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24 Hour Fitness
Categories: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Gyms Active Life Fitness & Instruction Trainers Gyms, Trainers
1210 NW Johnson StPortland, OR 97209
Neighborhood: Pearl District
(503) 222-1210
1 free Pass
Get a free 24 Hour Fitness pass. Join millions who have changed their lives through fitness. http://bit.ly/oHHsHM
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 12 am - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
76 reviews for 24 Hour Fitness
76 reviews in English
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Review from Amanda K.
2/16/2012 18 Check-ins Here
I've been working out at this particular location for six years, if not longer? Can't remember for sure. I love the general layout of this club, the only thing that blows is the PARKING. But, the parking situation isn't as evil and unforgiving as 24 Hr in the Hollywood district. WHAT A NIGHTMARE. So for that, four stars. And I generally love the people working behind the desk.
Best part about the club is the cardio area, which overlooks the entire gym. Prime people watching, from anemic-looking greaseball kiddies from the Art Institute to working class folks to "hot moms" who wear a full face of makeup to the gym. Fantastic. -
Review from Scott L.
Portland, OR
5/16/2012 171 Check-ins Here
I have been going to this location for about 6 years.
Here are the pros: close to where I live.
Cons: When I report broken machinery what usually happens is--nothing happens, as in the staff does nothing. I inform the off the exact machine number that is malfunctioning and when I arrive the next day it is still in use. So is it that the person behind the desk is not reporting it? or is it that the management is choosing not to fix the problem? Is it that they dont want to put out of order signs on too many machines? I dont know, but it is very frustrating. When they finally do put a out of order sign on the machine, it could be weeks before its fixed. Other cons include: its crowded (for obvious reasons), shower stalls are growing fungi, soap dispensers in the showers are not refilled frequently enough, and parking is very small and street parking is limited (and costs money).
Bottom line: The connivence of the location is the only reason I go here. When I move I will be joining another gym. -
Review from Joey S.
Portland, OR
3/11/2012
They only have two small parking lots, and their guest passes are a total scam.
I was a member at this 24 Hour for several years. But after finishing grad school, I moved 45 minutes away for a job and this location became less convenient (as others have pointed out, the parking was always a drag). Even though my girlfriend lives in this neighborhood and is a 24 Hour member , and I still spent a lot of time in the Pearl, I eventually terminated my membership.
Recently, my girlfriend got a marketing email from 24 Hour promoting a 7 day guest pass. She signed me up, thinking we could work out together, and earlier today we tried to use the pass.
We walked down to the gym in the rain, because it's not that far and you usually have to wait 10-20 minutes for parking (even on a Sunday afternoon). My girlfriend signed in and I told them I had a guest pass. I filled out the forms, and one of their membership guys came over. He said I would have to go through a 30 minute tour and "orientation" before I could work out (this is not stated on the guest pass), so I told him I'd previously been a member. He tried to tell me the guest passes are only for people who hadn't been members before, and tried to tell me I'd have to sign up for a membership or pay a $15 day fee to workout. I pointed to the guest pass which stated that people who were not members within the past 6 months were eligible, and he said I could talk to his manager, Brian Baker.
Brian took me back to his computer, and spent almost 10 minutes trying to look up my old account on the computer to make sure my membership was more than 6 months old. It is clear he does not want to let me into the gym, which is funny because it's only at about 1/4 capacity. He finally confirms that I canceled my membership more than 6 months ago, and then asks to see my pass. I pull it up on my iPhone, and he spends another couple minutes looking through the fine print, like he hasn't seen dozens of these passes before. Then he asks me for my ID, which is "required," per the fine print. I show it to him, and with a false-sadness informs me that my address does not say Portland, and that the pass is for "local residents only." I ask him what their definition of "local" is since I'm sure there are a significant number of people not living within the City limits who are members and currently working out. Again, with condescension, Brian tells me I can't come in unless I join or pay $15.
At this point, I'm disgusted by the false advertising, poor customer service, and minutes of my life that I'm never getting back. I tell my girlfriend she can do her workout but I'm walking home in the cold drizzle.
Yes, folks, this is how 24 Hour Fitness treats customers who have already spent HUNDREDS of dollars with their company, and would possibly become a member again in the future. Not anymore. -
Review from Missy P.
Portland, OR
5/15/2012
iI had the privlage of working out here for the first time yesterday and was SO impressed! Nice clean organized club! So open and friendly! Great staff and kids club! Great place to work out! Will definetly be back!;)
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Review from James T.
