Crunch Fitness — Attraction in Portland

If you enjoy having your workout dictated by whatever machine you can jump on or whatever little amount of space you can find, then maybe you'll like it here. They're beyond over-crowded, and still signing people up.

Speaking of signing people up, if you think you'll save time by signing up online, don't think that. They have the WORST ran line known to mankind. There's a guy that just stands there and it looks like he's trying to navigate the people that walk through the front door, but I don't think he makes the slightest difference. People that walk-in and sign up have to fill out paper work, right? Well, they get to fill out their paperwork and hold up the line, even though there are people that have signed up online that ONLY need their picture taken and to pick up their card. Realistically, you can do two of those online people before that other person is done with their papers. And that probably would've saved 15 minutes of my life alone. Think of how many other lives it could've helped.

So, let me get back to it being extremely over-crowded. The whole lobby is packed with people whenever I've gone. And then after fighting past those people to scan my card, I have to run around between aisles to find an open machine. Any machine. Weights, cardio, whatever. Every machine has someone on it. Even the floor area has people laying across it doing poorly executed sit-ups or planks. I looked into a Zumba class and it was shoulder to shoulder. Gross. And I've tried different times of day ever since they opened. I'm on this side of town (after getting off work) around 4:00. My boyfriend and I have tried going directly after work. We've tried the next hour. The next hour. And the next hour. So apparently, the only time you might not have to wait for a machine, is around 10:00pm. Well, I'll be generous and say maybe around 9:30pm. And it's still pretty busy, but there's a handful of open machines vs fighting for one. And again, they're STILL signing people up. Good for their business, bad for anyone that was hoping to workout.

And this is everything I don't like since after this gym has opened. I had a problem as soon as I signed up because their website is misleading. It said NOTHING about the fact that it wasn't open or it was going to open in late February. It also linked to email addresses and phone numbers that weren't connected, so I couldn't figure out why they already charged me for something that wasn't actually open. I had to email corporate just to get the actual owner's attention. Of course, THEN he responded. He said when I went in, he'd give us a t-shirt for our troubles. I got jack squat. Not that I really need a shirt, but I don't like being told I'd be given something for being mislead, and then not getting anything. Why? Because I'm being mislead again, DUH.

So yeah, unless you like your time being wasted and spending most of your gym time just hoping a machine you want to be on will open up, I'd avoid this one. It's cheap, but you might as well not pay anything for how much time you just spend waiting around...

Crunch Fitness is a great gym for working out, thanks to its spacious layout and ample equipment. Personally, I've grown a lot as a fitness enthusiast here. The general manager, if it's still Scott Soto, has been a fantastic personal trainer (he trained my father for many years and I've done a session with him years ago) who has always fostered a strong sense of community at this location.

However, my review is not a reflection of the gym's management but rather a critique of the policies set by higher-ups who do not consult the staff responsible for sales and implementation of these policies. The cancellation process for memberships is intentionally frustrating, requiring members to send a letter via snail mail or come in-person. This outdated practice (hello, it's 2024) feels like a tactic to retain customers’ money rather than prioritize their needs. In today’s digital age, allowing members to cancel online (like most subscription services) would greatly enhance Crunch's reputation. Alternatively, allowing cancellation via email could provide valuable insights into members’ reasons for leaving, helping to address any shortcomings in services or customer care. When I signed up, I had to sign nothing for Crunch to have access to my bank account and to access the building. Interesting. 🤔

It's disheartening that gyms like Crunch, which offer low-cost memberships, often profit from people who purchase memberships but don't use them. If every member were to show up regularly, the gym would likely be overcrowded.

As a manager of an ethical studio in Portland, I would never resort to such tactics to maintain revenue, especially from individuals in lower socioeconomic statuses. For many Crunch members, this may be the only affordable gym option. Additionally, the membership contract is lengthy and complicated, making it challenging for some members to fully understand their commitment without legal assistance.

I maintain my membership at Crunch primarily for its proximity to my home. While my studio is cleaner and I can workout for free and have a lifetime membership, I appreciate the opportunity to exercise anonymously, without interruptions from others seeking help with their memberships or equipment. For me, working out is vital "me time" and a crucial part of my emotional well-being.

The TL;DR of this review: I urge anyone considering a Crunch membership to weigh these factors and think carefully about entering into a contract with such a burdensome cancellation policy.

TO THE RESPONSE FROM BUSINESS BELOW:

It’s clear you didn’t read my review. I know your cancellation policy—and it’s not the best, it’s outdated and deliberately difficult. I signed up, charged my card, and accessed the facility with no proof of identity. As a former Crunch employee almost a decade ago, I spent hours dealing with angry members still being charged after trying to cancel. At my current facility, members can cancel anytime via email or online, no signature needed. Crunch’s policies are unethical, and I hope this saves someone the frustration your ex-members...

Updated 3/11 after employees respond.

Thank you for responding, but I’m troubled by the way my son’s experience is being minimized. These comments weren’t “misunderstandings” — they were unkind and unprofessional. Referring to a 26-year-old man’s financial independence by saying he could “buy his mommy a special gift” is patronizing and inappropriate. There’s no way to frame the cruel comment made on his birthday — pretending someone called for him, only to say “No one! No one asked for you!” — as a harmless joke.

My son deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, not made the target of belittling remarks. I truly hope this situation leads to a greater understanding of the importance of kindness, empathy, and professionalism — for my son’s sake and for every member who walks through your doors. Hoping this reaches corporate;

Concern review:

I am writing to formally express my deep frustration and concern regarding the treatment my son has received at your Division and 122 Portland, Oregon-facility. My son, who is now 26 years old and on the autism spectrum, has been a loyal member of this location since he was 16. He thrives on routine, and this facility has been an important part of his life.

Over the years, he has mentioned instances where the manager, Scott, has made inappropriate and belittling comments toward him. One example is when Scott said, “You don’t work, so does your mommy have to take care of you?!”—an entirely unprofessional and unacceptable remark. Most recently, on his birthday, Scott mockingly told him, “Someone called asking for you.” Naturally, my son, excited on his birthday, asked who it was. Scott then cruelly responded, “No one! No one asked for you!”

It is appalling that a grown man, especially one in a managerial position, would treat someone this way. My son is a participant in the Silver & Fit program, which supports individuals with disabilities. As a manager, Scott should be well aware of my son’s special needs and conduct himself with professionalism and respect. Furthermore, I want to make it explicitly clear that my son is financially independent—he simply requires assistance with managing his finances, which, frankly, is none of Scott’s business.

This behavior is beyond unprofessional; it is mean-spirited and completely unacceptable. My son has asked me not to take action because he fears retaliation from this so-called manager, which is even more concerning. However, I cannot in good conscience allow this to continue.

I expect corporate to investigate this matter immediately and take the necessary corrective action. I look forward to a prompt response and a resolution to ensure that no one else has to endure this type...