FAQ

View from ascending the staircase to march wellness & fitness center with green leaf logo.

What happens when I stay longer than 2 ½ hours for parking validation?

Members receive 2 hours and 30 minutes of complimentary parking per visit. Parking will only be validated during participation in march wellness & fitness center programs. Members will have to pay for additional parking when they have exceeded the limit.

Can I use my cell phone?

For everyone's privacy and comfort cell phone conversations can only occur in the lobby. Please silence your phone in other areas. If you receive a call please move to the lobby to have your conversation. Cell phone usage is not permitted in locker rooms.

Can I put my membership on hold for a month at a time?

Membership bridges are available for minimum of 3 months to a maximum of 6 months except for the months of June, July, and August. 1/3 of your monthly dues are charged during a bridge.

Do you have a lost and found?

Yes, the lost and found is at the front desk. Every couple of weeks the lost and found is discarded.

Can I borrow something from the lost and found (ear buds, goggles, lock)?

No, those are property of others and must be available for them to pick up.

Can I bring a guest?

Yes, guests of members are welcome anytime for a maximum of six visits per calendar year. If you will not be accompanying your guest during their visit, please make prior arrangements (503.418.6272). All guests must complete a guest registration card, provide photo identification, and pay a guest fee.

Can I bring my child / grandchildren to the center?

After completing a youth orientation session with one of our exercise specialists, youth between the ages of 15 -17 years are welcome to work out on Saturdays and Sundays.

The youth orientation session is one hour.  There are no monthly fees for youth membership.

Do you sell drinks and snacks?

Yes, there is a variety of drinks (water, Gatorade, protein) and bars (protein, granola, nuts) at the front desk.

Why can't I wear scrubs to work out?

Though you may only wear clean scrubs, not everyone does, so we ask that you don't wear them.

Why can't I wear street clothes to work out?

These articles of clothing may have buttons, zippers, rivets that can damage the equipment vinyl.

Where is the group exercise schedule?

All schedules are on the schedules page of the website.

Are there mats provided for yoga classes?

Yes, there are mats available for yoga and pilates.

How much are group exercise classes?

FREE, classes on the group exercise schedule are included in your membership.

Do I have to sign up to take a group exercise class?

No, but we strongly recommend that you introduce yourself to the instructor if it is your first time participating in the class.

What should I wear to class?

You will likely feel comfortable in different clothes for different classes. However, athletic attire that allows full range of motion is recommended for all classes. Most classes recommend athletic shoes with good support. Yoga and dance recommend no shoes, Zumba makes shoes optional.

Are the group exercise instructors certified?

Yes, all of our group exercise instructors are required to hold a certification from a nationally recognized organization such as AFAA or ACE. Instructors teaching specialty classes such as yoga, cycle, or Zumba are required to have the corresponding specialty certifications.

Do I have to have experience to take a class?

Absolutely not! Instructors are able and prepared to offer modifications for all levels. Beginners and advanced participants should be able to enjoy any class on the schedule.  If you have a special concern just let the instructor know before class.

How long are group exercise classes?

Most classes are 50-55 minutes.  There are some classes that are shorter and a few that are longer (Yoga Flow).  Class times are listed on the group exercise schedule.

Can we have more group exercise classes each week?

The group exercise schedule is created based on member request, the availability of instructors, availability of the studios, and class attendance. We will do our best to offer a variety of classes at all times throughout the week.

I don't know how to use a piece of equipment, who can help me?

There are staffed hours every week, just ask the exercise specialist (red shirt) on the fitness floor and they will be happy to help you.

Can you purchase an Olympic lifting platform for the weight room?

We will not be purchasing an Olympic lifting platform for the weight room. There are several reasons for this including: 

  • The weight room is on the second floor of the building (clinic space below and above)
  • Olympic lifting is a very high risk activity to have available to untrained users
  • Space in the weight room is limited and a relatively small percentage of our users would utilize an Olympic platform
  • We do not have bars and weight plates designed for Olympic lifting.

Is there a weight belt?

Weight belts are considered personal items, think of it like a pair of shoes.

Is there a time limit on the cardio equipment?

30 minutes if there are people waiting.

What if I forgot my workout clothes?

Rental clothing is available at the front desk for $3.

Why can't I wear scrubs or street clothes to work out?