Portland, OR
5/3/2012
This gym is a perfectly fine gym in that it has all of the equipment you will need and plenty of it (I can only speak to "non-rush times" as I have not been to this location during peak usage), the equipment is always maintained and working, and as a whole the facility is rather nice.
Yes, the free parking lots are tiny and often full, but this is a gym in the Pearl district, of course parking is going to be restricted. I've never had trouble finding a metered spot.
My only legitimate gripes with this 24 Hour Fitness location are that sometimes the front desk staff do not even acknowledge your presence (but some are friendly) and that it definitely earns its reputation as a "meat market." There are some rude, arrogant members here and people are a little too made up for the gym.
I prefer the downtown location between the two but still go to the Pearl often! -
Review from Melvin M.
Portland, OR
4/23/2012 19 Check-ins Here
Jamie teaches the best Zumba class!
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Review from Lizzie B.
1/23/2012
This location has now become my most-hated of the Portland area 24 Hours. The amount of time I spend trying to find a parking spot (I know parking sucks in the Pearl, but I'm still gonna rant) generally causes me to miss getting into a class.
Most recently, I arrived 25 minutes prior to a cycle class and was told I'd have to go on the waiting list. Apparently it's this gym's policy to let more than 50% of their cycle bikes be pre-reserved to people who want to pay $1 in advance. That seems like a pretty high ratio and they just might as well make the whole thing reservation only. I had to wait at the front desk until exactly 6:01 pm to ensure that someone who pre-reserved wasn't going to claim the coveted spot. I did get into the class though. I have spent countless hours in classes at a variety of 24-Hours, and this one gets the worst grade for their strict reservation policies and inaccessability.
That being said, the cycle instructors are awesome and always give killer workout.
Also, during peak hours this place is ridiculously over-crowded. I don't have the schedule to go during off-hours, so my trips to this location are getting fewer and further between. -
Review from Bartek K.
2/28/2012 11 Check-ins Here
It's a gym. It's a very, very crowded gym. Pretend there's no parking lot because you have better odds of winning the lottery than finding a spot.
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Review from Stephanie K.
Manhattan, NY
11/11/2011 93 Check-ins Here
I love going to this 24 Hour because of how spacious it is. You never feel like you're on top of anyone while you're working out. This gym was incredibly convenient when I lived in the NW since I would walk her, but living in the NE I find parking to be an absolute pain in the ass. I understand it's the Pearl, so paying for parking is to be expected, but it would be nice to have more than 20 spaces reserved for 24 Hour users.
There are certain hours of the day which I tend to avoid due to the high rate of bros and fratties that love to get their swoll on. If avoided between the hours of 4-8, you can get a good workout in without the douchebaggery. -
Review from John E.
Portland, OR
11/15/2011
I like the gym, I don't like the human being sized cockroaches in the men's locker room.
Disgusting. -
Review from Ivan C.
Portland, OR
10/6/2011 98 Check-ins Here
I have been going to this gym for a little over 6 years now. A couple years ago they remodeled the entire place. They always have new/update equipment. The place is clean and the staff is very friendly.
The only downfall is during the week between the hours of 5-7 pm this place can get really crowded. Weather has a say in how crowded it can get. During the summer months when weather is nice it's not that bad.
The months of January and February are the worst. Everyone is working hard on their New Years resolutions. After March and April people start falling off the wagon and stop showing up or showing up less frequently. Then May and June come around and even less people are there because the weather outside starts getting better. July and August are the best months with the least amount of people.
It starts getting a little crowded in the fall when the weather starts turning.
Probably my least favorite part about this gym is the lack of parking. They have one little lot and a parking garage across the street. They fill up quickly and you usually have to wait for a stop. They do provide a security guard that helps with the parking so people don't start pulling into the garage when they is no space. I have seen 3 people pull in at the same time with no spaces then everyone has to try to back out. On street parking meters run until 7 pm.
My favorite part and the reason i've been a member of this gym is the Basketball court. There are always people playing and durning the week there is really good competition. So if you ball, bring your A game. -
Review from Carrie S.
6/18/2011
This place is definitely cleaner then the SW 4th location, has much better air movement, and nicer equipment in general. I love the little parking lot.
