You should have made your New Year's resolutions by now, and if you're anything like the rest of us, it's likely that one of your resolutions involves your health: eating right, getting in shape, shedding a few pounds, or training for a marathon if you're one of those ambitious (aka crazy) types.
But, we're already halfway through January so it's time to take stock of your good intentions and look hard at yourself in the mirror: Are you really staying true to your promises of healthy living? If fitness was on your list, we're here to give you a little push by offering some cool, local alternatives to the fitness giants.
East Portland Community Center & Pool
Under Portland Parks & Rec control since 1998, amenities include an indoor basketball court, rock climbing wall, and a spacious pool area with a four-lane, 25-yard lap pool, a leisure pool with water two slides, and a hot tub. The fitness room has free weights and machines as well as bikes, treadmills, ellipticals, and stair climbers, plus personal training is available. Drop-in group exercise classes include Nia, Zumba, cardio, Pilates, yoga, belly dancing, water aerobics and more. With plenty of pass options, the center is extremely family friendly and affordable. Drop-in trial passes are $2.
East Portland Community Center & Pool, 740 SE 106th Ave., 503.823.3450
The Green Microgym
Self-proclaimed to be the "world's first electricity generating gyms," The Green Microgyms really are green. With three locations (Sellwood, Belmont, Alberta) open 24 hours, each gym offers "members a completely green gym" experience by capturing the energy from a workout and repurposing it to power the building. Or as the gym's website states: "The energy bar one member just ate powers the ceiling fan for the next three hours." If feeling good about being green isn't enough, you can also "Burn and Earn." Teaming up with Supportland, you can earn five points to use at local businesses for every half hour workout on any piece of electricity-generating equipment. Franchising opportunities are already available in over half of the nation's states as The Green Microgym continues its aim to reduce the impact of your footprint, on more than one level. One day free trial.
The Green Microgym Sellwood: 7703 SE 13th, 503.933.2230; Belmont: 828 SE 34th, Studio B, 503.313.6216; Alberta: 1237 NE Alberta St., 503.933.2230
West Coast Fitness
A locally owned, independent club since 1994, West Coast Fitness' most recent expansion was the addition of an Alberta location in 2003 to compliment the original St. Johns gym. From boxing to group cycling to senior programs, both locations have numerous programs every day. And after a strenuous workout, there are plenty of extra services to help you relax while the kids are being looked after by club babysitters (St. Johns location only). Indulge yourself with a massage or tanning session, or hit the relaxation room, which features HydroMassage beds and sauna rooms. Plus, the St. Johns club has a steam room and light therapy room. Looking to kick your feet up even more? Rent a movie from the club's other business, Videorama, which is right next door to both locations. Seven-day free trial.
West Coast Fitness St. Johns: 7522 N Lombard St., 503.283.5404; Alberta: 2640 NE Alberta St., 503.288.4500
Lloyd Athletic Club
You'll find all the gym standards for weight lifting and cardio workouts at the Lloyd Athletic Club, but if you're into racquet sports, Lloyd features seven racquetball and three squash courts where you can challenge others during league play. Group fitness classes like boot camp, cycling, yoga, Pilates, dance, lifting, Tai Chi and plenty more will keep you busy, while other activities include senior programs, personal training, massage therapy, and nutritional counseling. Plus there's a pro shop and a beverage and snack bar for those post-workout protein shakes or even a beer or wine, if you feel you deserve it. Three-day free trial.
Lloyd Athletic Club, 815 NE Halsey St., 503.287.4594
Giants Gym
If the 24 in 24 Hour Fitness is what really appeals to you, try Giants Gym on NE Sandy. Open 24/7, you can enjoy all-hours access while avoiding packed weight rooms and exercise classes that you might experience at a chain club. Locally owned since 1983, the club offers everything you'd expect from the big guys: personalized training, weight machines, nutrition counseling, and other programs. Group fitness classes include yoga, Aikido, cardio, Pilates, circuit training, boot camp, Zumba, MMA and more. There's a bike rack inside plus free parking and workout towels. Three-day free pass available online.
Giants Gym, 5223 NE Sandy Blvd., 503.281.4776
Matt Dishman Community Center & Pool
The NE Portland Parks & Rec option, the Matt Dishman Community Center offers basics workout facilities like an indoor basketball court, fitness room, gymnasium, and indoor swimming pool—featuring six, 12-feet deep lanes and bleachers, it's the only competition pool in the PP&R system. You can find free weights and machines in the weight room and a bank of TVs in front of the cardio machines. Group classes include dance, gymnastics and Taekwondo for kids while adults can participate in circuit training, several dance options, Pilates, yoga, boot camp, Zumba, water exercise and more, plus Capoeira, boxing, MMA, and affordable personal training. Lots of pass options make it affordable for families. Drop-in trial passes are $2.
Matt Dishman Community Center & Pool, 77 NE Knott St., 503.823.3673
Did we forget your fave locally owned gym? Please sound off below.
My gym is ME fitness at NE Alberta and NE MLK. it had 24 hour access, no TVs. I love it.