When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Lloyd Athletic Club
Why Lloyd Athletic Club is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Lloyd Athletic Club, located in the heart of Portland's historic Lloyd District, stands out as an exceptional place for friends to meet up and pursue their fitness goals together. With over 30,000 square feet of space, this gym offers an impressive range of workout options—from group classes like yoga and pilates to extensive free weights and cardio equipment. Unique to Lloyd Athletic Club are its six racquet sport courts (including squash and racquetball), two Max Rooms dedicated to training, and court sports such as basketball, pickleball, wallyball, and handball. The club’s atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, catering to all ages, sizes, and fitness levels, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and supported. Besides physical fitness, members can unwind with amenities like a sauna, steam room, hot tubs, and towel service, helping create a social and relaxing environment. The club also fosters community through friendly, knowledgeable staff and a bar offering cold nutritional drinks and local craft brews. Open seven days a week with flexible hours, Lloyd Athletic Club is more than just a gym; it’s a vibrant space where fitness meets camaraderie and personalized care.
Here's what people think of Lloyd Athletic Club
As of recent, Lloyd Athletic Club holds a 4.5-star rating based on 561 reviews.
User reviews of Lloyd Athletic Club consistently highlight its clean, well-maintained facility and notably friendly and attentive staff. Many reviewers praise the non-corporate, community-driven vibe, which creates a welcoming and supportive environment for gym-goers. Positive feedback centers on the exceptional customer service, especially the helpfulness of front desk staff like Marlena and Bill H., and personal trainers such as Derek, who provide adaptable workout plans and motivation. Members appreciate the wide variety of equipment and amenities, including the hot tub and sauna, as well as the unique court sports and fun features like a Donkey Kong machine. The gym’s atmosphere is described as 'more like a club, less like a big gym,' emphasizing its inclusive and relaxed spirit. Negative reviews are relatively rare but occasionally mention minor inconveniences like occasional crowding or the challenge of understanding membership specials through phone or text. However, the overwhelmingly positive consensus underlines Lloyd Athletic Club’s reputation as Portland’s best gym, with a community feel and excellent facilities. Overall, reviews reflect a place where both fitness and friendships thrive within a welcoming, thoughtfully equipped environment.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Andrew Shepherd
Ive been a gym rat for 50 years. Suffice it to say I KNOW gyms. Text space for reviews is limited but here we go, I'll try to keep it short. Lloyd Athletic club is THE BEST because: The equipment is top of the line There is a lot of space, never crowded Racket ball courts! Many specialty workout rooms Enough dumbbell weight for serious lifters (trust me, I lift!) Family feeling at this gym. No corporate vibe. THE EMPLOYEES ARE TOP NOTCH. All workers from front desk to trainers are long timers. They are well taken care of here and it shows. You do NOT see this in other gyms. Friendly and fit,The trainers know their stuff FREE TOWEL SERVICE!!! Hot tubs They have a bar to socialize in. Tap beer after your workout! Where else you gonna get that??? Oh yeah, and the membership prices beat all the competition. SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??? -A happy customer
SpacePaint
I’ve been a LAC member for 4 years and I love it here. There’s a palpable sense of community and I have always felt welcomed. They’re also always putting money back into the gym to improve things, upgrade equipment, and better serve their members (I was thrilled to come back from college to find a set of brand new bumper plates at the deadlift platform). They don’t have quite as much space as a huge commercial gym might, but they have enough variety of equipment to do almost anything you might be interested in, it really doesn’t feel overly geared towards one style of fitness. If you want a local gym, you really can’t find much better than this!
Amy Chan
I really love this gym. I've been a member for a while, and one of the things I appreciate most is that it’s locally owned and clearly run with care. The staff are always so nice and helpful—it really makes a difference. Whether I have a question about equipment or just need a friendly face at the front desk, they’re consistently welcoming and kind. The variety of classes and equipment is great, and I like that there are different areas to work out in depending on what I’m doing that day. It never feels too crowded, even during peak times, which makes it easier to focus and feel comfortable. I also really appreciate the mix of people who go here. It’s a diverse crowd, and that makes the space feel more relaxed and down-to-earth—not like one of those gyms where everyone’s trying to show off or film Instagram videos. I feel more comfortable being myself, and that helps me stay motivated. All in all, it’s a clean, well-run, welcoming gym that supports a real sense of community. So glad to be part of it.