However, this place lives up to the pretentiousness that is the Pearl District. Portland is a land of polarities. Its either a dumpy place or area, with the homeless begging for 25 cents to buy a Starbucks, people who are afraid to grow up, and are raw food/hate deodorant type personalities. Then, you go to the 24 Hour in the Pearl, and people are comparing their BMWs, fake boobs, lip stick choice (I mean, you can only wear certain shades if you are running, or doing the stairmaster), and guys who look at themselves in the mirror longer then I do (including the time it takes me to put on makeup and blow dry and style my long hair).
I just get in here with my flat chest, no make up, sweaty ol stuff, do my thing, and get out. However, its really annoying to feel like you are being watched and talked about by catty women. Even worse, getting the evil eye from a guy who is doing 1 million reps on 1 machine and doesn't want to let a nice Minnesotan like me in to do 1 stoopid set of lat pulldowns. Did I mention that he flexes in the mirror between sets?
Oy. Vay. -
Review from The Emperor O.
Portland, OR
3/23/2012
No. Its not cool. Dont come here. Everyone cockroach from out of town has decided to "lift" here. Ive been coming sense you could find parking sport...any time. They opened a LA fitness. Go there instead. They are over selling member shi%'s
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Review from Amos H.
Portland, OR
2/13/2012
I like this place. Not too big, not too small. The staff has always been friendly and surprisingly non-judgemental or judge-y, which is a problem I've always had with gym staff at other places.
I ride my bike there (I wouldn't dream of trying to find parking for a car there), and it always annoys me that they don't make good use of their bike parking space. Just a bunch of random racks thrown in weird positions, half of which are terrible. Other than that no complaints. -
Review from Lawrie M.
4/25/2011
Let's face it. Cardio machines are boring. Pedaling, climbing, or trotting in place in a humid warehouse: pure drudgery.
Luckily, 24 Hour Fitness has your short attention span in mind. Every workout is a new and surprising experience! Most of the treadmills malfunction, and have been doing so for weeks.
Take a chance! Test your luck! Hop on one, and discover that incline 0 is really incline 5. Try the next one, and have it halt with ERROR 44 as soon as you hit 7mph. Leap atop another, and prepare to descend at -3 incline every second minute.
Eventually, you'll find one that works well enough (or is broken in just the right way to make your killer workout a breeze -- I really can run a 5-minute mile, right? RIGHT!)
Eh, it's a gym. It's not the fanciest place, but it's convenient. Good enough for me. -
Review from Joe W.
Portland, OR
8/14/2011
For my purposes a great place to work out.
A wide variety of weights (free and machines) and lots of cardio equipment (hardly ever a wait, even after work).
I have to admit I haven't attended any classes, but I do use the basketball court quite a bit. No surprise here, downtown basket ball court, constantly busy! Long wait times if you want to play some pick up games and even harder to just get an open net to shoot some hoops, but a nice court nonetheless.
The gym is kept pretty clean and the equipment is in great shape, if you live in the pearl I highly recommend it. If you don't, the parking sucks, go somewhere else... seriously, the parking is not good.
And with the occasional steal of a deal that 24 Hour offers on occasion it's a good guy. I'm loving my membership at the rate of $28 per YEAR! That's right, $2.50 per month....
I know this club has a reputation for being a tad uppity (ladies, you don't really have to wear make up), but I've found that this location is no different then any other gym I've gone to. If you want pretentious, try the 24 Hour in O.C. off Von Karman... you won't be disappointed. -
Review from Carlo X.
Portland, OR
12/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
I think this is one of the better gyms in Portland. There are 4 squat racks and the dumbbells go up to 130lbs. They have a nice push-pull power sled, but it's in an inconvenient location giving you less than 20 feet to work with. Seems to have a lot of poseurs and douchebags though. I don't appreciate when someone is leaning on the squat rack texting (yeah you with the ballroom dancing jacket!) or marking their territory by throwing a grimy weight belt over the bar so no one else can use it while they go to the opposite side of the gym to knock out some reps on something else. Same BS as any gym though. Parking sucks if you drive.
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Review from Laura P.
Portland, OR
1/17/2012
I like this club as it's located close to my home. It's also large and spacious feeling with lots, and I mean lots, of equipment. Even between 5pm - 7pm you can get in a good work out. You may have to ask to Work In, but most people are pretty good about it. The Women's Locker room is okay, the showers and the toilet areas need to be cleaned more often, they are disgusting by 7pm.
