Beware of this gym. Their group training is mediocre to good depending on the trainer, but the…read moremanagement is unethical. They're duplicitous when it comes to personal training rates and they completely ignore sexual harassment complaints. They won't do anything about it, but they'll still send you advertisements and training deals via text.

I have attended Fulcrum Fitness at Hawthorne for about 2 years…read more Pros: Staff - I think that staff are the most important element of group fitness classes. I have had a great time with all the instructors at Fulcrum. They hit the sweet spot between encouraging and over the top cheerleading. They all know their stuff and give good corrections. The workouts are varied in format, music, and focus so I didn't get bored. I had a serious injury and they modified exercises for me while I progressed back to full weight bearing and impact. The instructors I regularly look for are Jai, Freddy, Cheryl, and Dakayla. I loved Rodney but he moved. Space: The gym looks like a gym, not a health spa. I like this. It is clean and well maintained. There is an outdoor platform and a garage door which has been great for COVID necessary ventilation. COVID: They took it seriously [sanitation, masking, ventilation] and even let me know when I may have been exposed [pre-vaccine era]. Payment: I had a few hiccups with injuries and life changes and they were gracious about suspending my membership until I could return. Women: There are tons of badass women who work out here. Classes are dominated by women. Cons: I cannot really think of any. For first time boot camp/weight lifters, I would recommend doing their health assessment/intro interview. They will show you some moves there. Don't be intimidated by the acronyms or moves - everyone can do them and pros will give you good individual attention if you need it.

My highest recommendation for this gym, and this is not my first rodeo. I've belonged to the…read morecorporate gyms at Nike and Adidas as well as smaller boutique ones and big national chains, so I know a good thing when I see it. If you're shopping around for one to try, especially now as part of a New Year's resolution plan, put this place at the top of your list. Here are my favorite things about this place: 1. Nice welcoming vibe. You will be greeted by name every time. There's a friendly spirit about the place. They decorate for holidays. They make it easy with their "Try us out for $30" trial (any three group classes but a 1:1 trainer session). Each quarter they ask people what other classes they might like to see added. 2. Fantastic variety of workout options, from 6am to 6pm. So many different small group workout class options every week plus optional drop-in open gym for those who want to do their solo thing (the gym posts videos on their Instagram of that week's open gym suggested workout) plus lot of choices for 1:1 personal trainers. 3. Very clean and super organized. You know how many gyms smell like a men's locker room, or with stuff scattered about? This is the opposite of that. Everyone uses the provided spray bottles to clean things off and they've got a whole wall of hand washing stations. They've even got plants and custom wall murals. 4. Excellent instructors. Some classes have just a few people, others can be closer to 15. Either way, the trainers are very engaged throughout, not just chirping, "Keep it up! Looking strong!" type stuff but actually helping each person with correct form, or bringing over a different weight, or spotting when needed. None of them play favorites nor are ever checking their email on their phone. 5. Reasonable rates. Depending how you structure yours, I think it's about $20 per group class and/or $90 per 50-min 1:1 personal trainer. Not once have I felt pressured via any upselling. Instead, various people at the front desk have said, "Actually, if you do it this way, you can save even more on that..." 6. Good energy. The trainers do a nice job with their playlists on the iPad and clearly enjoy their job. I especially like that they keep the banter light and no one is ever talking about, say, political topics. Also nice that it's co-ed. For those wondering, gender-wise the instructors/trainers skew female (I think 14 are women and 4 are men), as do the small group classes (if a dozen people sign up, three or four are usually men). 7. Portland crowd. This isn't LA where you look around the room and feel either ugly or under-dressed or probably both. Nor is it the NYC Equinox tribe where people are looking to pick up a date or scoff if you don't know what Amagansett is. It's very much "come as you are" because it's about people each having their own reason for being here. You don't need to go buy a new outfit or cut some weight before coming here. Lots of body shapes, lots of ages. 8. Community spirit. If you're looking to just drop in, get your pump in and get out, easily done. But if you're looking for something more, they do a nice job with additional occasional offerings like a summer camping trip, Thanksgiving potluck, yoga w/ live acoustic tunes, bringing in a guy from Notre Dame crew team to show proper form on rowing machines, etc. 9. Great customer service. If you've got a question, they answer it immediately, however you prefer: onsite, text, email, phone. No one here ever tells you, "I don't know" or "I'll have to check with my manager" like they do elsewhere. 10. Supportive financially. If you need to take an extended break of a few weeks or few months for any personal reason, they're happy to put things on pause. If you lost your job and life is feeling heavy, they work with you to find a solution so that you don't have to cut gym time from your routine. You get the idea. I'll stop now. Every neighborhood could use a place like this, where there are no cliques and people can be as introverted or as social as they want and it's all good.

