Studio X

StudioX is a great place both for hard-core fitness junkies and total non-jocks like myself. I was a bit intimidated when I first read some of the class descriptions on StudioX's website, but, as other reviewers have noted, all the trainers are really great at modifying things so you can both work at your own level and be challenged in a really good way. If, like me, you are someone who would opt to suffer through another year of high school trigonometry or French II again rather than get within 100 miles of a 24 Hour Fitness or a Bally's but you also want to be challenged to move beyond your own preconceived limits of what you think you are capable of, StudioX is a great choice. There's no attitude here, no-one trying to get you to upgrade to anything (there's nothing to upgrade to; wow, what a concept, huh?), or upsell you, or whatever the current marketing term is. In fact, there's no membership at all. You just pay for the classes you want to take, and that's it. You can purchase a punch card of 10 classes and save a few bucks if you decide to become a regular like me, or you can just pay as you go one class at a time. Your first week is free, no obligation. You can take as many classes as you like to get a feel for the different classes and trainers, and you're set up with a one-on-one hour with one of StudioX's trainers. This will be one of the people who also teach the group classes, and, if you like this person's style, which odds are very good you will, you can start to take classes with them along with some of the other teachers there. I've been going to StudioX for a little over three months and have found all of the trainers to be very professional and very dedicated to helping you work toward achieving your own fitness goals. Each trainer at StudioX has their own individual style. Some may work better for you personally than others, but, to a person, they are all serious about what they are doing. For me, StudioX is one of those places that represents the best of Portland. It's that perfect combination of a very professionally-run business -- one that offers its clients genuine value and real service -- and down-home Portland funkiness and lack of pretension. After less than four months of working out at StudioX, I'm amazed at how far my fitness, energy level, etc. have come. more

I've come to Studio X for three years and swear by it! I'm a huge fan of the boot camp classes on Tuesday and Thursday nights and Saturday mornings with JANAN! Janan is a motivating instructor who will give you personalized instruction as needed while working out in a circuit group. Each week is an entirely different custom routine, so it never gets old. You'll see and feel results almost immediately because the workouts are intense and focus on your entire body and cardio. My friend did 2 workshops a week before her wedding and lost 20 lbs. Check it out, you'll love it! Pros: knowledgeable staff, private environment, motivating group! Cons: you might start getting hit on a lot for looking so good! more

I have worked with most of the StudioX staff to varying degrees, and all of them are highly knowledgeable and bring a different ""style"" to their work. The constant is their professionalism and enthusiasm- they all have got it. It is easy to find a trainer who ""clicks"" for you, or you can just bounce from different group class to group class to fit your mood. Pros: Atmosphere, personalized attention, results Cons: Sometimes it's tough to get out of bed the next day! more

I started with Studio X in 2008. It was a give to myself for my 40th birthday. Tim Irwin, owner/trainer, introduced me to the hell of the personal training hour. And by 'hell', I mean a 'good place that I had never been before'. Being pushed to my physical limit, even after feeling like collapsing, should be the goal of all who enlist a personal trainer. Tim has no interest in coffee-talk training, rather he makes you feel good about yourself by making you feel better, guiding you to eat healthier, and allowing you to be your own guide in how 'fit' you want to become. It's a good trifecta believe me. His personal touch, though, allows time prior and post workout for catching up and chit-chatting. His focus is on his client. For 60 minutes. Solely. I dabbled in 'big gym trainers' who spend more time at the mall or texting or looking around the gym than focusing on the profession of physical fitness. Tim's dedication is 100%, 24/7, 365 days a year. He has built a wonderful niche gym designed to make you feel at home and good about yourself, and I would recommend him and Studio X Fitness any day of the week! Pros: Ambience, Dedication and Knowledge of Staff more

I am clear that the trainers and staff here really want to make a difference for their clients. I've put my money down a couple times for the trainers at the ""big box"" gyms and didn't see significant results. Studio X works as hard for me as they make me work when I get there. I cannot recommend them enough. more

