So fun! A little intimidating when going alone as many have their groups or friends established. Advice is go with a friend.

After taking loads of classes here, and even taking triple back-to-back classes sometimes, I temporarily have stopped coming here because I don't have the flexibility in my schedule to come. It really is mostly a location thing and I had to prioritize another (also great) workout studio near my home that I could walk to in a shorter time that it took me to drive or ride my bike to Pulse. But about this place: I love that you can take classes back to back so you can get both strength training and cardio out of the way. And they even have wonderful recovery/muscle-repair type classes as well. Anyway, I miss Pulse! I hope their schedule and my schedule align sooner than later because I would love to go back and dance my butt off! read more

About 5 years ago I suffered a pretty significant back injury, really because I had no core strength. After that, I wanted to find a strength training class to protect my back and joints as I get older. I bought a Groupon for PulsePDX to try some classes and it was the best thing I ever did. I've been a member ever since and have tried many different classes and have gotten much stronger and healthier. They say you have to find exercise you enjoy in order to stick with it, and you can't go wrong with Pulse! If you are partial to group exercise classes, as opposed to going to a gym to walk on a treadmill or elliptical machine (which I freakin' HATE) or lift weights or use the machines, PulsePDX is your place. The studio is set up like a nightclub, with no mirrors, which I love! Every instructor has lots of experience, and there are lots of classes to choose from. Everyone who works there, as well as the community itself, is so welcoming and non-judgemental, which was a huge selling point for me. There is no shaming or talk about weight loss...the focus is simply joy. All are welcome, as well as all levels. You will not feel intimidated here. You can buy a membership, a class-pass (a punch card) or purchase single classes to try. Do yourself a favor and give PulsePDX a shot. You'll be glad you did! Pulse has definitely changed my life for the better! read more

This is the best fitness place. Part workout, part dance, all good community vibes, inclusive, and queer. Dance to today's pop hits with (relatively) easy to mimic moves, sweat a lot, and have a blast. The have WERQ, Zumba, Pop Pilates, and other dance and conditioning classes. All great classes, affordable, really fun, challenging, and loud! It's like if a Richard Simons class was bumped up to 2022 standards and taught by Cardi B's hair dresser's cousin. All you Moms who think it's so cute your babies know all the words to Lizzo, drop the kids at a neighbors, throw on a sports bra, and come take a WERQ class. You'll feel so much happier during and after. read more

So fun! I went to a Fitness Dance class led by Donnie and it was great! Awesome large space also.

10 years of dancing and Pulsepdx just keeps getting better. The range of classes from repair, strength, Zumba, dance fitness, low impact, high impact - it's all so good, there is something for everyone aged 18 to 80! All the instructors are inspiring, fun, kind and talented. Great music, great choreography, great work outs, big smiles and a warm fuzzy feeling that perhaps everything will be ok with the world - so much more than a basic work out. read more

This place is a must go to in Portland! It's dark and you don't need to worry about anyone watching you. Just dance. The people are amazing both the staff and the other members. read more

Amazing instructors. The vibe is incredibly friendly and welcoming. This will be my new dance studio from now on! If I could give it more stars, I would. read more

I've been going regularly since 2017. The lights are low. No mirrors. We just follow the instructor on stage + dance it out. Also I've made some good friends @ this woman-owned shop. Highly recommend! read more

I absolutely love Pulse. I go most often to Pop Pilates with Donnie, Dance fitness with Donnie and Dance Fitness with Danny. It is the best work out experience I've ever had. I love the community environment and how supportive everyone is of each other. All of the instructors are incredible and make you feel super comfortable while you get a great workout in. I've been going for years now read more

Still the best place in town for dance fitness! Especially now with U-Jam back on the schedule. ; ) I think U-Jam is a great option if you're looking for an alternative to all of the pop-heavy dance fitness formats out there. (For reference: think Pitbull's Globalization.) I am loving Sarina's playlist right now and the flavor she brings to it with her dancing. P.S. While I think all of the classes at PulsePDX have something to recommend them, I especially like Jen's "Burn" class for strength and stability. read more

I signed up for the Zumba Nightclub Experience class through my ClassPass trial. This is my first non-24 Hour Fitness Zumba class and it was quite fun! High energy with the instructor encouraging the regulars attendees to join them on stage for each dance. The Saturday class was packed, front desk was friendly, I felt welcomed with one participant kindly coming up to me and tell me to come again soon. LOGISTICS Parking on Sandy Blvd. is not ideal, but there's lots of neighborhood street parking around the block. Cubbies directly in the dance room. For newcomers, since the room is so big, avoid going to the very back like I did. You are only able to see the upper half of the dance instructor's body meaning you'll see the arm movements but not the footing...until you go one way and bump into your friend who is turning the other way :) read more