We just love Katie's positivity, energy and deep knowledge at Pilates! She makes getting stronger…read morefun!

I joined in February and love this place. I've always hated gyms because of their heteronormativity…read moreand it's nice to work out in a space that feels safe for all. This is the only gym where I've been consistent and stayed consistent and in the four months I've been a member I've seen noticeable improvements in my musculature, core strength and stamina. I go for the classes. If you pay for the monthly membership all classes are included. I try to hit three a week. I hope to attend more open gym times in the future but for right now the evening classes work with my schedule. There's a couple things I could nitpick. I wish they were open all day on Saturday and Sunday. It makes more sense to be open half days on a weekday for those of us who work 9-5s. I think the powerlifting class should be limited to no more than 6 - 8 people given the equipment limitations. But overall I'm not here to be at the most resourced or state of the art gym. Place is important and I need to workout publicly in a space that's affirming and that's what I've found here. The trainers are great. Eloise is fantastic. She takes you seriously and provides good critique on form while also challenging you to improve. She has great bedside manner and I'm always happy to take her classes even if they kick my ass sometimes. Felicia is also fantastic and plays great music and I appreciate Kristen's chill energy during powerlifting. I love the get ups and hinges class most, followed by kettlebell 7. The conditioning class is sadistic and occasionally I'll go to test my progress. Last time one of the exercises included doing 1000 jump ropes. I was like oh so you hate us hate us but I also felt accomplished by rising to the challenge. I moved to Portland about 9 months ago and didn't think it would be as hard as it has been to find community but EKC has been a welcoming part of my weekly routine that has made me feel connected to my community. It's two blocks from my house and for the first time in my life actually enjoy working out. It's not a cheap gym by any means but it's not budget breaking. They have a flexible pricing scheme for income limited folks. They're always making little improvements here and there including adding more signage and painting and I appreciate their desire to revise and improve on themselves as I am too. Love this place. Can't say enough good things. Almost don't want more people to come because I like the class sizes as they are but I also want to support this place that's made me feel very welcomed.

While I only recently began training at EKC, I can say that the trainers, programs, and workouts…read moreexceed my expectations. The trainers are knowledgeable, attentive, and generous with their time and instruction. Eloise has already offered me several corrections / adjustments that have improved my experience. (Felecia and Tess, too!) While rigorous, each class and program accommodates multiple levels of experience and fitness. Above all, I have been impressed by the welcoming and supportive atmosphere/culture, deepened and sustained by EKC's members. Here, one can truly come as they are. I feel motivated and inspired and look forward to my next workout at/with EKC.

Lily and Flexible Fitness are amazing! I came to her as a very very out of shape desk worker with a…read morepretty serious back injury. She sat down with me and figured out a good course of action for me as an individual. She has been extremely helpful getting me on track, and doing it in a supportive caring manner. I love working out in her space. It's welcoming and cheerful, and I always leave a session feeling better than when I walked in the door. (I actually look forward to my work outs)! So far, we do something different every time I'm there. Lily definitely makes sure that you don't get into a rut, and that you are working your entire body, while also making sure to focus on your individual desired outcome. She also seems genuinely invested in how I'm doing. She is funny, caring and kind hearted. I feel like there are a lot of gyms that say "Everyone is Welcome" but don't really make you feel that way. (Cascade Athletic Club, I'm looking at you), but Lily really does make everyone feel welcome. I have no doubt that I will meet my own personal goals with Lily's help. And I will meet those goals in a safe and sustainable fashion.

