Providence Health & Services

Very put off by Providence system’s treatment of health care customers (I dislike the word ‘patient’). They have a policy that, even if you are sick or hurting, you have to wait several weeks to see the medico of your choice, if it’s for the first time (It is NOT that appts. are not available earlier). I’m new to the area and trying to set up new medical relationships, and I keep running into this. The reason given to the sick or hurting person (which I am at the moment) is that ‘it is our policy’.
It appears that Adventist Health is not so lacking in compassion, and will try to treat the ill in a more timely manner. It’s a shame that so many of my ‘preferred providers’ are tied into the Providence system.

Looking to meet some hottie or show off your svelte body in your high tech, ultra wicking new gym clothes? Want to take a class in the newest Zumba/​aerial yoga/​stripaerobics/​boot camp/​stand on your head for an hour, all mixed into one? Into 2 am workouts after you hit the bar? Like to catch up on all your phone calls and MTV while walking on the treadmill in a sea of a few hundred other people just like you? Okay, well stop reading this and go read another gym review because this isn’t the place for you.
If you do want a small, unpretentious, personalized gym where the staff knows you by name and there’s almost never a wait for the workout equipment, then keep reading.
Hands down, the biggest reason I keep coming back is because of the group fitness classes. Some great workouts to be had, my favorite is Diane’s strength class, re: free weights, resistance, with some cardio intervals. It will kill you. When I first started I pretty much thought I was going to lose my breakfast in front of the whole class and looked back to see an 80 year old woman lifting the same amount of weights as I was and she had been doing this class longer than I’ve been alive. (By the way she’s the coolest and strongest 80+ person I’ve ever met and yes, I eventually bumped up my weights enough to pass her). Another favorite, albeit crowded class is Al’s Saturday cardio class which is a step class with some free weight intervals, it’s always different, always challenging and you can’t help but leave with a smile. The members who take these classes are extremely friendly and will make you feel like a regular in no time. Other offerings include yoga, pilates, etc. The instructors are really well trained and you usually leave class with a bit more fitness/​nutrition knowledge than what you came with.
The facilities are small but clean, enough cardio equipment and weight stations for everyone without a wait. There’s also a whirlpool and sauna. They offer personal training and massage for an extra fee. I would put the average age of members around 45 or 50 as I think a lot are referred by the surrounding clinic. P. S. You get a discount if you are a Providence Health Plan member or are referred by your MD. Rates are $ 52 per month for singles, $ 86 couples, $ 101 for families, plus the enrollment fee. You don’t have to be a member to just take the classes, you can buy coupons and present them at the beginning of the class.
I only gave this place 4 stars because I’d like to see extended hours (currently 5am-​10pm M-​Th, 5am-​8pm F, 8am-​6pm, Sa, Su) and more class offerings.
If this place becomes more crowded because I’ve let you in on my super secret workout place, do me a solid and let me have your elliptical for a bit so I can burn off all these beer calories.