PulsePDX is amazing: the classes (all of them!), the teachers, the community, the studio, the vibe. I have been coming here for 12 years, and will continue as long as I can. Jennifer (owner) has created such a welcoming, open and inclusive space for every body! The teachers are all very good at their craft, and very helpful, suggesting modifications and encouragement. I do dance fitness, strength and repair classes, all of which keep me healthy and happy, and have seen me through many health challenges including surgeries and chemo. PulsePDX has been my health partner and a part of my healing team for years. All are truly welcome and important. Come join us! read more

Fun fun fun! You hardly notice the sweating and huffing and puffing you're doing. Nice alternative to the ho-hum gym. Hour long of cardio with DJ and lights going. Very club like. Locations have changed several times but it's worth a short drive. They frequently have guest instructors and whether you are new at Zumba or a pro you'll have a great time. If you're new get up front so you can learn the footwork. (no one watches you so don't feel uncomfortable) Also-buy a package-it saves money and motivates you to go more often. read more

Wow I cannot say enough good things about this place!! I've been to many Zumba classes but never one that was this much fun!! Jennifer was amazing and had great energy that flowed through the class. The dances were challenging but not too tough that you couldn't get the hang of them by the end of the class. I also loved that she brought other students up to dance the dances on stage with her as it was interesting to see other peoples takes on the dances. SO MUCH FUN!!! read more

PulsePDX - It really is like a night club!! Except no creepers hitting on you!! - Dance Studios Near Me - Portland, Oregon

All the fun of going to the cluuuuub without the nasty hang over! I usually do Zumba and UJam at 24 hour fitness but there aren't enough classes around town that fit my schedule. I'm also in need of a low intensity work out due to knee issues, and pulse is perfect! My only issue is with parking. Like what others have mentioned, parking can be challenging since they don't have a dedicated parking lot. Other than that, I happily come and dance my butt off! read more

I love this place. A great group of instructors and the nightclub atmosphere makes the Zumba environment fun. I really want to try their Melt class sometime too. I highly recommend checking this place out. Get there about 10 minutes early to get a good spot on the floor. Bring water and a light hoody or long sleeved shirt to wear until you warm up (for Fall/Winter classes). read more

PulsePDX - Love this place! - Dance Studios Near Me - Portland, Oregon

There is no better place to exercise/get fit in Portland than PULSE! Their classes are unique, upbeat, and you feel like you are having fun versus working out. Before you know it, your entire back is dripping with sweat! I love their zumba, cardio funk, and bollywood classes! read more

PulsePDX - Awesome! - Dance Studios Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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The negatives first : They never answer their phone, I have called everyday to ask a few questions about their facility and no one answers the phone. In order for you to attend a class you have to book it online which really isn't convenient at all. The parking is HORRIBLE and pretty non existent and street parking isn't a option really either for that location. This is NOT a "gentle" work out. The instructor was moving so fast it was extremely hard to follow her I felt really out of place. THE POSITIVES Super friendly reception team but why do they not answer the phones.? The facility is large and nice too. The high power fans help keep the temperature cooler. It's dark but not dark enough read more

So. Much. Fun! Oh, and an awesome workout, too. Have taking just a few classes so far, I look forward to sampling them all. The atmosphere is friendly and a perfect execution of a great idea. Even a 10am class with a nightclub slant works (I was just a bit skeptical at first). Pricing is really fair and not once has anyone tried to "sell" me on any package deal. Just kind folks, doing a terrific job of making working out a blast, and making trying something new and/or joining a community comfortable. read more

Okay, I love to dance and I really needed to work out so this place was the PERFECT spot to do both. It was a last minute decision to go but I'm so glad I went. Loved the vibe! Loved the moves! Loved the nightclub dimly lit scene. I was visiting Portland for a three day weekend and it was my first time in Portland and this place is definitely something I'll remember. Thank you guys! Overall grateful for the possible loss of a maybe a pound or two. read more

PulsePDX - Lovin' the nightclub scene - Dance Studios Near Me - Portland, Oregon

The most fun workout ever! I have never been so excited about working out or going to an exercise class. The teachers, the atmosphere, the music, the dancing - SO MUCH FUN! I love it here. It's never pretentious or intimidating, it's pure fun. You won't even realize you're working out or sweating up a storm. Truly, my favorite workout place ever! read more

