★ 5

I don't have a membership here. I get to go to the powerlifting meets they throw occasionally. The entire staff is awesome. This is one of the best gyms I've ever been to. I wish I could afford the price. I love all the guys there.

P.S. After talking with ownership, I am now a member. Been working out here for over a month. Very happy to be with ironside!

Source: Google

★ 5

Best gym in Portland, hands down

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I love Ironside! I’ve been training with Nat for 9 months and I feel stronger than I ever have. Amazing coaching and community⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

IRONSIDE TRAINING is a rare combo of professionalism and convenience. It’s calm and focused here, no unnecessary noise, and the 24/7 access makes it easy to fit a workout into any schedule. I love boxing, and the gym has everything you need: a ring, punching bags, machines — all top-notch. Even with a busy work schedule and tons of projects, it’s great to drop in and focus on myself. This place is all about discipline, strength, and focus — perfect for anyone who values their time and wants to get the most out of their training.

Source: Google

★ 5

Ironside Training is the best Strength gym in Portland. Full stop. It has the equipment you need to get strong. It has the community you need to be accountable. It has the coaches you need to break past your limits. I have been lifting heavy for about 15 years now and I cannot recommend a gym more highly than I do Ironside.

Source: Google

★ 5

Awesome place, solid equipment for powerlifting or weightlifting, and the staff and trainers are all great! Been going here off and on throughout the years now, and they keep getting better.

Source: Google

★ 5

I started training at Ironside in August 2021. I signed up for semi-private coaching with Coach Patrick. And man have I come a LONG way! I am now a nationally competitive powerlifter and it's all thanks to Ironside! Coach Patrick taught me proper form, new training techniques, and built me up inside and out - on top of getting REALLY strong, I have overcome a lot of mental health issues that I've struggled with for years. On top of that I made a lot of friends- Ironside is an inclusive space where all are welcome! I have met some of my best friends there and it has been a joy to train together! It's more than a gym - it's a community. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

Source: Google

★ 5

Ironside is more than a gym. It's a supportive community that will push you to your best and strongest self. One of the best decisions I have made in recent memory was walking in these doors.

Source: Google

★ 1

It's probably a great gym if you have money to spend on a personal trainer or you really know what you're doing, but I wouldn't go back. I've been working out at Planet Fitness for about a year and I've put on a decent bit of muscle, but I was really excited to finally use barbels and work on my stabilizers. I also have lumbar and cervical herniations, so I've avoided squats and deadlifts, etc.

When I asked the person at the front desk if they could show me how to deadlift with proper form, he cited me hourly coaching prices and told me to look it up on YouTube. YouTube can't really tell you if you're arching your back too much or going to deep, or putting yourself at risk of injury.

They also didn't have much in the way of machines, and a lot of what they did have was unfamiliar. Lying hamstring curls instead of seated curls and so on -- things I didn't feel comfortable asking how to use. One of the trainers was polite enough to point out where some of the equipment was, but she was busy coaching a client and I didn't want to interrupt with more detailed questions.

It's a shame too. This was within walking distance of my apartment.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

This is the most wholesome, inclusive gym I’ve ever been to in my life. I’ve been training here for the past year and a half, and have found incredible community with Ironside members. Full of geeks, goobers and genuinely wonderful people.
The coaches are all fantastic. They really know what they’re doing, and have the know-how to help you work through any current or old injuries that might be in your way. It also helps that the gym has a physiotherapist available who is well versed in barbell medicine.
I cannot recommend this gym enough.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I am stronger than the foundation for my house

Source: Google

★ 5

I don't know why it's taken this long for me to write a review for this place I love so much. I'll be a lifer at Ironside. It's the first gym I've been to that feels legit welcoming, inclusive, and like a community. I've also experienced such incredible progress in just two years - and that's coming from a lifelong movement addict. There's an atmosphere of celebration at Ironside, even if you're lifting 50lbs next to someone training for a meet that's lifting 500lbs. Everyone *literally* cheers each other on for every single ounce of progress. I've also never been to a space with a more diverse range of people in terms of body type, gender, race, and age. It's so hard to feel bad about your own body at all, when there's someone that looks just like you in the rack next to you, absolutely killing it and encouraging you to do the same. The standard coaching rates are pretty high for my personal budget, but - I cannot stress this enough - they're worth every single dollar. The staff also works hard to make sure the gym is accessible no matter your budget, with scholarships and sliding scale agreements. I train with Rachel and they're the best one (sorry to all the other trainers, it's true). Lastly, I've never EVER felt ogled or uncomfortable here as a woman. To the contrary, I think that if anyone looked at me sideways I'd have a circle of muscly friends at my back instantly, saying that kind of thing is NOT tolerated at Ironside. It's cool here. You should join.

