03/10/08

Best Gym in Downtown Portland!

by JamieKruegger

The downtown Bally's in Portland is a great buy for anyone looking for a gym to join in the area. They offer a ton of group exercise classes during the lunch hour (spin, step, yoga, etc) for those who like to fit in workouts during their work day. Friendly, comfortable atmosphere-- knowledgeable and approachable staff.

• Pros: comfortable atmosphere, affordable, very clean, friendly members
• Cons: n/a

03/07/08

Best Buy for Downtown PDX Gym Memberships

by jamielynn26

My boyfriend and I joined this gym 6 months ago and love it. Clean equipment, friendly atmosphere and very comfortable environment.

I love how I can go to unlimited group exercise classes-- (yoga and kwando are great!) There are also lot of healthy places to eat nearby for light lunches and dinners after your workouts. Great place to meet new people too.

• Pros: Atmosphere, cleanliness, members and staff

This budget gym trims the fat off its patrons at streamlined facilities.

by Contributor

The Scene
Most Ballys stick to the basics for their design. Televisions broadcast silently above multiple rows of cardio machines; mirrored walls act as the primary decorative components. But thanks to high-energy television ads and low-impact membership premiums, this national fitness chain has steadily attracted a clientele bent on saving money while losing weight or gaining muscle.

The Workout
Using fairly standard strength-training equipment and/or racks well-stocked with free weights, the best of the trainers here, who are classified at four different levels, can be as skillful as those found at costlier gyms. For group classes, signature exercise options include Spinning and Powerflex, as well as a number of patented routines inspired by Tae Kwon Do.

07/23/07

following the fine print...

by squarecandice

Well I signed up for a 30 trial for $20, decided I didn't have the money to spend per month...well that doesn't matter to Bally. Now I'm out $150 for three months of gym service that I didn't use and didn't want. The gentleman that signed me up told me not to worry about the "contract", that the info was incorrect, and that he would contact me before it would become a problem. Boy, was I naive. Of course the corporate office won't refund my lost money, AND they conveniently canceled my membership one day after the money was to be drafted out of my account for a third time! There are a lot of nice people that are employees here and that work out at this gym, however when it comes to personal attention with their mistakes...well who knows where the weak link is. Just make sure you read what you are signing up for...or if you don't mind signing three years away to the gym, go for it.

• Pros: clean, comfortable, low-brow
• Cons: binding contracts, unwillingness to fix mistakes

07/01/06

Ask for Lisa!

by feorygorko

I've tried out so many gyms I've lost count. I know that most of you are sick of the car-salesman-like schmooze that oozes out of their front desk people. Depending on who greets you at this branch, you may find a touch of the ooze, but if you get past that, ask for Lisa. If you request her for your complimentary workout (that you get for joining) you'll see why she's different. It's pretty rare for personal trainers to actually have a documented academic background in physiology, nutrition and psychology. Most of the trainers I've met go on a weekend retreat for their "certification." Lisa really knows her stuff, and has the moxie to keep you entertained while you get in shape.

Another thing I really respect about her is that she understands that different people have different goals. She won't box you in based on gender or other stereotypes. Yes, some people want to lose weight or build muscle, but some are coming out of physical therapy or are trying to release seratonin for an inproved mental state.

Bottom line: Ask for Lisa as your personal trainer. The first session is free, and she's definitely the most qualified.

• Pros: LISA the personal trainer
• Cons: Across the river from my house