That being said, my number one complaint is in the 24Cycle instructors. For the most part they are great. They show up, they are ready to go and they have good music. Now for the HUGE PROBLEM......They will ask you to pedal at a different beat of the music. ISN'T THE POINT OF THE LOUD, BASS LADEN MUSIC? ISN'T IT SUPPOSED TO HELP YOU STAY MOTIVATED AND TO KEEP UP? That is the description of the class, "Motivating instruction and DRIVING MUSIC will keep you energized as you are lead through a workout comprised of a variety of hill climbs, flat terrains, head winds, tail winds, and anaerobic intervals. If the instructor can't come up with a playlist that will give him/her the work out he/she wants to teach then why bother. Here's an example...."Okay don't slow down between songs, keep up your cadence and don't touch the resistance. For the next 3 minutes you'll have to pedal just ahead of the beat" WHAT?
When that comment is made to the instructor, they say something like, "Yeah, you'll get used to it" REALLY? -
Review from Monique N.
Portland, OR
7/3/2011 6 Check-ins Here
I love this location and am typically there 3-5 times per week. I have to tell you all which classes are the best to attend.
Okay, on Tues and Friday there is a Kick-Butt-Bootcamp. at 10am and 10:30 am. I have to warn you. you have to have a little bit of endurance to participate in this class because she will challenge you. I mean its true Grit ... and she will even get in your face a bit.. and will push you beyond belief.
I really enjoy this class. also you have to try Zumba class if you love latin dance at all. You will def get a sweat and workout here..
This place has been remodeled and its truly a good place.
I hear also it has a new Kids area that pretty good.
Come on out and enjoy and see you around -
Review from Shay E.
San Francisco, CA
10/23/2011
Only because there's not a 2.5 star option. I just have to get this part off my chest: I am so amused by the one personal training chick who (watch out, here comes a big word!) lasciviously stretches and rolls around in the training area, looking at herself in the mirror and practicing her cat eyes as if she doesn't care if anybody is looking at her, because she's confident they are. Chick, get over yourself.
Ok on with the story. I joined earlier this year after I had a baby, desperate to relocate the ab muscles that had been inaccessible for so long. I was sold by the price, but had such a confusing time on the phone with the representative who had just as much trouble understanding my English as I did hers. I noticed right away they are penny pinchers. (don't misunderstand me, I come from a long line of heavily accented English second-languagers. They, however, are not in the customer service for English speakers field.) She misleadingly told me I'd be given a run-down of the gym equipment, and an assessment of my overall fitness. Because it was my first time at a gym, I had no idea what I was doing. I would only recommend you go to a big gym like this if you already have experience with gym machinery, because you might hurt yourself otherwise. Also, they sell way more memberships than their facilities can accommodate. I had a personal training session with Danielle, which was really helpful. It's kind of a pain that trainers are given priority in the weights area, because they often use ALL the equipment, and I'm a paying customer too. I shouldn't have to give priority to people who pay more, with my membership I should be entitled to use the equipment like anyone else, and not be asked to hurry up my session for a customer who's been implied to be more important.
I can't complain about the staff (except rolling around on the floor girl) because they've all been nice and halpful. not halpful, helpful. =D -
Review from Robert S.
3/31/2011
The Big Losers.
I've been a member of 24 Fitness for approximately 4-5 years now and I'm pretty fed up with this company. I've been to a dozen of their facilities throughout LA/OC/SD, as well as, Las Vegas, NV. Their gyms are usually overcrowded and dirty; I've waited over 4 hours to play a game of pickup basketball on a weekday around noon time. The trainers/reps here are also very money hungry.
I first came across this gym, because it was very close to my work. I signed up for their free 7-day trial to check it out and see if I liked it. I was immediately seated in their office, where a sales rep tried to pressure me into signing up for a 3-year contract.
"whoa, whoa", I said, "I'm just here to check out the gym and see if I like it. I'm not ready to commit to a contract yet."
She didn't give me a pass till about 20 minutes later and it was obvious she was not happy that I wasn't joining on the spot. After I got my pass, but I started getting harassed for 2 weeks about joining. I received 2-3 calls a day, from the same woman. I would politely say "I'll come in when I'm ready, please stop calling", which would be ignored.