I am a long distance runner with back and hip problems and decided it was time to do some cross training to strengthen my back. I discovered Studio X here on City Search and am so happy I did. The venue is private so I don't have to worry about people on treadmills watching me (or hearing me). My private personal trainer is Janan and she kicks butt! She has designed a program for me to strengthen my many physical weaknesses. When I first started I couldn't even do push ups, let a lone sit ups or crunches. Janan has been able to train me to the point that I am amazed at what I am able to do. I'm planning on challenging my husband to arm dips and crunches! I also go to Janan's Tuesday nite boot camp. Holy crappola, you have to do her boot camp, it's a hour of fun and sweating! I've also started Pilates with Becca who has this uncanny ability to talk you through perfect form - she knows when you have not engaged the right muscles and is able to give you a really great verbal ""visual"" for you to know what to do. I was a beginner at Pilates and Becca took the time with me to help me not feel stupid understanding some of the positions. Janan, Becca and Donna (the massage therepist) are all the best, not to mention Tim's boundless energy and enthusiasm - what a cheerleader! I highly recommend this studio particularly for beginners and athletes! Pros: Great for all fitness levels. Private workouts. Caring Staff. Cons: Nada! more

Punk Rock Boot Camp with Janan will totally kick your butt, in a good way. She knows her stuff and is very encouraging and motivating, not to mention fun and entertaining. Studio X has a great atmosphere, positive, fun and definitely not a meat market. Great prices too. more

I first joined studio x to get into shape for vacation, since that time I have been working with Janan and she is amazing! She is supportive yet able to whoop me into to shape all at the same time. If your used to working out in a cramped space at the gym all eyes fixed on you as you go through a routine with your trainer this is a refreshing space. Its one on one (no one else to snicker at you or oogle) just you and the trainer and your routine, and when I say your routine its not the same routine the last person just did with your trainer. Its inviting and everyone is very nice and easy to get along with. I also take her punkrock bootcamp class (which is a great way to get in a workout) and take pilates classes with becca. If your like me and don't want everyone else to watch you sweat this is the place for you!! Pros: 2 thumbs up!! Theres parking and close to everywhere! more

I love this gym. I started out working out with Janan - who is AWESOME by the way. I have added the Pilates with Becca - also awesome, and massage with Donna - who is massagetastic. The trainers are upbeat, energizing and FUN. I love my workouts and the space is SO GREAT. Close in SE location - on the way to everywhere. I bike over and then Janan kicks my A$$. Pros: The trainers, the space, the location, the hours, the classes Cons: Can't think of anything con to say. more

The studio is amazing. Tim has really put his heart and soul into creating an atmosphere that promotes success - both for his staff and their clients. Clients have the option for group sessions that are extrememly challenging at any level of fitness, as well as one on one sessions for a more personalized approach. I would recommend Studio X to anyone I know. Pros: Personal Training, Group Classes and MORE! more

This is not 24 Hour Fitness or Bally's!!! If you want an efficient, effective workout, nutirition guidelines and positive, constructive support, then Studio X is your place. The warm up routine is more than you get at other gyms in town. Moreover, Tim like animal. Pros: The workout program works for anyone that will take the time to follow it. Cons: It isn't easy! more

Exercising is not my favorite activity and I'm not that athletic, but I am a complete fan of Studio X. The space is intimate, well-designed, very user friendly and close-in to downtown Portland. It is such a pleasure to work out in a quiet, private and focused space. But the real gem of this gym is the owner, Tim Irwin. I first began working with Tim after I fell while running on a trail and fractured my upper arm in eight places. The orthopedist warned me that if I did not do a rigorous program of physical therapy I could develop ""frozen shoulder"" and lose as much as 25% of my range of motion. Traditional physical therapy worked for the first few weeks after the injury, but progress quickly stalled. I went to see Tim and he designed a program for me to do both in-studio and at home to work gently but steadily to increase my range of motion without causing undue pain or risk. His plan was extremely effective and, despite the fact that I am in my 50's, I have hadly any loss of range of motion in my arm. SInce then I have worked with Tim to develop a better sense of balance and more stable movement as well as strength. Tim is extremely knowledgeable and confident without being cocky. He is a good listener and adapts his approach to his widely varied clientele. I have never been injured doing workouts that he recommends. Unlike most gym trainers, Tim can work with a wide age range--I referred my 78 year old mother to him and she thought he was great. In sum, Studio X is unique space run by a consummate professional who is talented, committed and yet easy-going. I recommend it whole-heartedly. I just wish I did more of what Tim tells me to do! Pros: Staff professionalism, design, value, location more

