Health Club

Specialties

Health Club is a worker-​owned /​body-​positive /​community-​centered barbell gym in Portland, OR. We offer people of all shapes, sizes and identities the opportunity to learn transformative movement techniques with their friends in a fun and cozy environment. Services, pricing, scheduling, and payment options are designed to be flexible in meeting you wherever you are!

History

Established in 2015.

At one time we thought weightlifting seemed inaccessible, superficial, & intimidating. Then we actually tried it, & learned that using our bodies to exert force against weighted barbells was somehow one of the most bold & empowering things we would ever do. We tried to unlearn the conventional standards & stereotypes of who can (or should) lift, but it became exhausting & expensive hopping from gym to gym after every negative experience, so we canceled our last membership & hung our heads in defeat.

It became clear that the only option was to create our own space, for ourselves, our friends & anyone else who has shared our struggle, to be able to lift in full celebration of everyone’s many types of bodies and identities. We wanted a gym that was affordable, body-​positive, socially & physically comfortable, identity-​conscious & that offered simple, safe techniques and equipment to help people get & feel stronger in body and spirit. We named it HEALTH CLUB, & here we are.

Meet the Business Owner

Worker Owners.

Business Owner

Shanti: free-​thinkin’ FNP /​backyard farmer & fermenter /​squatter extraordinaire

Davey: musician /​genderqueer thinker /​food and nutrition nerd

Leah: rebellious RN /​curvy queerdo /​NW jewitch