Source: Google

★ 5

Best powerlifting gym in Portland and great community.

Source: Google

★ 5

I worked out here a couple times while in Portland for a week and it is truly an amazing place! VERY reasonable weekly rate, fantastic space and equipment, and a very friendly community, even to just some rando drop in like me. I wish I could give it more stars. Highly, highly recommended!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Real deal lifting gym

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★ 5

Never felt stronger, capable and safe in my form thanks to Casey!

Source: Google

★ 5

Have visited many times when coming to Portland. Quick to respond about drop ins. Plenty of space for you and whatever programming you do. Olympic Weightlifting, powerlifting, strength training, cardio. Will be back every trip. Thanks guy! 🤘

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

This place is awesome. I did a drop in during a work trip and they were friendly and happy to have me. They have great quality equipment, big energy, and some very talented athletes. If I lived here I would join in a heart beat!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym. I’m impressed by their constant improvements to the open gym area. Just in my time as a member, they’ve added: new squat racks, new deadlifting areas, fresh bumper plates, and a hip thrust machine.

Also highly appreciate their transparency and flexibility with membership. I travel back to the east coast ~2 months out of the year and it’s super easy to pause my monthly payments.

Overall highly recommend this gym!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Devon is a G, Gretchen is a G. nice job

Source: Google

★ 5

Awesome Gym! Gretchen is my powerlifting coach and she is extremely knowledgeable and fun to work with. I have had low back pain in the past, and had some fear lifting weights again and working with a new coach. In just a few months with patience and strategic programing I'm pain free, fearless, and my lifts feel and look better than ever!
The gym is clean, the staff is friendly, and overall has good vibes and fun music.
Look no further! Ironside has all you need!

Source: Google

★ 5

The facilities are first-rate, and the staff, especially my trainer Brady, are exceptional. Everyone here is knowledgeable, welcoming, and truly motivating. Big thanks to the whole team for creating such a supportive environment. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a great gym experience.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Ironside is an incredible training facility. “Gym” doesn’t quite capture what’s going on here, as this is a community full of all kinds of people who are working hard to get stronger. A lot of gyms will advertise inclusivity, but I think Ironside actually makes it part of their purpose, which is very cool. It is one of the few gym environments that i have encountered where all types of people, and I mean everyone, can truly thrive.

The trainers here are all competent and clearly practice what they preach. None of them seem to put their clients through trendy nonsense, from what I have observed, so if you are looking for a “get fit quick” scheme, this may not be the place for you. However, if you want to work hard under the instruction of a qualified professional, then sign up today.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Wanted to train on a Sunday morning while visiting in Portland and these guys were so unbelievably helpful. They got me in for a day pass and annswered all of my many questions. Rachel helped me find spotters when I didn’t know anyone and even let borrow a phone charger when mine was dead. Great atmosphere and even better staff !

Source: Google

★ 5

This Gym and my trainer Natalie Smith are top-of-the-game good. I found Natalie on IG when a friend posted about her. I’ve been looking for the one for a looong time. This industry is full of people who are FOS, so Natalie is a breath of fresh air! I have an extensive fitness and nutrition history, checked out blogs she had written, and knew she was up-to-date, and could teach me things. She’s on the leading edge of the new science around all of the disciplines that training involves, human motivation, nutrition, kinesiology…I’m impressed by what she knows and can teach me, and she can backs it up. I’ve worked with her for several months now, through a broken ankle and some times when my head wasn’t in it. Props because Natalie responds to hardship like she is a trauma-informed professional. She gets me through every time by focusing on empowerment - no shame game here. I love this gym environment also. I’ve been with many gyms in many states. This is a rare community. I always feel welcome. There is a friendly, happy, empowered vibe. No one is trying to get you to join their cult like some gyms, but you will always be invited. There isn’t any pretentiousness. The playlists are always hitting, and it is inclusive of all bodies getting strong. The owner greeted me when I first started with “you here to get strong with us?” Yes, please. All of my interactions with coaches and members has been good. These people are just good vibes, so you can focus on your training. Equipment is in good condition and you have everything you need. I love having an open air sunny spot to work out in with the bay door. The structure of the semi-private work on blocks is very organized and well done. This is not a traditional 80’s style gym with a front desk and sales people. This is an athletes gym for people who can use Venmo to pay for their snacks. If you have questions, there are coaches everywhere and they are all happy to help. My opinion is that Ironside is very worth the coins!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Great place with great staff. My trainer is Devon, very invested in your progress and very encouraging. I have a few different health issues, that not that bad but compiled with my laziness made it hard to go consistently due to feeling tired and weak. But he really worked around what I can do, but at the same time pushing me to do better.