I eventually joined after checking out other local gyms. It was mainly because of convenience and the number of facilities throughout the nation. I was very displeased with their customer service and representatives and I still am to this day. I've made numerous requests to make changes to my account, which did not get done. I don't like the way their reps operate. Just the other day, there was a rep standing by the door, asking people to lift up their shirts to do BMI calculations. They were desperately trying to offer personal training/nutritionist services.
"Do you really want to be 25% fat?", asks the ripped, but condescending representative.
"No...", I replied, while streams of tears came rolling down my face, as the hot girls in waiting for the aerobics class laughed.
That's pretty traumatic for fatty's like me. My co-worker also informed me that they made him a lifetime offer of 20 dollars/YEAR to stay with the gym. What the hell? Why didn't I get that deal? My gym fees have been increased twice since I joined and I've been a member longer than him. I'm currently shopping for a new gym with better business practices. Don't let their marketing on The Biggest Losers fool you, this gym isn't very good to work with.
A little about my credentials:
I'm about 6'1'' and weigh about 190lbs. I wear a size 34/34 jeans and Large t-shirts. I'm not really a fatty, but all the carbs I consume just happen to all go to my face. People have told me I kind of look like the full moon. I work out about 3 times a week - mostly cardio and some light weight lifting. I eat fairly healthy and I wouldn't mind looking like Jean Claude Van Damme at his prime. -
Review from Xav V.
10/10/2010
Beautiful.
Seriously, this 24 Hour Fitness has a real sense of beauty. I adore the layout and wish this gym could be picked up and replace my regular location on Stewart in Seattle. Tons of weight machines, top of the line treadmills with TVs, a basketball court, large fitness rooms. The gym was was bustling and the mood in the air was very bright this morning. Another big plus, tons of hot people work out here. My o my, this spot hits me in all the right spots.Listed in: Working Off My Thickness
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Review from Bennett L.
Portland, OR
10/17/2010 2 Check-ins Here
This has to be my favorite 24 Hour Fitness in Portland. You're in the nicest neighborhood in town (though I'm sure there are plenty who will claim otherwise for one reason or another), parking is actually somewhat easy with its own dedicated hollowed out building and more often than not you'll have a guard who just sits there and keeps tabs on things.
What else?
The old warehouse vibe is really cool. The machines are new and the layout is user-friendly with the cardio area upstairs. The only gripe is that there aren't enough cardio machines with their own monitor. Yes, there are plenty of those hanging HD monitors but often they are turned to MTV or some other nonsense. Even worse it seems way too many are on the same channel. If there's a Sunday night or Monday night football game on, there is no reason why these tv's shouldn't be on the game.
The locker room (I can only speak for the males) is big, new looking and well lit. The front desk staff is hit and miss when it comes to being helpful. But overall this is my first choice when it comes to a 24 Hour Fitness in Portland. The one in Beaverton is also good.
Oh and I think this one is a true 24-hour establishment as opposed to the one on 4th. -
Review from Randall S.
Portland, OR
Updated - 4/18/2011
Update: I've been working out here for about 6 months. The facility is generally pretty clean, and except for right after work, it's rarely so busy that you have to wait for equipment. There are freeweights available, and a (thank you for this) deadlift with proper, round weights available.
My only complaint: about half of the treadmills are some kind of broken. The most common problem is incline; either stuck high, low, or randomly changing/unchangeable.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/14/2010
My girlfriend works out here, and she talked me into getting the free "7-day" pass. I printed it out… Read more »
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Review from Laura N.
9/26/2007 1 photo
Hi. My Name is Laura, and I am a gym-a-holic. Some may say "workout nazi" as I do enjoy a good workout, whether it be on the soccer field or a run in Washington Park - but when it's 11:30pm, forgive me for not getting amped about a quick jaunt on the lower Macleay trail.
Enter 24 Hour Fitness. As you might infer from my ramped post-midnight Yelping, my hours aren't exactly "stable." 24 in the Pearl is fantastic because no matter what time of the day or night - I can always lace up and not feel like the only nocturnal crazy in the city. There are others - and we all convene in the Pearl!
Yes - if you go during peak hours (7am-9am or 4pm-6pm) you'll be so frustrated waiting for both parking and machines that you may eat a box of doughnuts to recover. Do yourself a favor and just avoid it at all costs. Any other times you go - the Pearl 24 is fantastic...and I must say that they have the best kick boxing schedule in the area. I wish I could give them a gold star for that perk alone.
One star off for the walk of shame. It's real, and it's awful. bleeckhhh.Listed in: Working Out in Portland
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Review from Meghann M.