These articles of clothing may have buttons, zippers, rivets that can damage the equipment vinyl.  Although you may only wear clean scrubs, not everyone does, so we ask that you do not wear them.

Do I need my own lock?

Yes, you can bring your own or locks are available for purchase at the front desk.

Are there express lockers?

Yes, express lockers are available on the fitness floor near Studio A, they have programmable locks and are perfect for keys, phones, wallets and purses.  Directions for the locks are posted next to the lockers.

Can I leave items in a long locker overnight?

No, the use of long lockers is for during of your workout. Items left over night in the long lockers will be removed. Items removed from the locker will be placed in the Lost and Found and then donated.

Can I rent a locker?

Yes, the small lockers can be rented for $10 per month.

How can I get more steam in the steam room?

The steam rooms are on a set cyclical system, when the temperature drops toa preset temperature the steam generator will fill the room with steam. For safety and county code compliance the steam room temperature can't be increase beyond the set point.

Do you offer body composition testing?

Yes, we offer several biometric tests individually and in a health appraisal package. Contact the front desk to schedule.

How do I select a personal trainer?

  1. Click on Programs and Services
  2. then select Training and Coaching. 
  3. At the bottom of the page are trainers / pictures / biographies / emails. 
  4. After you select a trainer send them an email or complete a training interest form at the front desk.

How much does personal training cost?

See the Achieve menu on the training and coaching page. 

Can members purchase personal training individually or do they just come in a package?

You can purchase a single session, introduction package (2 sessions), or multiple sessions through the Achieve program.

Are the personal trainers certified?

Yes, in fact they all have a four year degree in the field and a national certification. Certification must be from a nationally recognized organization such as ACSM, NSCA or NASM.

Are the trainers available at any time?

The trainers have tight schedules with their current clients; however many have openings throughout the day to accommodate new clients. The best way to communicate is via email.  You can set a time to meet or start training with the trainer of your choice.

How long are personal training sessions?

Sessions are 45-60 minutes based on your needs.  Many times it is recommended that clients set aside up to 1.5 hours of time as many trainers ask clients to complete a warm-up or some cardio before/after their scheduled session.

Can I bring in my own personal trainer or physical therapist?

No, OHSU employees' personal trainers and physical therapist that have gone through the OHSU hiring process and are covered by OHSU policies.

Is there an open space where I can do my own workout?

Yes, the balcony and studios are open for members to use when classes are not scheduled.

Do you sell bathing suits?

No.

Do you sell goggles and swim caps?

Yes, at the front desk.

How warm is the lap pool?

The lap pool is kept between 80 and 82 degrees.

How warm is the therapy pool?

The therapy pool is kept between 90 and 92 degrees.

How warm is the spa?

The spa is kept between 101 and 103 degrees.

Do you have adult swimming lessons?

Yes, private and semi-private lessons are offered for all abilities fromfear of water to triathlon training.

Are children allowed to take swim lessons?

No, the facility is 18 years and older.

How do I work the pool lift?

When you check in at the front desk let them know you would like to use the lift.  Facilities will get the lift ready.  You can operate the lift with the remote (up/down, right/left).

Is there a pool only membership?

No, membership provides access to all areas of the center.  It is not possible to restrict access to certain areas.

Do the saline pools have chlorine in them?

Yes, there is chlorine in the pools.  Our salt water pool has a generator that uses electrolysis to release chlorine gas from salt in the water.  We use CO2 to treat for pH.  Both of these methods are better for you and the environment.

Why is there white stuff on the bottom of the pools?

Two things:

  1. "scaling" because of the pool chemistry - this keeps the buildup of gunk down
  2. salt deposits.

Are the pools vacuumed?

The pools are vacuumed overnight on a regular schedule.  They are also brushed, backwashed, and treated regularly.

Do I have to wear a swimsuit while in the pool?

Yes, swimming suits are required when swimming in the pool.  Wearing street clothes or underwear including sport bras, compression shorts, basketball shorts and similar clothes are not considered proper swim attire and will not be allowed.

Is there a swimming club or swim team?

We have a master's swim class, check the group exercise schedule for date and time.

Is the spa cleaned regularly?

The spa is drained and cleaned once per week.  Additional draining may occur based on bather loads and chemical composition of the water.

Are towels provided?

Yes, towels are provided at the front desk (1 small towel and 2 large towels).  Please remember to pick one up on your way in.