I echo all the praise! I work out with Amy, and she's awesome. I have some shoulder injuries I need to work around and she's been great about designing a work out that respects my limitations but still kicks my butt. Everyone I've met there is super friendly - relaxed but also enthusiastic about people's efforts to get or stay in shape, whatever stage they're in. It's really a great spot. Pros: friendly staff, convenient neighborhood location, great attitude, great workouts more

If your only experience with personal training is at the big-box gyms, Studio X is a happy surprise: Pros: High-quality 1-1 attention in a private, clean, well-equipped environment Cons: None that I can think of more

Tim, and the rest of the Studio X team are truly excellent. From the minute you walk down bright hallway through an anassuming doorway, to the minute you leave, you'll notice the positive difference from other gyms. Everything is set up in a comfortable, clean, modern way, and that's just the beginning. I was amazed, when I first started, by the level of energy he and the team expend in order to create a completely unique and personal approach to fitness. From massage or yoga in one of the beautifully decorated upper-level rooms, to the high ceilings and modern chic take on a warehouse redo-which is both hip and comfortable, this spot is NOT like any other. If you want to actually BE fit, this is the spot for you. The trainers always customize the workout to reflect what your body needs. Whether you're there for basic fitness, sports training, injury rehabilitation, or just something different than the tired meat-market at so many other gyms, Studio X always makes the extra effort to fit your needs. Whenever I finish the most rigorous of workouts, I'm left with a sense of accomplishment and renewed strength. I love that I don't have to wait around for machines or deal with a crowd to be fit. It's much more focused and realistic than any other gym I've been to. If you really want to create balance and efficiency in your body, then Tim and the rest of the team at Studio X will inspire, encourage, and enable a complete level of fitness that will really make everything else in life easier and more manageable. more

I don't know what I'd do without Studio X. I found out about them through an ex coworker and decided to give the personal training a try (for the first time ever). It was an incredible experience and by far the best and hardest workout I've ever had. In addition to the personal training, I've been attending their boot camp class during the week. It's AWESOME! These guys are so motivating and they really make it a fun place to burn serious calories. I can honestly say that this is the first time in my life that I actually look forward to working out. I HIGHLY recommend Studio X!!!!!! more

I don't have enough good things to say about Tim and his crew. My wife made arrangements for a consultation for the both of us back in October and I must say I was more than a little reluctant. The hardest step when you have really gotten out of shape is taking the first step....of course I'd done this before with varying degrees of success. Pros: Excellent Personal Attention, Good Value, Results! more

Studio X has a wide variety of classes and everyone connected with the place seems to be genuinely interested in the full picture for everyone who goes there - they talk about diet and repetitive motion issues, what kind of shoes you ought to wear, are you stretching, stuff like that - as well as the nuts and bolts of the exercises at hand. I feel it is one of those places that can be truly transformative - if YOU want it to be. The trainers are right there with you every step of the way. It is very cheap, very flexible, and they make it easy to try new classes (first one is FREE!) I'm in pretty good shape and I can already feel the difference because they are pushing my limits - it could not be more individualized. Pros: Great value, lots of personal attention, very flexible scheduling Cons: First time, it is hard to find more

Studio X Fitness is great! The trainers are fantastic and encouraging. They provide personalized training workouts that are challenging to every fitness level. I don't love working out but I LOVE working out at Studio X. Pros: Fantastic! Affordable! Encouraging! Inviting! Cons: None. more

Tim is very motivating and will get you results if you want them! The industrial studio space is clean and in a great area. I love this place! more