Want to start the new year off right by getting or staying in shape? Luckily, Portland is filled with so many fitness classes that you could never try them all—though it might be fun to try. You can pick whatever sounds like fun to you! I’ve rounded up a variety of ones in the area.
Firebrand Sports
Firebrand Sports is a clean, modern space with three different types of workouts: Pyrolates (based in Pilates and yoga), FireBarre (ballet-style cardio), and Bike + Barre (based on spinning and ballet). These are intense workouts that are not easy to finish, but you’ll be glad you did when it’s over!
Your first class is just $15, and then you can buy four classes a month for $99, 8 classes for $179, or an unlimited pass for $259 a month.
Location: 500 NW 14th Ave
Studio X
This concrete-walled studio has everything you need for a great workout—they have all the equipment packed into this space and two other studio gyms. One of the best things about Studio X? Its 60+ class times—see the schedule here.
Sixty-minute classes cover a variety of exercises, including cardio, lifting, yoga, and even suspension training. Studio X’s circuit workouts are boot-camp style that utilize body weight and light free weights. It’s harder than it sounds!
Studio X has different membership options to fit your schedule or budget. Even better, Studio X’s membership plans are flexible and require no commitment from you. You don’t even need to be a member and drop-ins are welcome, though membership does have some benefits. Class packages come with 4, 8, or 12 classes a month, but you can also buy an unlimited pass for $175 a month with open gym included or customize your own package based on your needs and fitness goals.
Location: 2839 Stark Street
Fulcrum Fitness
At Fulcrum Fitness, they believe that healthy people are happy people. So why not attend one of the gym’s renowned boot camps? Fulcrum’s boot camps are designed to be more fun AND more effective than traditional workouts at the gym. Their expert coaches have designed them to burn maximum calories and increase your strength and endurance. They also have a fantastic community of like-minded peers that keeps you accountable to your fitness goals.
Classes are small so coaches can work on your specific fitness needs with you. Fulcrum offers this small group training as well as one-on-one personal training. See your membership options here. Drop in for a free, one-hour personal assessment of your fitness history and goals, as well as a fitness assessment.
Locations: 1425 SE 43rd Ave and 3934 NE MLK Blvd.
Stafford Hills Club
The Stafford Hills Club is one of the Portland area’s best-kept fitness secrets. Like-minded people gather here to life healthy lifestyles together. This fitness, tennis, aquatics, and mind-body studio is upscale, with many extra amenities you won’t find at other gyms.
Amenities include 10 full tennis courts, a resort-style pool, state-of-the-art fitness studios, on-site childcare, café dining, a lounge with a fireplace, a sauna, and hundreds of programs and classes. This is an incredibly pleasant place to work out.
Location: 5916 SW Nyberg Lane, Tualatin
Pulse PDX
Pulse PDX is the premiere dance fitness studio in Portland! Pulse provides Zumba fitness in a dance club setting, but it also offers hip hop fitness and Pilates classes, as well as a variety of other fun cardio, strength-training, and repair classes. Pulse also frequently offers master classes, workshops, and special events.
If you’re interested, just stop by Pulse and check out their offerings! Get the most value out of Pulse by becoming a member. All monthly memberships are based on a six-month contract. Buy an unlimited pass for $120 a month, or two or four classes a week. You can also do a drop-in class for $15 or buy a 10-class card for $120. Check out all of your options here.
Location: 3602 NE Sandy Blvd
Tempo
This cycling and Pilates studio has something no matter what your fitness level is. Whether you’re training for a race or just want to have fun while working out, this is the place to be! Tempo classes are guaranteed to improve your health and wellbeing by helping you get stronger and more flexible.
Buy class packages of 5 or 10 classes, or just pay for one class a time. If you just want to try Tempo out, consider their 3-class introductory offer to get a feel for what they’re all about. Kirk Whiteman, who has 30 years of experience in track, road, and cyclocross coaching and competition, also offers individualized training and programming if you’re interested in a program that’s suited perfectly to you.
Location: 1623 SE 12th Ave
Yoga and Beer
Welcome to the yoga and beer community (you’re never going to want to leave). Join the group for yoga practice and a pint of local, craft beer. If you’re wondering what exactly yoga and beer is, it’s exactly what it sounds like. The studio is in a brewery, and the refreshment after yoga class is beer (or another adult beverage).
All teachers are registered yoga teachers, and all partner studios provide daily classes for beer lovers who want more yoga in their lives. There are no paid subscriptions or membership dues, and classes are free! All, no matter the skill level, are welcome. Find upcoming events here.
Meetup Exercise Groups
Meetup lets you find all kinds of free exercise groups in the Portland area! Meet up with like-minded people for hiking, running, cycling, and more!
I hope this helps you get 2020 off to a great start! If you have any favorite fitness classes in the area, please let me know about them.
It’s intriguing to know that there are other fitness classes that are derived from pilates. I’m thinking about taking pilates classes with my best friend. She recently gave birth to her first child and I think we would need each other for motivation in order to lose the weight we accumulated the past months.