I started working out with Lily-Rygh in May of 2014. I had never worked out in a gym before so…read morerelied completely on her expertise. I love how she changes up my work outs to keep me interested and engaged and she adjusts to whatever is going on with me not only physically but emotionally. She is hilarious and caring and awesome. She celebrates my success, like upping my wights or reps!, and is supportive though hard times. She is awesome!

I've had training sessions with trainer Logan Steelman at Vive Fitness…read more I have a tight schedule as student with a chronic illness that drains my energy quickly -- because of that, I've always been intimidated by the gym environment. However, training with Logan really made me comfortable with the gym. After my injury, he gave me a customized, simple, slow routine with consideration of my low energy levels. We started off with simple balancing exercises to strengthen with my physical therapy exercises. He is also knowledgeable in nutrition as well that is not just limited to fitness and has helped me create meal plans.

Logan Steelman is amazing!! Since I've started training with him he's been nothing but professional…read moreand attentive.

I've been training at Whole Body Fitness since early 2013. A the time of writing this, in Fall…read more2014, I'm the fittest I've ever been in my (soon to be) thirty-eight years. I'm very happy about this. I had neglected my physical fitness for almost a decade and I was staring to see and feel it. I had never tried personal training before, but based on past experience, I knew that to make a long-term positive change in my fitness, I should seriously consider this option. When I first showed up, I discussed my goals with James, and he set me up with Brett as a personal trainer. Brett paid keen attention to my history and goals. At the time he left Portland, a year later, I was very happy with my increased fitness and confidence in my physical abilities. Brett and I also became friends. When Brett left, Tammie transitioned me over to Martin who was just starting there. At first I wasn't sure of this transition, as Martin's style differed from that of Brett's, but over the next few weeks I came to appreciate Martin's style of personal training. He too, paid keen attention to where I was coming from and what my goals were. I highly recommend him. When Brett or Martin weren't available occasionally, I trained with Tammie and Juniper. Those sessions were also great. I consider everyone at Whole Body Fitness to be very professional, knowledgeable, and thoughtful. Now, as I head out of Portland for extended travel, I'll miss training at Whole Body Fitness, but I expect that the habits and knowledge I've gained will support my fitness goals wherever I go.

My personal trainer - Tiffany Felt - has helped me strengthen my core, become more flexible, and…read moreadd muscle. My energy level has increased and I feel great.

Noel Fuller is in the top 1% of Trainers on the West Coast. No nonsense approach. Such a vast…read moreknowledge of Bodybuilding, Fitness, exercise, and Diet. He has been there, done it, lifted it, tossed it, and done it again. He turns the Average in to Beasts. He has a large number of Professional Bodybuilders, Figure, and Swimsuit under his belt. I won't mention names because of Legalities. Even if you don't want to train but get lean and ripped through Diet-Noel Fuller is the MAN!!! I stopped lifting for 20 Years due to Back Injury. I barely Train and no Squats or Sit ups. Walk for Cardio 3 or 4 times a Week. The Key? -"Diet by Noel Fuller!" 56 years old. Thank you Noel!!!

Noel is an excellent personal trainer. Being a busy parent, I appreciate his workouts' efficiency…read moreand effectiveness. I'm not a bodybuilder but I see changes in my body I didn't think would have been possible without his guidance. If you want to achieve your goals sooner I recommend getting Noel as your trainer. You'll wish you had done it sooner.

I've had the pleasure of taking Shelly's boot camp classes at Dolores Park and can attest that it's…read moreworth setting the alarm early! Shelly was clearly born to be a fitness and wellness trainer. During the class, she makes sure everyone correctly performs each exercise while also keeping the mood of the class lighthearted. The hour flies by, but your body will feel the after-effects for at least a few days :) Highly recommended!

