservation. It’s like picking your seat on a flight — you know exactly where you’ll be!
What if I arrive late?
Late entry is not permitted. If you do arrive late, your spot may be released to waiting members. Text us if you’re running behind so we can hold your spot when possible.
What if I need to switch my class?
You can easily switch classes anytime through your account, as long as you make changes at least 12 hours before. Switching within the 12-hour window counts as a late cancellation and you’ll lose the credit. Check our same-day standby policy if you need to change at the last minute.
What’s the same-day standby policy?
If you have a late cancellation and still want to work out, you can show up on standby for another class the same day. If a spot is available, it’s yours! However, standby spots cannot be reserved in advance, and we can’t guarantee availability. Registered and waitlisted guests receive priority over standby attendees.
Memberships
What membership options are available?
We offer flexible monthly membership options to fit your schedule: 8 classes/month, 12 classes/month, or daily access. All memberships auto-renew on a 1-month cycle and require an initial commitment of 3 billing cycles. After the initial commitment, memberships continue on a month-to-month basis. Credits do not roll over.
How do I purchase a membership?
Memberships can be purchased on our website or through our app.
Can I upgrade my membership?
Absolutely! Let us know and we’ll upgrade your membership on your next billing cycle. Just talk to us at the studio or email us.
Can I pause or freeze my membership?
Yes. Monthly memberships can be paused for a minimum of 2 weeks and up to 3 months. Email us in advance of your freeze with your desired start and end dates, and we’ll arrange it. A freeze can be requested once every 6 months.
How do I cancel my membership?
All memberships require an initial commitment of 3 billing cycles. After the initial commitment, cancellation of monthly memberships requires 30 days’ notice. Email us and we’ll process the cancellation—no questions asked. Please note: a cancellation fee applies if the membership is cancelled before the initial commitment is fulfilled.
Cancellation & Late Fees
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Quick Reference: • Cancel 12+ hours before: No penalty, credit stays in your account • Cancel within 12 hours: You lose the class credit • No-show (didn’t cancel): You lose the class credit + $20 fee |
What’s the cancellation policy?
We get it, life happens. Cancel at least 12 hours before your scheduled class start time to keep your class credit. Cancellations made within the 12-hour window will result in a lost credit. No-shows incur a $20 penalty fee in addition to losing your class credit – so it’s worth it to let us know!
How do I cancel a class?
In your account, go to “Upcoming Reservations,” click into the reservation you want to cancel, and click “Cancel Reservation.”
What if I have a free class; do the cancellation rules still apply?
Yes. The cancellation policy applies to all class types, including promotional or free classes. If you don’t cancel AND don’t show, the $20 no-show fee applies.
Will I get a refund for my class credits?
All class credit purchases are non-refundable. However, if you cancel within 12 hours, you’ll keep your credit to use for a future class.
Waitlist
What is the waitlist and how does it work?
If a class is full, you can join the waitlist (you will need a class credit of some type on your account to join). If someone cancels and a spot opens, you’ll be automatically added to the class and notified via email / text (according to your selected communication preferences).
Important waitlist notes:
- Remove yourself from the waitlist if you don’t want the spot or realize you can’t make it
- Once you’re added to a class from the waitlist, the 12-hour cancellation policy applies
- If you’re added within 12 hours of class start and don’t show, you’ll lose the credit and may incur the $20 no-show fee
- Waitlists close 1 hour before class, at which point remaining spots become first-come, first-serve
How do I check my waitlist position?
Log into your account and check “Upcoming Reservations” and click into the waitlisted class you want to check. You’ll see your position listed within the class page.
Studio Etiquette & Code of Conduct
What are your studio etiquette guidelines?
We’re all just here for the climb and the community! Here’s what we ask:
- Check in at the front desk when you arrive
- Remove outdoor shoes at the entrance to keep the studio clean
- Always have clean, indoor athletic shoes on while on VersaClimber machines; you may wear socked feet for the resistance portions of the workout but please, no bare feet.
- Please refrain from wearing heavy fragrance during workouts, as strong scents can affect breathing during exercise (our facility uses lightly scented bath products made with 100% natural fragrances for your convenience)
- Keep your phone on silent during class
- No phones out in the open in the changing area out of respect for everyone’s privacy and comfort
- Be respectful if you do need to use your phone—keep it brief and quiet (no calls on speaker, please!), and step outside if possible. Filming during class is prohibited
- Be kind! Community is everything here.
What’s your Code of Conduct?
We are committed to maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and safe environment for all members of our community. If you ever feel uncomfortable or witness something that doesn’t align with our values, please speak with a staff member immediately.
You agree not to:
- use threatening, abusive, harassing, or discriminatory language
- engage in bullying, intimidation, or harassment of any member or coach
- treat individuals differently based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics
- use hate speech or express prejudice against any individual or group
- engage in sexually inappropriate conduct or comments
- disrupt classes or activities
- violate others’ privacy or property
We reserve the right to remove any member or participant who violates this code of conduct without refund. Serious violations may result in permanent banning from our facilities.
What’s your refund policy?
All class credits and memberships are final sales and non-refundable. Credits are exchangeable — if you cancel a class outside of the 12-hour cancelation window, your credit stays in your account for future use.
What if I lose something at the studio?
Vertical Coast is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please don’t leave valuables unattended. Any items left behind will be held for 2 weeks, then donated.
Are pets allowed?
We love animals, but sadly, our lease contract does not allow for pets in our space. Required service animals are always welcome — please feel free to call or email us if you have a required service animal so we can accommodate any specific needs.
Are children allowed?
Children are not permitted in the studio during classes out of respect for the experience of other members and for liability reasons. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Age & Medical
Is there a minimum age requirement?
You must be at least 19 years old to take a class with us.
Can I take classes if I have an injury or medical condition, or if I’m pregnant or have just given birth?
You and your doctor know your body’s abilities and limitations best. Please discuss participation with your healthcare provider prior to participating.