Great place if you know you need extra encouragement.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Best powerlifting gym in the Portland metropolitan area hands down. Doesn't get the recognition it deserves. Lots of space, equipment, good community and puts on lot of events.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 4

Been coming here for a few months. It’s great for what it is. I come during daytime hours and it’s normally not busy until about 4pm. Price is comparable to others I’ve been to and I appreciate the 24/7 accessibility. The other gym patrons are friendly and respectful, too!

I do wish there was someone at the front desk consistently to help. The women’s bar in the machine area has been stuck for a while now and I’m too small to get it free. At other lifting gyms, there’s normally someone I can ask. I know employees go and powerlift in the other room, but it’s not clear if someone’s on shift or just working out in their spare time, so I don’t want to bother them.

Also when there’s a training group there, it’s super disruptive to the people trying to work out around them. Understandably, they need to be there, but I hope they can start posting when these sessions are so we can avoid coming during those times and waiting a long time to use the one machine available.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

This is an incredibly special place. I learned powerlifting here, but I also found a community. Patrick has built so much more than a facility with coaches. Coming up on a 1000 lb total, soon!

Source: Google

★ 5

Looking for a strength-focused gym that allows you to not feel judged and avoid a "bro-type" of vibe? This is THE place for you! They have such a great assortment of equipment which allows you to try new things whenever you want. The pricing is great for everything offered. I love being able to practice with the same equipment that one would use in competition. 24 hour access is wonderful. I think the only drawback is that due to the area, parking is street only and often requires a fee. Otherwise, this is definitely home away from home and creates a strong sense of community.

Source: Google

★ 5

One of the best training facilities in the Portland area. Has every single thing you want. Plus, experience coaching. My go to place every time I'm in the area. 👉💪👍

Source: Google

★ 5

THE place to go for powerlifters. If you love powerlifting meets because you feel like you're surrounded by your people, you can have that every day here! There are also strongman and oly lifters, but my attention is always drawn by the giant deadlifts and squats :D Everyone is welcoming and respectful--no annoying bros giving unsolicited "advice" while hitting on you. No one staring at your butt/body, only at your lifts. And on top of that, it's probably 50/50 men and women here!

Rachel writes great programming, and has really helped improve the solidity of my lifts with her coaching. Highly recommend her as a coach.

I'm half an hour away, which is the farthest I've commuted for a gym, and it is SOO worth it.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been lifting for 10 years and have been to 45 gyms in that period (check my profile under “gyms I’ve been to”). This is up there top 3 powerlifting gyms I’ve been to. It’s not good for body building at all but first class for powerlifting. They also treat Olympic and strongman athletes well.

My favorite part: a ton of kabuki bars, lots of platforms and racks, lots of fat pad benches, belt squat, heavy kettle bells, transformer bar

Source: Google

★ 5

Perfect for a drop-in while travelling! Very friendly staff and LOTS of high quality equipment !

Source: Google

★ 5

It's pretty inevitable that if you walk in the Ironside door, you're gonna get strong (and have fun doing it).

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been a member at Ironside for 3.5 years and have been doing official powerlifting training since February 2022. I can say with complete sincerity that Ironside is the best gym I’ve ever been to. The hours are great and they have nearly every piece of equipment that you could want and are constantly getting new items. All the coaches are incredibly knowledgeable and approachable and training is worth every penny. Outside of that, the community is what makes Ironside so special. You are immediately made to feel like family and I could recommend it more.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Awesome gym! Owner and coaches were super friendly and welcoming.

Source: Google

★ 5

Ironside gym is such an amazing community. I am so grateful for the friends I have made and the strength I've gained in the short time I've been there. The coaches are knowledgeable, supportive, and super freaking cool. Coach Natalie has cultivated such a fun, encouraging, badass, and strong team.
24/7 access, clean, great equipment for strongman, powerlifting, weightlifting.

Source: Google

★ 5

A gym full of strong people with kind hearts. Ironside is an awesome space to get stronger and grow as an athlete. They have a large amount of equipment for everything from weightlifting to strongman. To top it all off, the people who go there are welcoming and some of the hardest workers I know.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Ironside is such an amazing place with amazing people! I did small group training sessions here for a year with Patrick and watched myself and everyone else get stronger and more confident. I’ve never been able to be consistent with fitness before coming here and now I can say that I’ve competed in a USPA Powerlifting meet and I’m officially an athlete! The community at Ironside made it so easy to show up 3 days/ week. I only stopped training at Ironside because I left the Pacific Northwest — otherwise I’d definitely still be there.
It’s very much worth paying more than what you pay at 24 Hr Fitness. You get so much more bang for your buck. Would highly recommend to anyone who’s wanting to get stronger!