St Petersburg, FL
2/9/2009
I have to say that when I first joined 24 Hour Fitness, I very much missed the tubby soccer moms at the YMCA in Detroit. Where were they? Why is everyone who comes here already in excellent shape? No comprendo. After a while the mostly beautiful clientele began to grow on me and I began to see the inspiration in all the hard bodies rather than feeling intimidated.
I take the yoga classes 2-3 times per week and I suggest entering them thinking of them as "fitness" classes and not necessarily as traditional yoga classes. I made the mistake of taking my first class from Brian on Tuesday nights after a pretty strenuous work out thinking it would help with the cool down. After five minutes of holding myself in a "low pushup" (okay, maybe an exaggeration) I dropped the F-bomb and got dirty looks from a good portion of the participants. But really, Brian was wearing one of those pop star head sets. His music of choice was Enya. There is a girl on the other side of the glass on the stair machine with "Juicy" written on the bottom of her sweatpants. Quit pretending that you are experiencing a Zen moment. However, I really enjoy the yoga classes now, because I just think of them as general fitness classes.
I have had a few occasions during which I have had to wait for equipment, but nothing alarming. People are pretty considerate about finishing up if they notice people waiting. Everything is clean and the staff is friendly in an "I work at a gym" kind of way. I can see where parking would be an issue, but I walk so I can't complain. Overall, a pleasant gym experience...for a gym. -
Review from Ryan A.
12/19/2010 4 Check-ins Here
I have mixed feelings about this gym. I go here because it's three blocks from home, so aside from the fact that three blocks of walking is still plenty of time to freeze to death at 5 am, I have no excuse not to go (not that I do all that often). The gym has been remodeled, is a bit small compared to some gyms, but is pretty nice inside. The customer service is your typical mix of good and bad, with a healthy dose of salesmanship. Basically, I still go here because I can't pass up the $99 per year renewal because I paid way too much up front.
I can't compare to other chains, just other 24 Hour Fitness locations. It's average. It's fine. It will do. -
Review from Katie H.
10/27/2008 2 Check-ins Here
Can you say CROWDED!!!!! Taking a kickboxing class here is out and out dangerous....
It is convenient, cool and warehousy, and if you're a gay man...gotta a pretty good chance of meeting someone special. It's got good equipment and overall it's a nice setup.
It's a good thing there's a new gym opening up nearby soon....I might actually get into some of the classes 24 hour offers. -
Review from Brandon C.
San Ramon, CA
12/10/2010
I come here to work out while in town for business. It's an easy walk from the hotel. I like the old warehouse feel of this gym since it's totally different than the ones I frequent at home.
Peak time is busy, which is to be expected. I haven't ever waited more than 5 minutes for a piece of equipment so I have no complaints.
The gym is clean and the staff is friendly too. -
Review from Michelle H.
Portland, OR
10/31/2009 10 Check-ins Here
As good as it gets...for Portland proper at least.
The parking would likely be a nightmare during any hour that requires you to pump the meter. They do have an extremely small lot that gives members access for two hours. They by no means check this, though. I had to leave my car overnight, when I bent my car key and all that, and when I told the guy behind the front desk that I'd be leaving it, he didn't bat an eyelash. He didn't leave a note for the morning guy, either. No one cared. I suppose I now just gave everyone who isn't going to the gym the green light for a free parking spot--you can thank me later.
The actual facilities are pretty top notch. I've never gone before 9pm, but I've never had a wait for a treadmill or a machine. Yeah, it's a little meat markety even during the late hours, but I suppose that's what you get for being one of the three or four girls lifting weights amidst a sea of testosterone. No one has ever bothered me though, so hurrah.
The front desk staff is super friendly. They've constantly got the cleaning crew out EVERY night, and it shows.
The pool and the surrounding area is also super clean. It's the most PH friendly of any of the ones in town. It's mostly warm, and never has gross floating things in it. It's not as nice as the Beaverton one, but it's definitely a close second. There is one shower outside the locker rooms for use, which means you sometimes have to wait for a sauna goer to get done using it, but who cares? At least they're using it. It's the one gym I've seen out of all my visits where people actually adhere the most to the whole "shower prior to using any of the facilities" thing.
It's a little awkward that there is a separate locker room section for the pool area, but it works.
My gym of choice, for sure.Listed in: It's Hard Being Me
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Review from Kaelyn S.