Mark Johnson-Roberts
I’ve always been happy with Lloyd Athletic. These days, my primary activity is “Stretch Yoga” or, as I call it, Senior Yoga. It’s a chair yoga class. During a break in my membership, I searched the Portland area for another and, as far as I can tell, Lloyd Athletic offers the only resource in town for chair yoga. I found only one other class, and that teacher clearly had no idea how to incorporate a chair into the practice. Not so here. Ten or twelve seniors, every class, and we get a good workout. Justin knows his yoga well, and he always has the right routine for us. The moves change gradually over time, so it always remains entertaining and fun. Like I say, it’s the one thing that keeps me coming back to the gym.
Ryan G
Lloyd Athletic Club works great as a gym, and I'd also add that it has a nice community feel too. The staff are always friendly and know many of the regulars by name. Members are respectful, and the atmosphere is laidback. It has most, if not all, of the weightlifting equipment you might need. Plus it is rarely super crowded, especially outside of peak hours. The sauna, steam room, and hot tub are nice amenities as well. Facility is quite clean.
How to reach Lloyd Athletic Club
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Website: None
Why Lloyd Athletic Club may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Lloyd Athletic Club with your friends? Because it combines an unbeatable atmosphere, diverse fitness options, and welcoming amenities that are perfect for groups looking to socialize while staying active. Rated 4.5 stars from over 560 reviews, Lloyd Athletic Club stands out in Portland for its inclusive, clean, and friendly environment that appeals to all ages and fitness levels. Meeting friends here means you get to enjoy a state-of-the-art gym infused with comfort — think hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, and towel service — creating an inviting space to relax and bond beyond just working out. The club is locally owned and staffed by a team that eschews pushy sales tactics, focusing instead on genuinely helping you find the right membership and experience for your group’s needs and budget. Whether you want a vigorous workout, a soothing recovery time, or just a fun social outing, Lloyd Athletic Club offers the perfect blend of activity, amenities, and community spirit to make your meetup memorable and worthwhile.
What activities does Lloyd Athletic Club offer that make it ideal for group meetups? The club’s fitness options cater to various interests and intensity levels, making it easy to find something for everyone in your group. They offer a wide array of group classes such as yoga and pilates, which are excellent for calming the mind and stretching the body together. For friends who thrive on more dynamic pursuits, facilities include free weights, extensive cardio equipment, racquetball, squash, basketball, pickleball, wallyball, and handball courts. Notably, they have six racquet sport courts and two Max Rooms designed for more personalized or high-intensity training. If the group enjoys something more adventurous and entertaining, there’s even a dedicated pole dancing studio with classes offered multiple days a week. These classes foster community connection and fun, ideal for groups who want to mix fitness with social engagement. Personal trainers are also readily available for those who want expert guidance in a group format or one-on-one, enhancing motivation and results.
Why is Lloyd Athletic Club’s full suite of amenities especially advantageous for groups? More than just a gym, it offers holistic wellness features that foster socializing and relaxation. The club includes luxurious locker rooms, a sauna, steam room, and hot tubs — perfect for unwinding together post-workout or even just hanging out as a group in a comfortable, spa-like setting. Free towel service adds to the convenience, eliminating hassles for everyone. Additionally, there’s a lounge area with a bar serving cold nutritional drinks and local craft beers on tap, creating a casual spot to regroup, chat, and refresh. Parking is plentiful with two secured lots, a big plus when coordinating group visits. These amenities encourage longer stays and foster a club atmosphere where social connections are as important as fitness. For groups wanting a combination of exercise, recovery, and social time, Lloyd Athletic Club excels in providing a balance that’s hard to find elsewhere.
How does Lloyd Athletic Club support inclusivity and accessibility for all group types? The club is proudly focused on being friendly and inclusive, welcoming people regardless of gender, size, age, or ability. It prides itself on being a fitness and wellness community where everyone feels at home. The professional staff emphasizes personalized service without high-pressure sales tactics, ensuring you and your friends can choose memberships or class options that suit your lifestyle and budgets without stress. Multiple class types accommodate beginners to advanced users, so your group can split up but still enjoy equally valuable experiences. The large variety of activities and flexible hours — opening early and closing late seven days a week — accommodate busy schedules and diverse preferences. Whether you’re a group of fitness enthusiasts or casual exercisers wanting to try something new, there’s a welcoming space for everyone at Lloyd Athletic Club.