I started taking classes at Pulse about 6 weeks ago. Since starting, I've become a complete addict! There are so many positive things to say about Pulse: the classes are FANTASTIC. Fun, challenging choreography. It will take time to learn the routines, but every single person you see in their classes has eaten that learning curve, and so can you! The instructors are ALL amazing. Not a single dud among them. The studio is clean, the climate control is great, the music is thumping, the bathrooms clean and pleasant, the employees are all so nice and welcoming. Weekend 10am Zumba class can be crowded, which I wouldn't recommend to a newbie. Turning the wrong way in a crowded class could send you hurtling into another person. read more

Let me just say: PulsePDX is absolutely amazing. I started coming here in May 2016 for Zumba, and I've been absolutely hooked since. Before coming here, I was not at all the type to go to the gym, and I hardly ever exercised in any sort of regular fashion. Now I'm attending at least four classes a week, and my friends outside of Zumba know that it takes A LOT for me to consider skipping a class. I love the nightclub atmosphere (no mirrors!), but ultimately it's the staff that make PulsePDX so wonderful. Jennifer has done an amazing job creating a community of committed and talented instructors, and everyone is incredibly supportive and welcoming. I leave every single class with a huge smile on my face, and if I'm having a rough day, I know that Zumba at PulsePDX will make it better. If you are even slightly considering trying out PulsePDX, DO IT! It's an amazing community that I feel so lucky to be a part of. :) read more

Big Brother: "Please roll the tape of Ana B. At Zumba." *tape plays* "Yeah, we're gonna have to put her down." My thoughts at Zumba. "I'm nailing this". I would NEVER want to watch a video of myself doing Zumba. I prefer to live in the fairy tale where I look like a sex goddess doing all my Zumba moves. Luckily for me Puse PDX has no mirrors and I can do my Zumba with all the grandiosity I please and not have the mirror to reality check me. For classes like Zumba where it's more important that you're moving than if you are or are not hitting each posture (spoiler alert: I'm not) I'm surprised more studios that specialize in this don't remove the mirror. I think it's genius! It really helped me embrace the whole experience and get me out of my head. Forget everything you think you know about Zumba, PulsePDX offers what they call "Zumba Nightclub Experience" which will take you to a whole new level. Allow me to set the stage. Enter into a huge night club-esque room with an stage and another, elevated DJ booth on the stage. Cue the disco ball and flashing lights, bump the music DJ it's Zumba time! From what I can tell if there is a song what you feel you know well you can go on stage with the instructor and show off your moves. The songs are your typical Zumba jams (all hail Pittbull!) with a few top 40 thrown in the mix. The instructors I've had have been wonderful. First off both were male, which was a nice surprise seeing in my past Zumba life I had never even had men in class, and lets be real I don't mind looking at those muscles. There were also a handful of men in class which was great. People of all sizes, shapes and ages populated the dance floor to shake their booty. All cues are given physically regarding the moves, you just gotta watch. It's fairly simple to pick up on, and if you're a slow learner like me - just free style. The facility otherwise is pretty ho-hum. Not a lot of bells and whistles, but clean and with a place to change! Staff is friendly and accommodating. I would've liked a bit more instruction on my first visit. Explaining where to put my bag (there are cubbies in the studio) and where the water was (back near the bathroom). Just a few more pointers would've been helpful although I navigated everything just fine and I'm sure you will too. While I appreciate anywhere with a parking lot this one in particular is a goddamn nightmare. So so tiny, if it had been at capacity I don't know how I would've gotten out. You've been warned! Pulse PDX proved to be a good place to get sweaty and if you like Zumba, it's a must. read more

I signed up for a Friday night Zumba class on ClassPass and went last night. Everyone seemed to know the routines, down to singing the words. The instructor had a lot of energy and really enjoyed what he was doing. It was a sassy night and I left sweaty and smiling. read more

My Mom and I tried this class last week and are hooked. My mother is 68 and was so excited to find a form of exercise that was a total body work out in an hour that was a blast, The hour flew by and the sweat was dripping. If you want to get a work out with out knowing it. Then PULSEPDX is your class, The instructor is fantastic keeping you motivated and dancing, The music is of the hook. Plus the setting makes you comfortable even if your just learning Check it out! Wednesday's 6:30. I'll see you there. read more

