Hollywood Fitness — Local services in Portland

I've been a member here for almost 4 years now and have nothing but good experiences here so far. For new members and people who are new to the gym atmosphere its a great place to come. You don't get the egos that the bigger "Club" can have, its simple for people who are new to the gym scence to come in feel comfortable and build there confidence in the gym. As someone with experiance in fitness this gym is awesome, none of the benchs, seats, incline and decline benches are bolted to the floor like the big clubs, really allowing someone to fully customize ones workout IE: bringing the benches and seats to the cable machines squat racks ect...There's never any wait time to use benches or machines this is really nice when u might be in a rush to get your workout in and get out. Theres tons of weights Dumbells go to 155lbs which is really nice for the bigger lifters. They have a system here also called ActivTrax which for people new to the gym. The program allows the member to go through a few critical exercises then but inputing them into the computer with your results you recieve a customized workout for you as if you had a trainer. Best of all this gym has a really good staff there aren't many of them so you see them all the time. They get to know you by name and always willing to help you out with whatever, be it a spot, or just helping you find a machine. They have great trainers as well my good friend Jeff is one of them come see him he will definitly get you hooked up right. Overall this place has an Awesome atmosphere, great staff and great support for the new to fitness and provides a great workout...

TL;DR- Great Gym, low cost, friendly service, larger than it looks on the outside.

I joined Giants Gym 10 years ago, loved it and came every day. I joined back then because it was cheap and the staff was friendly. I moved out of town after a year and cancelled my membership. I moved back to Portland two years ago and one of the first things I did was come back and re-join. Not much has changed here over the last 10 years except for the name (from Giants Gym to Hollywood Fitness) and the removal of the Giant statue that was in the weight area. Same great staff, George and his wife Sherry (sp?) who run the place are friendly. They obviously care about this place and the people who come here. It's like walking into your favorite bar when you come in. People say hi, its not to crowded, its not to loud, its not to expensive, it's clean, the people remember your name and they remember what you like. If you walk or drive by this place on Sandy you really will not understand how large it is unless you come inside. From the outside it looks like a little storefront gym but once you come in you realize there is a very large area in the back which boasts a wide selection of weights and machines. I have been a member of many gyms, most of them large chains. They had things Hollywood Fitness doesn't have, like a pool or a sauna, but they were also crowded, you would have to wait in line to work out, the staff was not attentive, they were impersonal and there was no parking. Hollywood doesn't offer as many amenities that you likely will use only once a month, but they offer a lower cost and much...

If you are regularly in this area and you have been thinking about joining a gym, JOIN THIS GYM! Every kind of person exersizes here: young and old, every skin color, every weight and body shape-in other words, you will not feel out of place! Do not feel intimidated by the muscle bound men who always seem to be there. They are too busy doing their own thing to judge your abilities. The equipment is old but well maintained. The classes are few and they cost extra, but they feature quality instructors (I have done a few of them, not all). If you want them pay for them and if not, don't. This gym is affordable and they aren't into long term contracts because lives and needs change. They are open 24/7. Understand, there is a learning curve. There is a run through on your first day, then you need to figure out how to use the equipment using a thick manual. But the manual explains it thouroughly. There is a computer that gives you your next workout everytime you go in so your routine gets switched up. It is easy to use. I think that covers it.

Update: It is 5 years later and I still go to this gym. Now I train using an app on my phone that the gym recommends. It is so easy to follow. I have not used them, but the trainers are friendly and professional for anyone who wants to go that route. (They train every type of person so don't assume that service is not for you. If you do better with a trainer or have specific concerns, try it!) Equipment is regularly upgraded. Very clean! Still very...