Portland, OR
10/20/2010
My favorite location out of the whole chain. I've been to quite a few, and am lucky to have this gym so close to home.
State of the art equipment (a whole lot of it!), helpful staff, great location.
Love the built in TVs on the treadmills! -
Review from Greg W.
Portland, OR
3/25/2010
(With all due respect to RuPaul)
You better work
Work it girl
Do ya thang on the treadmill
Work
Bust your ass stair climbing girl
Suck your gut in and pretend you don't care
Work, strut through the door
Work, drop on the weight floor
Work, sashay, sweatay
Work, strut through the door
Work, drop on the weight floor
Work, sashay, sweatay
In the Pearl, it matters what you wear
All eyes are on your dairy aire
And here it doesn't matter how you swing
Cause everyone is looking for a fling
You better work
Work it girl
Do ya thang on the treadmill
Work
Bust your ass stair climbing girl
Suck your gut in and pretend you don't care
Work, strut through the door
Work, drop on the weight floor
Work, sashay, sweatay
It's bad form to work out with an erection
Don't gawk just use the mirror's reflection
And when you saunter through the weight room
Everyone up in cardio is staring at you
At Pearl 24 Hour...you'd better work!
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Clean gym that has a certain charm as it was built in the shell of an old manufacturing plant. You can still see the remains of the old crane on the ceiling. Fortunately they have done the earthquake renovations on the place so you don't have to worry about the place caving in during a seismic event.
This isn't a serious weight-lifting gym, but at least the weight room has two power racks, three bench presses and a deadlift area. They also have a good selection of dumbells in 5 pound increments up to 130 pounds. I wish that they had more than one leg press, because it's always busy - but they do have a couple of hack-squat machines.
The cardio area features the standard assortment of bikes, incline bikes, ellipticals and stair climbers. It is located in the upper loft that overlooks the weight floor. They have over a dozen plasma TV's to watch. I usually don't have a problem finding an empty machine to warm up on in the later evening (after 9:00 PM).
If you want to know what the vibe is like, the song says it all... -
Review from Tyler R.
Portland, OR
7/18/2007 ROTD 8/6/2007
It's a gym....so, I guess you probably know what to expect.
The advantage here is it's open 24 hours and they have locations all over the US. I use the Pearl location the most since it's close to my office and they seem to have a better layout than the other downtown location.
I read the previous review and I have to admit ignorance to the 'unabashed stares' or the 'walk of shame'.
Maybe I'm just not that cute... Have you seen my pic? ;)
Here's the high points:
Good variety and amount of stations
Good classes.
Free weights and machines.
Big Cardio Area
YOGA!
Pools, Hot tubs, Steam and Sauna
Low points:
It's a national chain, so I'm sure you can guess.
You're a number not a member.
Want to upgrade your membership or add a spouse or family member? = treated like you just walked in the door for the first time; "Initiation fees, Processing fee, Undercoating, Rustproofing, and Extended Warranty" all required.
Bottom line: I'm happy enough to not leave since it's convenient, but not satisfied enough to be happy. I got the membership because I used to travel a lot for work and these guys are everywhere.
Take your chances, but I'm sure there are other gyms that are just as good -
Review from Kiki M.
4/21/2009
Since I am a work out geek, before my trek to Portland I searched for a 24 Hour Fitness that was in close proximity to my friend's apartment. I was not disappointed that I was able to find one about a mlle away.
This gym is girnomous compared to the one I frequent. There are two floors, the bottom level dedicated to weight machines and free weights and the top level was where the cardio equipment and Group X room is located.
The front desk staff was so friendly and helpful when I had to ask where the women's locker room was.
I decided to take the spinning class offered since that is what I typically take once a week. I adjusted the bike to fit me and I was pedaling away to worm up before the work out began the instructor came up to me and suggested I move the seat back because she noticed my knee was going over my toe at one point during my bike stroke. Impressive. I don't even get that kind of attention at my regular classes.
The locker room was a decent size but it was peculiar the bathrooms had their own room. I assumed behind the door was the showers but not so. At least I wasn't the only one confused. I heard a woman ask another one were the toilets were.
Whenever I am in Portland again I will most certainly be working up a sweat at this 24 Hour Fitness.Listed in: High Five to Portland!, Check out the guns
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Review from Dusta T.