What technology and convenience features make Lloyd Athletic Club a modern choice for meetups? The club leverages technology to enhance the member experience, making group coordination and workouts seamless and enjoyable. Members can check in via their phones and directly control the gym's TV audio, browse the class schedule, track their workouts, and join fitness challenges—all through the club’s app. This connectivity helps groups stay motivated and organized, whether scheduling joint workouts or competing in challenges together. The availability of free day passes allows groups to try out the facility before committing, removing barriers to entry. Their online class schedules are easy to view and up-to-date, so you can plan your visits efficiently. These tech-driven conveniences reflect Lloyd Athletic Club’s commitment to a user-friendly experience that appeals to tech-savvy members and groups who value modern amenities.
How can Lloyd Athletic Club enhance social connections beyond traditional workouts? The club nurtures community ties through its unique social and recreational offerings. The pole dancing studio, for example, doubles as a social hub where friendships form through shared learning and performance. Post-class, members often relax together in the hot tub and sauna areas, naturally encouraging conversation and camaraderie. The lounge with craft beers on tap provides a casual setting for informal gatherings, perfect for winding down after a session or hosting a small celebration. Sporting courts such as basketball and pickleball encourage friendly competitions and group bonding through team games. This blend of fitness, relaxation, and social spaces makes Lloyd Athletic Club more than a gym — it’s a place to build lasting friendships and enjoy quality time with loved ones while staying healthy.
What makes the location and hours of Lloyd Athletic Club convenient for planning group outings? Situated at 815 NE Halsey in Portland, the club is centrally located with easy access for residents across the city. Ample free parking with security makes arriving with multiple friends hassle-free, removing a common obstacle for group meetups. The operating hours are generous, open every day of the week from early morning until late evening during weekdays, and comfortable weekend hours, accommodating all sorts of schedules. Whether your group prefers early workouts, midday visits, or after-work activities, there’s flexibility to gather when it works best. This accessibility means no one needs to miss out due to logistical conflicts, making Lloyd Athletic Club a reliable and convenient destination for any group event or casual hangout.
How does Lloyd Athletic Club’s membership philosophy make it more appealing for groups? Unlike many fitness centers that pressure prospects with aggressive sales tactics, Lloyd Athletic Club emphasizes transparency and personal service. There is no sales staff pushing memberships; instead, experienced team members help you discover the best options tailored to your group’s needs and financial situation. Special discounts and promotions are frequently available, and members are encouraged to visit the gym in person to fully understand all benefits and specials. This honest approach creates trust and comfort, which is especially important for groups planning to join together. You won’t feel rushed or overwhelmed, just supported in making the right decision for your collective wellness journey.
What do members say about their experience at Lloyd Athletic Club? The consistent 4.5-star rating from over 560 reviewers reflects a strong track record of member satisfaction and positive word-of-mouth. Members praise the club for its clean, well-maintained facilities and the friendly, knowledgeable staff. The variety of classes and sports options is widely appreciated, as is the emphasis on community and inclusivity. Many highlight how the amenities like hot tubs and steam rooms create a relaxing environment that enhances their social and fitness routines. The supportive atmosphere, free towel service, and convenience of location and parking are also frequent points of positive feedback. This well-rounded endorsement shows that both fitness and social goals are met with consistently high standards at Lloyd Athletic Club.
What special experiences can groups expect at Lloyd Athletic Club beyond ordinary gyms? One standout feature is the integration of a pole dancing studio within a full-service gym, which offers a uniquely fun and empowering group activity, blending fitness and creativity. The studio’s connection to the larger club amenities facilitates a full social and recovery experience — from challenging classes to steam room chats and craft beer gatherings. The racquetball, squash, pickleball, and wallyball courts add competitive elements for groups who thrive on team sports and games. The club also hosts group training sessions and fitness challenges that can motivate friends to reach their goals together. This dynamic blend of activities and supportive environment creates a special place for groups to enjoy multifaceted fitness and social experiences that go far beyond typical gyms.
Why is Lloyd Athletic Club the best choice for hosting a meetup with friends or family? Its combination of highly rated service, broad activity options, inclusive culture, premium amenities, and a welcoming community atmosphere make it uniquely suited for groups. Whether you want to try new sports, take yoga classes, unwind in the sauna, or just catch up over local beers, the club’s thoughtful design consistently prioritizes member enjoyment and comfort. The ease of access, flexible hours, and technology-enhanced member experience ensure your meetup can be tailored to your group’s needs and rhythm. Above all, Lloyd Athletic Club’s genuine focus on well-being, connection, and fun makes every visit a rewarding occasion worthy of repeated gatherings with those you care about.