Sweat and the City: The Best Places for Exercise in Portland, OR

Theres no denying it Portland is a city that loves its exercise. From runners and cyclists to hikers and climbers, fitness enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to get their sweat on while exploring what this hip, vibrant city has to offer.

One of the best places to start your adventure is at Forest Park (NW 29th Ave & Upshur St), one of the largest urban forests in the United States. Within its sprawling 5,200 acres lies over 80 miles of hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty. For a challenging workout with a great view, take on the steep ascent up Wildwood Trail just be sure to bring plenty water and some good shoes!

If you prefer something a little more structured, check out BurnCycle (910 NW Hoyt St), which offers intense spin classes that can burn upwards of 500 calories per session. Their highenergy atmosphere makes for an exciting workout experience thats sure to leave you feeling invigorated.

For those looking for something more unconventional, try Unstill Life (3901 N Williams Ave), where aerial dance meets strength conditioning in classes designed to challenge both your body and mind. This quirky studio prides itself on creating an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome regardless of their skill level or background.

Of course, we couldnt talk about exercising in Portland without mentioning cycling! With bike lanes galore and countless scenic routes both within and outside the city limits, theres truly no better way to explore all this ecoconscious town has to offer than by pedal power alone. Whether youre looking for a leisurely ride along the Willamette River or want to tackle one of many nearby mountain biking trails like Sandy Ridge or Powell Butte Nature Park (16160 SE Powell Blvd), theres something here for everyone.

And finally let us not forget about the foodies! While exercise is certainly important, so too is refueling your body with healthy and delicious eats. Thankfully, Portland has no shortage of farmtotable restaurants, juice bars and cafes that cater to every kind of dietary preference possible. Whether youre vegan or cant resist a good burger, theres sure to be a spot here that will satisfy all your fitnessfueled cravings.

So what are you waiting for? Get outside and get moving in one of Americas most progressive cities where sweat meets style on the daily!

Historical/Technical Facts:

Forest Park was first established in 1948 as an effort to preserve green space within city limits.

BurnCycle uses stateoftheart bikes specifically designed with riders comfort in mind.

Unstill Life founder Emily Gaskins trained under famed Cirque du Soleil performer Danielle Lee Hamilton before opening her own studio.

Portland boasts over 385 miles of bikeways and trails throughout the city.

Powell Butte Nature Park offers nearly 10 miles of moderate mountain biking trails suitable for all levels.

Websites/Twitter Handles:

Forest Park: @fpdsn // BurnCycle: burncyclepdx.com // Unstill Life: unstilllife.com // Powell Butte Nature Park: portland.gov/parks/powellbuttenaturepark