Source: Google

★ 5

They've created such an incredibly warm and supportive environment where you really feel safe and encouraged to push yourself. I get so excited to come lift 😊

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Welcoming and supportive environment, even for a total gym n00b who wants to learn to pick up heavy things!

Source: Google

★ 5

This gym has EVERYTHING for the beginner and experienced gym goer. From powerlifting, to strongman, to Oly weight lifting, and just "functional fitness", Ironside has an impressive amount of equipment and space. The vibe is welcoming and the coaches are knowledgeable and friendly. I've been a member for over 5 years and I can't imagine going anywhere else!

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent gym. All the equipment you need in an efficient space. This place is any lifters dream; 24/7 access to clean, orderly weights. Also, the staff was super efficient and helpful starting up a membership.

Source: Google

★ 5

I was in town for the week and needed a place to train a couple of days. Very clean, well equipped facility. People were really nice and they had drop-in hours, and the fee was reasonable.

Source: Google

★ 5

Coach Chelsea is awesome! I just started weightlifting a month ago. I was very nervous to start something new at an intimidating place like a weightlifting gym, but everyone makes you feel very welcome, no matter your previous experience at a gym. The coaches are great at teaching proper form and training your body correctly, and sometimes we cry about it haha but you gotta start somewhere. 👏🏻 Thanks y’all

Source: Google

★ 5

I love this gym. The community is fantastic, the coaches are knowledgeable and friendly, and it has all the gear a powerlifter could need.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

My boyfriend and I went to this gym while we were vacationing in Portland. The gym was clean, had a great atmosphere, and plenty of powerlifting equipment. Day passes were reasonably priced and it was easy to get ahold of the owner. Highly recommend and will go here again if I’m ever in Portland again.

Source: Google

★ 2

They now charge 3x the price to use their gym with a trainer.

Here is a part of the email everyone received.

If you would like to pause your membership, please let me know by Wednesday 11/18 (if you have not already). Otherwise we will keep them running as last time we shut down the vast majority graciously left your memberships on - for which we remain enormously thankful.

🤦

Their stealing members money after gyms were forced to shut down. They relyed solely off of email for communication to let you know you need to cancel and refunds are not givin.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been at Ironside for only a few months, but I find it to be an excellent gym that is very welcoming and has a fantastic array of equipment.

I also want to give a recommendation to one of the trainers there, Jenna Williams. I pulled a muscle in my back in mid September, I was recommended to Jenna as a trainer who could help me workout the problems. I worked with her for the month of October and she helped me out tremendously. I went from not being able to lift a 200 pound deadlift (warm up set) on the day I hurt myself to being back to normal. She pointed out shoulder and core stability issues and gave me plenty of exercises to do that both fixed the problem while improving strength and stability.

I highly recommend Ironside as a place to workout and if you have any injuries I also highly recommend working with Jenna.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

This power lifting facility is the one I choose because I feel most comfortable there.

Source: Google

★ 5

Ok listen - this is a raw, unpolished, community spot. It's nowhere in the zip code of a globo-gym style setup, and that should really appeal to you. Expert trainers are always there, available to offer tips. The culture is incredibly inviting, safe, and free of judgment. If you've tried getting fit only to feel weird and embarrassed doing exercises you may not be great at, or maybe just uncomfortable with strangers seeing your body, this might be the place you need to hit your goals. Training, exercise programming, diet tips, and good ol fashioned encouragement are all available in an environment that's totally free of the stigma of body ideals. Build your skill in powerlifting, CrossFit style active performance, or a custom regimen. I work with coach Patrick, and I can honestly say he totally changed how I look at fitness.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great community; awesome trainers; safe space for all shapes, sizes and beyond. 10/10 would recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

If you like metal in your hands and ears. This is basically hell on earth. In a good way that is.

