Thursday, January 19, 2012

5 local alternatives to 24 hour fitness

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.

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

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

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Read the rest on Neighborhood Notes.

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