I've been working out with Shelly for over 5 years and have constantly been impressed with the…read moreinnovative ways she combines exercise disciplines. Her approach to fitness, and wellness more generally, is holistic in nature and she's always willing to give advice on diet, running, swimming, sleep patterns, etc. What I really like about Shelly is her willingness to be challenged on her ideas, and how every time she comes back with solid research proving anything she claims. Very highly recommend!

I have, perhaps like you, been a member of and/or visited just about every imaginable species of…read moregym including, for me, a visit to a Gym-Of-The-Gods (not me, name withstanding) at a Pac-10 university. All with pros/cons. That said, if you are at a point where you just want the solid, fashion-free workout basics available to you in a corner of our Belmont neighborhood, this is for you. It is the place where you arrive, do your thing, enjoy the friendly vibe and then head back out for a Stumptown across the street and off to your day. Very chill. Added bonus: Dan is the best owner ever. You'll see. PLUS: Stupendously upgraded ellipticals allowing you to revisit your favorite world-class trails in virtual reality. Of course, as befits the name of the gym and our local vibe, they give you a good workout AND generate electricity back to the grid thus allowing you to simultaneously remove both your lbs and carbon footprint. A perfect balance of green and machine without the preen.

Ok, so this gym is pretty awesome. It's not huge, or open 24 hours, but it has what you mostly need…read morewhen you need it. Big beefy meat head gym rats might be a little let down here, but it's prefect for someone who wants to get in or stay in shape. And you gotta love the fact that it's eco-friendly. Most of the cardio machines are low energy or create energy with your own body power. You've heard of horse power? What till to you a load of Jimbo Power! GRRRRRRR! Great neighborhood, and a really friendly owner. I'm glad I'm a member and looking forward to dropping some more lbs.

I interviewed many midwives, but knew immediately when I met Sharon at Vivante Midwifery that she…read morewas the right fit for our family. During our first meeting, Sharon told me about the birth work that she did in the Philippines and said something like, "I wish I could just be the village midwife and get paid in bread and fish." This was so telling of the kind of person Sharon is: she is really in this because she is passionate about birth work - not just as a job or a way to pay the bills. Throughout our time together, I felt genuinely loved and expertly cared for. Our monthly meetings were slow paced, filled with patient answers to my many questions as a first time mom. Sharon possesses a wealth of knowledge on all things pregnancy and birth, and was mentoring a wonderful student - Max - throughout the process, who we loved having on our birth team. Both my husband and I are mixed race, so it meant a lot to us to have a midwife of color - mixed race herself - who could bring that perspective. So much about pregnancy is calibrated for an average white person. Sharon always had the understanding that there is a lot of variation among human beings, especially across ethnicities, and always made us feel seen and cared for. After our 20 week ultrasound, we had a scare about the baby and my health. Sharon was there by our side every step of the way, even offering to come with me to the gynecological oncologist appointments. At this point, Sharon feels like a member of our family and it's hard to imagine that we soon won't be seeing her regularly. I highly recommend her for anyone seeking a warm, caring, knowledgeable midwife. I couldn't be more grateful to have walked the path to motherhood with Vivante midwifery as my guide.

I'm grateful to have the good fortune of living in Portland, OR where there are many options for…read morechoosing maternity care services with a midwife. As I was choosing, the most important criteria for me were: safety, kindness, respect, experience, and midwives with the ability to navigate both the home and hospital birthing environments. Vivante Midwifery blends the warmth of midwifery with rigorous safety standards and deep knowledge about physiologic birth. Because of my personal medical history, I needed to give birth at the hospital. I was still able to do all of my prenatal and postpartum care with Vivante. One of the midwives also accompanied me to the hospital and stayed to advocate for me throughout the entire birth. It made giving birth at the hospital much less stressful. I'm not sure I would have been able to achieve a vaginal birth without the advocacy of Vivante at the hospital. Vivante is composed of a diverse team of midwives. This is important to me as an African-American woman. It's one of the few midwifery groups in town where I truly felt comfortable. I highly recommend Vivante and Sharon in particular!