I've been doing Zumba on and off for nine years. There is literally one Zumba class at 24 Hour Fitness I like. Most instructors come from a workout gym type background but not a dance background. I come from a dance background and I need interesting choreography to stay engaged. Enter my recent discovery of PulsePDX. It is so much fun and all the instructors I've tried out are amazing! I remember taking a morning Zumba class from Quinlan and basically just had to stop and watch for a second. Her technique and presence were mesmerizing. They're are incredible! I'm hooked. I haven't found street parking to be bad at all. Maybe I'm parking illegally but I don't think so. The temperature feels really good in the room and the lights and decorations are fun. It's also a high intensity workout, something that is rare at 24 Hour Fitness (with the exception of that one good Zumba class). I feel challenged in a good way. read more

I am their biggest fan!!! Who needs a bunch of mirrors and bright lights shining on you when all you want to do is GET MOVING! I have done many aerobic workouts in the past - usually at the gym: bright lights showing every flaw, mirrors showing them to YOU while you are trying to make yourself better & healthier - more in shape... Their enthusiastic methods are contagious and you can't help but have a good time! I go to their "parties" as often as my schedule allows. And let me tell you... There exists not a sweeter group of support built into the instructors who teach here. I suggest trying it 3-4 times before you judge whether it is a good fit for you because if you are unfamiliar with dance, Latin dance, or following along with only visual cues, it may take a few times to "get it".... But once you get it.... Oh Boy - you GOT IT!! Many people who attend frequently love to chat and encourage new-comers, so don't be shy!! read more

I love love love Donnie's class. After having my second baby I experienced some post-partum depression, and Donnie's class has literally changed my life. After the first experience, I was smiling so hard the entire time that the rest of my week I was riding high on those endorphin's that got released. 6 weeks later, and I'm still going strong. Since I'm not going to tell you this in person Donnie, I'll tell the Yelp community that you are a freaking GOD SEND. Thank you. read more

I wanted it to be more hype than it was. I'm a pretty advanced Zumba chick so I need the moves to be pretty intense to feel like I really got it in. The instructors moves were more basic than I'm used to and so I started growing bored on the dancing tip. However, to their credit, the concept, space and atmosphere is just like a rave club so Pulse gets major gold stars on that account. I would highly recommend this to the novice and the curious but it's just not my particular cup o' tea. I love Zumba so I'm never gonna throw anybody doing it completely under the bus. Enjoy! read more

It's been 4 months and I am still stoked to exercise here as often as my schedule will permit. I would go twice a day if I could; it's that much fun. I'm 38 and this is the first time in my life that I have found something fitness related that I truly look forward to. (Ok, I guess I felt that way about rollerskating when I was 10. But next to that, Zumba.) If you are looking for a real ass-kicking you should seriously check out the Sunday Zumba toning class with Josh. Not only is he insanely adorable, he sincerely cares about the state of your buns. I can tell because mine usually hurt until Wednesday. Check it out!!! read more

I finally did a Zumba class and boy did I pick the right one! For whatever reason I have been reluctant to try this new work out craze. Couldn't figure out why since I was a dancer as a kid. So I put my big girl pants on and went last night to the club zumba. It was amazing and exhilarating. I sweated, laughed, lots of whoops and hand clapping and let myself go like I haven't in a long time. Thank you! What was great to see was there were so many different types of people all there getting their groove on and having fun. The instructors were energetic, great at cuing you and of course easy on the eyes! I will be coming back and purchasing a membership and trying the other classes that are offered. And of course spreading the word. read more

***I would like to clear up a misconception about this gym. I've read several reviews touting Pulse PDX as a fun "low-impact" or "easy" workout. I would like to point out that I wear a heart monitor every day when I got to Pulse PDX to workout. It helps to hold me accountable and also lets me gauge how many calories I actually burn. On average, I burn 400 calories if I take only one class and 750 - 800 calories if I take the pilates AND Zumba classes (which totals 1.5 hours of my time). For perspective, I definitely follow along enthusiastically but I am NOT the person in the class that is obviously expending the most energy. You will get the equivalent workout of running 5 miles (at a 10 minute mile) on a treadmill...and yet you will have a blast and be strength training as well. Now for my review: The most important thing that differentiates Pulse from its competitors is that the staff is incredible at creating a familial and welcoming vibe and making you laugh all while while pushing you to do and be your best. I purchased the Groupon with the full knowledge that I needed to ease into working out in an environment where I could feel comfortable...which meant that it needed to be dark and I needed to be able to trick myself into the fresh hell of working out. I didn't want to go. I bought the Groupon in the interest of forcing myself to go. I made up every excuse not to go. I went. My first class was Pop Pilates with Quinlan. I knew that I needed to start easy. Silly me. Pop pilates is absolutely a full body workout. I have never met a person that could rival my aversion to working out and I have only missed 2 days this entire month. I even double up on classes. Pulse didn't make me feel like the chunky, out of shape person with the paint stained sweatpants that was trying to jog on a boring treadmill in a room filled with beautiful people. I smile and laugh through the entire class (especially with Mercedes and Donnie). This environment and these people are inspiring. They remember your name and specifically seek out a small conversation with you before and after class. Members of the class will jump up on stage during their favorite songs and dance with the instructors. Donnie sings and will steal your heart with his antics. Mercedes is the best dancer I've EVER seen and will kick your butt to Missy Elliot (or Janet or Justin...) while making you laugh. Quinlan is motivating and kind. Danny is absolutely lovable and infectious with his energy. (I don't know the others. Sorry!) Long story short. If you don't want to workout or have anxiety about going to a gym, come here. They will teach you to love moving your body while actually working you out. The staff here is the best. Hands down. You will want them at your birthday party. You will want to come and workout just to hang out with them. Go. Just try it. Get the Groupon and just try it. You can thank me later read more

