A Visit from The Toronto Star

1/20/2014

We're proud to be featured in the Health & Wellness section of today's Toronto Star! Thanks to Barbara Silverstein for writing such a great article about the gym. To read the story click here.

3 Comments

Terry Dupuis

1/21/2014 03:05:29 am

Thanks for the memories! .....
I chanced upon this article yesterday while having coffee at Tim Horton's in my hometown 90 miles north of Toronto. It brought back many happy memories. Back in 1965 when I was 16, I took weightlifting training at Oliphant's Academy for about a year. I lived on Bloor Street almost directly across the street from the gym, so it was very handy. Bus was a wonderful trainer and a great guy. I also remember his wife Shirley who used to bring a tray of tea downstairs for anyone who wanted to take a break. I remember their daughter Kim who was probably about 4 years old at the time. It was a very friendly welcoming atmosphere. I probably would have signed up for a second year but my family moved from Bloor Street out to Scarborough in 1966, which made it difficult to continue attending. I often wondered down through the years if the Academy was still in operation. I'm sorry to hear that Bus is gone, but I'm pleased to hear that the Oliphant Academy is still running and beginning it's second hundred years. HAPPY 100TH ANNIVERSARY!

Oliphant's Academy

1/21/2014 11:27:15 pm

Thank you for comments Terry! I wonder how many people have similar stories to your own. Buster was truly unique person and it is his memory and the culture he created in the gym that has kept the gym going long after his passing. The Academy still focuses on physical fitness and respect for all as Buster and his father did! We have made some changes over the years to the equipment and modernized a little but most of our iron weights are still in use. Please come down this Sunday (Jan.26) to our Open House or if you can’t make it, next time you’re in town send an email to [email protected] and we can arrange a stroll down memory lane.

Terry Dupuis

1/24/2014 01:43:44 am

Regretfully I can't make it to the Open House, but I'll certainly contact the gym the next time I come to Toronto, which will probably be in the spring. Best wishes concerning your Open House!

A Visit from The Toronto Star

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