-
December 2023 by Vera P.
You know that joyous feeling you had as a kid during recess in elementary school running around on the playground, doing gymnastics on the grass, or playing an intense game of kickball with your friends for 30 minutes in between multiplication and division, science, or cursive writing - that is how Industrial Strength makes me feel. As a busy healthcare worker, weightlifting at Industrial Strength is often the highlight of my day - a place where I can focus on improving my lifts while also surrounding myself in a community where people cheer for you regardless of whether you are lifting 10 kg or 100 kg. At the heart of this welcoming community is the coach, Mira. She fosters an environment where you can unapologetically be yourself without judgment. The gym motto is quite literally "come lift as you are!" Whether you are a seasoned weightlifter or have never touched a barbell before, you can weightlift under the watchful eye of Mira, who consistently provides tailored coaching and programming according to your goals, strength, skill level, and mobility. Mira has an expert understanding of the dynamics of weightlifting and has a keen eye when evaluating lifts. Not only does Mira provide personalized feedback, warm-ups, and exercises to accommodate injuries or different body architecture, but she believes in you even when you don't believe in yourself. She always exudes positivity, encouragement, and warmth, and is one of the most selfless and giving people I have ever met. She invests both in herself and the weightlifting community by learning new techniques for coaching through seminars, hosting community weightlifting events, and participating in weightlifting organizations to promote diversity and inclusion within the sport. You haven't met the best weightlifting coach unless you've met Mira. And because of the environment that Mira and Industrial Strength have fostered, the community is made up of kind-hearted, supportive teammates from all walks of life who gather in the gym to lift heavy weights and outside the gym for hikes, rollerskating, dinner, and more. Whether you are new to Portland or are a Portland native, you'll find your second home at Industrial Strength.
-
October 2023 by Phillip Bergreen
Industrial Strength is so much more than their primary offerings of strength training, weightlifting, and Jiu Jitsu, it is a warm and supportive community of people who are all striving to help themselves - and one another - be their very best. Tony, Mira, and Casey, are world class coaches and world class people who understand both the technical and psychological needs of their athletes. You could not find better people to accompany you on your fitness journey. Industrial Strength is a wonderful place to start, to grow, and to flourish.
-
October 2023 by Weston Thomason
I can't say enough good things about Industrial Strength and the people who run it. Adam was my personal trainer for 10 sessions and even in that short time I felt better, stronger, and saw results. The gym was always organized and clean and professionally run. You won't be sorry if you join this gym..
-
September 2023 by Carol Coye Benson
I started at IS gym two years ago, at age 71, with no strength or history in strength training whatsoever. After two years of twice-weekly personal training sessions I feel strong and healthy for the first time in my life! I’ve made steady progress and have never been injured in any way. The gym and staff are friendly and always professional. The atmosphere is quiet and parking is easy. Not your average gym - I strongly recommend.
-
September 2023 by michaela Cribb
This review is for the youth jiujitsu and Strong 101 class. My son has been doing the jiujitsu for several months now and absolutely loves it. In fact, every student in the class comes RUNNING in to the studio with so much enthusiasm, it seems like all the kids love it! The coaches are all amazing; they really foster a strong sense of sportsmanship and reward effort and attitude more than anything (in addition to teaching the moves with skill). The strong 101 class has been an awesome way for me to get back into the swing of working out after not taking the time for myself for the past several years. Adam is a wonderful coach. Overall I really could not be happier or give a more enthusiastic review! Thanks Tony!
-
September 2023 by Ali Kaufman
My husband and I have been doing strength training here for about a year and a half and it's been amazing. We've been working with Adam and he's just a gem. Our workouts are tailored to our goals and strength levels and we've both seen great improvements. The space is nice and clean, and there's a great energy. It definitely feels like a community, you always feel welcome and included. Definitely check out this great local spot to get on those strength and fitness goals!