Portland, OR
9/20/2011
They sell more memberships than their gyms can handle, the customer services is bad, if you sign up or change to a cheaper plan they call you once or twice a week hounding you to pay more. this place will nickel and dime you to death.
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Review from Lindsay S.
Portland, OR
7/14/2009
Let's be honest. I hate gyms. Always have. I feel uncomfortable, inadequate, and nervous in them. I used to think that gyms were a meat market and a place for pretty people to flex in front of a mirror. So consequently, I never went to the gym.
Well after some added poundage, post college days, I realized that I needed to get in shape. Moving to Portland, I noticed that a 24 hour fitness was located within walking distance to my apartment. hmmmmmm.............
Ok after some debate....let's speed this story up....I joined the gym.
Well let me remove my foot from my mouth because the gym stereotypes have failed me at 24 hour!
Yes, there are pretty people and guys and gals occasionally talking. But for the most part, there is something for everyone. Short, tall, fat, skinny, old, young, you name it. I've seen it all here and it makes me more and more comfortable with each visit.
The front desk people are courteous, the machines are well kept, and the class instructors have all been fabulous. I admit, in some classes, their peppy-ness makes me want to gag but I don't hold it against them. They're freaking fitness instructors, they have to be peppy.
My fav classes are Spinning, with Michele or Chrisanthi and 24 SET. Kickboxing is fun but I am so uncoordinated that I spend more time stumbling around than actually getting a workout in.
The parking can be a total pain in the a$$ but whatevs. It's more motivation to walk or bike there!
Today I did a fitness orientation with Rusty and totally signed up for training. I truly believe that they want you to achieve the goals that are best for you and not just suck your pennies out of you. They do an entire fitness plan for you and I can see myself keeping up with it after a few sessions.
Wow, look at me, I never write long reviews! But there was just too much good stuff to talk about at 24! I highly recommend this gym. You won't be disappointed. -
Review from Austin J.
Portland, OR
1/28/2012
I love this gym. The facilities are clean. The classes are amazing. There are however 2 things that bother me. There isn't enough parking and the girl in Kid's Club is rude and less than enthusiastic. This surprises me because the greeters at the front are sometimes annoyingly overly friendly. It would be nice if there was a balance. I don't expect staff to be saccharin sweet and ass-kissy but polite and helpful. I don't have these problems at the Hollywood gym. They have it figured out.
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Review from curtis l.
Portland, OR
3/27/2008
Hippety Hoppin on weekday morns...
As far as this fitness chain goes, the Pearl club is very clean, friendly (staff and members), and fairly well appointed (cardio & strength machines). Its a sport-level club (has associated ammenities, see website), but I thought the sport clubs had pools and didn't see one here. ???
The weekday morning crowd is busy. Most of the aerobic machines get full, and the yoga/strength class is to the brim. But the strength machines downstairs are mostly open and overall its not bad.
In general I think the pearl members are bit more friendly than the downtown members, but both clubs are recommended and far better than several (most) of the SF Bay area gyms! -
Review from Allison L.
Berkeley, CA
9/8/2008
How could I have neglected to review this 24 Hour?
In a (low-fat) nutshell: This place makes me want to move to Portland. It's clean and huge. No creepy people or machine-hoggers. Everything was new and in good shape. Ah ... Portland. -
Review from Elizabeth E.
Portland, OR
8/27/2007
I'm a gym junkie. I've belonged to at least 7 or 8 gyms and have visited MANY more than that in my quest to find my favorite place to work out. Overall, this location is among one of the best I've tried.
This is clearly where the Pearl hard-bodies like to come and work-off last night's happy hour cocktails and treats which is really my way of saying there are quite a few who come here to be seen and checked out. However, this place is a far cry from some of the meat-markets I've worked out in because there are plenty of people just working-out and plenty more who seem old enough to not try and hook dates at the gym.
24 Hour Fitness really has everything else going for it: good quality classes (plenty of yoga to meet my schedule), clean machines, a wide variety of free weights and lifting equipment, and a big enough set of cardio machines that I don't have to wait for a machine during the Monday 6pm rush. They even have 2 whole rowing machines (this is rare for gyms and a huge plus for me). The only reason it doesn't get more stars is because I don't care for the women's locker room, and they need a better sit-up/streching space. Otherwise, great place and reasonable rates.
**Update: Yoga with Brian will kick your butt and give you a near zen-like experience (since your muscles will be so deliriously tired that you'll have no choice but for peace to wash over your body).