This place is amazing! It makes me actually ENJOY working out. The nightclub experience classes really do make you feel like you're in a nightclub, complete with DJ and Disco ball. The instructors are easy to follow, being up on stage. And I think even beginners could easily pick it up within 2 or 3 classes. So glad I've discovered this place! read more

I had the best time dancing in Nick's class last night. This man can dance! I've been doing dance fitness off and on for years now, but his U-Jam class was like nothing I've ever experienced. You will sweat, and you will have fun; I highly recommend it! read more

I always have so much fun when I come here. The instructors are all very nice, helpful, and energetic. I love that they have a variety of clients and no mirrors. This is an everyone is welcome studio and I love it. The classes feel like they just fly by! I love getting my workout on at PulsePDX. I found them through ClassPass and I even cancelled my gym membership because I have enjoyed coming here so much! read more

Every instructor here is absolutely amazing, and the community they cultivate is what makes it worth the cost! Each and every instructor here is excellent and engaging and their classes are so fun. The space is huge, and I love the lighting system (no floursecent lights!!). There are less people here than a "regular" gym like 24-hour, which is really nice. The service is over the top as well!!! You will never have difficulties changing your membership or temporarily suspending it if need be. There are so many different classes to choose from if you get bored with what you're taking and want to switch it up. It's a great place to meet your neighbors and make friends! I have met the coolest people here and I can't recommend this place enough!!!! read more

It's hard for me to imagine my world without this place. Pulse has literally changed my life. I've never been to a gym that felt like such a community. I KNOW that the staff really cares about my well being and genuinely wants to see me succeed. The people I have met in classes are some of the most lovely humans I have the pleasure of knowing and I feel safe around them...safe enough to push myself, explore my strength and have a good time while working out. Thus far I've met my initial goals and now I've set new ones. For the first time in my life my fitness goals have nothing to do with the way I look and everything to do with the way I feel. That's what the Pulse community gives you, space to find yourself in your body. There is something for everyone here and the supportive environment makes you want to keep coming back. Logistically speaking you can join for as little as 40 dollars a month and drop in rates aren't astronomical. The instructors are the best of the best and the cardio/strength schedules allow for a complete workout any day of the week. There is usually an introductory GroupOn running which is a screaming deal. One of the best decisions I've ever made was buying that group on and stumbling into a class last fall. I sincerely cannot recommend this gym enough, it's a magic place. read more

I heard about PulsePDX when I was working with a personal trainer doing circuit training in a small gym. I am a dancer by nature and would always be doing my reps with the trainer to the beat of the music. I decided I needed to get back into a dance atmosphere. Even though I've had a lot of dance training over the years I was at first nervous about attending their classes. It didn't take long before I was getting the hang of it. I've taken Zumba classes from all the instructors and really can't say enough about them. They all have their own styles and personalities while maintaining the traditional Zumba steps. The atmosphere is such that everyone can participate and nobody judges. Without being overly dramatic I can honestly say that the classes at PulsePDX have saved my life. For me, there's nothing like dancing to break a serious sweat and be uplifted. The Zumba classes are low to high impact with modifications available. I've also taken Melt, POP Pilates, Fusion, and U-Jam as well as Special classes that are offered throughout the year such as Hula, Classic Jazz, and Master Classes with multiple instructors. No mirrors, "club" lighting, and a stage contribute to the feeling that you are definitely not in a gym nor a traditional dance studio. It's the most fun exercising ever I've had. PulsePDX is a community of people who are positive, inclusive, fun, and talented. Booking online or with the MindBody APP is very convenient for me. Parking is limited but it's definitely not a deal breaker. I'm so grateful and happy to have found PulsePDX. Thanks. read more