Source: Google

★ 5

The only con, for me, is that it's 60/mo, compared to other places. But compared to other places, no where else comes close to rivaling their community, resources, and passion for realistic, healthy living. If you need help professionally, they have amazing and really friendly coaches-- but if you just want to work out to your music and zone out- nobody is trying to shove promotions down your throat. I really like it here so far. I am interested in starting powerlifting eventually! Also I just really like warehouse gyms. They remind me of my days playing sports. The comradery and community is what I value most ar Ironside.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym. They offer a ton of options for training variety and maximize the space. This was the first gym I went to after moving to Portland, there was no need to look any further. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been training with Patrick Thomas for over 3yrs and he is amazing. He helps you reach your goals while providing challenges and support to help you grow. The whole community at Ironside is very supportive and people learn your names quickly. Definitely a part of why I continue to train there. There are free events, classes, meets, and workshop offered too. They are always improving space and getting new equipment in. Would highly recommend Ironside training to anyone looking to train or workout at any age, skill level, gender or race. Everybody is welcome and supported. LGBTQ friendly and safe space for all genders

Edit 11-27-19:
many of the photos here are from a different location and do not depict the amount of new equipment and improvements that have been done on the current location. Mikala is no longer a part of Ironside Training. the person with a one-star review seem to focus on this individual as some type of deal breakers? Not sure why?

Patrick, the current trainers and support staff really make this gym a community and they are passionate about training and supporting all people from walks of life.

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent community. Everyone is always positive and motivating;makes you feel like family.

Source: Google

★ 5

Love this gym. Everyone is really friendly and the equipment is excellent

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

The community is very strong and accepting. Several platforms, racks and bars to choose from. Also has Comp plates.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym: friendly community, people (trainers and clients) say hi and will introduce themselves if your are open to it, trainers know what they are doing and do it well, great for all people whether you are an experienced power lifter or just wanting to get stronger and are willing to step out of your comfort zone. Go to this gym and you will not regret it!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym in the heart of Portland. Perfect for power lifters with a great and friendly staff. Not over priced! Highly recommended.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

My powerlifting journey started a year with a former strength coach at Ironside. Their 24 accessibility works great with my schedule and the monthly membership fee is very fair. Their new location on SE Ankeny has a lot of parking available, especially on the weekends. They have great equipment and I've never waited to use a machine or rack. The owners Patrick and Mikala are nice people and they host monthly events; in addition to powerlifting meets. I also take Isaiah's Wednesday night conditioning class (such a GREAT workout!) Highly recommended overall.

Source: Google

★ 5

I am frequently travelling but whenever I'm back in my Portland home base, I workout at Ironside. The variety of equipment makes working out fun and it's not the kind of gym I've been able to find in other states. They host cool events all the time and the owners Patrick and Mikala have made a notable effort to make their space inclusive and accepting of everyone, whether you've been a fitness buff for years or are just starting!

Source: Google

★ 1

This is going to be a slightly more critical approach, insofar as reviews are concerned. As much as I want to be nice for being nice, it isn’t my thing. I look out for consumers by my very nature. So, let’s start. The people there are really nice. The owners are passionate in what they do and seem to have a keen understanding of what people want. Insofar as management and ownership is concerned, they do what they should be doing: taking care of people. On the other hand, it is important to mention that this gym is diminutive, comparatively speaking to other gyms. It has equipment, but nothing to the level of what you pay your buck for. There are innumerable other gyms that have a similar budget with significantly more physical capital. So, as you can see, the reputation is what instantiates the pristine of the place, as opposed to the actual gym (scroll through the pictures). The culture of the place is very open and nice. However, if you care less about displaying your capabilities and your gym expertise, this place seems a little out of context. My boyfriend went there, and he could sense this aura of a youthful, brazen, sometimes imposing culture. So, if you want to be left alone, do what you do, and do not really care about display, there certainly are alternatives. It was funny to learn, additionally, that the owners were themselves not (Mikala, specifically) even into working out until accompanying Patrick (the individual who had both the financial and physical capital to do this) on this journey. Mikala kind of just wandered into a once in a lifetime career (apparently, she worked at a hair salon). The traffic is also terrible around this place. Sure, it is downtown, but you can use several applications online and actually see that, depending on your commute, this is actually less of an advantage of a commute, as opposed to actually being one. As mentioned, what I hear about this place is the stories of relationships (which is important), as opposed to the gym itself. The reputation vs physical capital is quite apparent. If there was not the former, this place would be out of business.

Source: Google

★ 5

These folks give you the support, knowledge amd equipment you need. The ironside fam is welcoming and has a cool street gym vibe.

Source: Google

★ 5

Everyone is super friendly and if you hate waiting for machines or squat racks they have plenty!

Source: Google

★ 5

Friendly, passionate communal gym. Small and efficient workout space. Each member can use the space at any time, and have access to it without staff being present.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Raw and gritty gym no frills, just train and lift with conviction and passion. They hold weight lifting competition s.

Source: Google