-
August 2023 by Jim Hopkins
This review is long overdue as I have been a member of this gym for many years now.I am, and have been, a member of quite a few gyms but honestly I couldn’t imagine ever leaving Industrial Strength. The facility, coaching, and family atmosphere is something that is simply unmatched anywhere else. Over the years, Mira and Tony have cultivated a rich culture of hard work, motivation, acceptance, and encouragement.I have seen many new members come in over the years—almost always apprehensive, a little nervous, or even self-conscious. It is amazing how quickly committed, dedicated, and positive they become about embarking on their own fitness journey. This is almost entirely due to Mira and Tony’s methodology and making sure that everyone is able to start where they need to and progress at a pace best for themselves. But it is also in large part due to how this community embraces anyone who walks in the door. You feel like you are never alone in your journey, but in an extremely supportive and motivational family who only wants you to succeed.Thanks to Industrial Strength I personally have achieved a level of fitness that I never knew I could. I am not sure I could have gotten here without the incredible coaching and this community of like-minded athletes.Everyone has their unique goals when it comes to fitness. But it is no longer a secret in the fitness world that strength training is the answer to longevity, body composition, durability, and cardiac (and mental) health. Strength training has been proven to increase your quality of life no matter your age.If you are looking for a gym where you can become a better version of yourself, without judgement, crowded spaces, waiting for equipment, or gym bros, this the place where you can make that happen.
-
June 2023 by Kieran
Great staff, classes, and facility. The workouts are high quality and instructors are engaged and personable. If you’re looking to simplify your fitness, this is an excellent option. Just show up and put in effort, the instructors take care of the workout planning and coaching. Highly recommend.
-
May 2023 by Elissa Sosland
Industrial Strength is a stellar gym, community, and sport-specific outfit for olympic-style weightlifting and Jiu Jitsu athletes. The owners, Mira and Tony, are highly skilled, growth-oriented coaches who not only excel in their respective sports but truly invest in each and every member of their gym and their specific goals and needs regardless of age and level. At Industrial Strength, I’ve found that in addition to access to expert coaching, great equipment and facilities, I also gained access to an entire network of resources and awesome referrals of other local businesses; I’ve found really awesome physical therapists, doctors, nutritionists, and other services from Mira’s recommendations and how tapped in they are to the community. They also intentionally cultivate a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for diversity and inclusion that feels friendly and open!
-
May 2023 by Juan Santillan
I had some personal training sessions with Adam and it was awesome. He was patient and gave good cues for what he was teaching. He worked on the things I wanted to learn which was greatly appreciated. The place is freaking clean and organized you can tell they care about everything. The bathrooms were always spotless. Tony was great at answering my questions and the communication was amazing. Thank you for your help in my health journey.
-
May 2023 by Kim Douglas
Cannot say enough good things about this gym and the folks that run it. Mira and Tony are two of the most knowledgeable and experienced strength coaches out there. If you're looking for a weightlifting team, Jiu Jitsu, kettlebells, general strength training, and some of the best personal training available, go see them!!
-
May 2023 by Derek Dolechek
I can’t recommend Olympic Weightlifting at Industrial Strength enough! Mira is such a wonderful coach with an unbelievable amount of knowledge not only regarding the sport specifically, but also mobility and general training, which I’ve found to be so helpful. She is constantly looking for ways to help her athletes improve and she really helps you understand the techniques being taught. The sense of community and the team atmosphere is so amazing, I’d encourage anyone interested in Olympic Weightlifting to give it a try!
-
May 2023 by mashuzza
I’ve joined Industrial Strength Olympic Weightlifting program 6 months ago, and not only have I dramatically improved my strength, technique, and gainz, but also found an amazingly supportive community and new friends.Coach Mira is fantastic! She helped me address my weaknesses and under her guidance I was able to achieve my (yet) lifetime PR in both snatch and clean&jerk in under 4 months of training! I am feeling stronger, happier, and am ready to conquer new weights.
-
May 2023 by Jared Norris
Great gym with passionate coaches! I started coming here about 6 months ago with a little fitness experience and no Brazilian Jiu jitsu experience whatsoever. Since then I’ve been taking classes for both strength training and jiu jitsu and I’m very satisfied with the results. The coaches take their craft very seriously and they’ll help you reach your goals whether that’s strength training, martial arts, or both. The gym also has an overall positive atmosphere and is just a fun place to be.
-
May 2023 by Olivia Rivera
I became a member of Industrial Strength in December, after taking a few years away from Olympic weightlifting. Mira’s coaching is truly unparalleled, whether it comes to athlete safety, technical aspects of lifting, or simply providing motivation and positive energy. Mira has created an amazing community and safe space for all, and I couldn’t recommend it highly enough!
