Loprinzi's Gym

Gym Name: Loprinzi's Gym

Owner/Manager: Bob Hill

Address: 2414 SE 41st Ave

City: Portland

State/Province/Country: OR

Zip: 97202

Phone Number: 503-232-8311

Notes: Bob Hill, the owner. He’s 59, looks 45. He runs 5 miles a day, and lifts 5 days a week. He competes as both a Powerlifter AND as a Marathon runner. And if you want advice he’s always there to give it. He’s truly an inspiration in the gym as to what vigorous exercise can do for you LONG TERM. The atmosphere is laid back. It isn’t sleek, nor is it packed with the latest fad-equipment. It’s even a bit rundown. But, It’s a “neighborhood gym,” which means it has a personality that reflects the neighborhood. And that doesn’t happen much in this modern world of corporate homogenized companies. We got hippies, jocks, Lesbians and Gay men, the affluent, and people so broke you wonder if they sleep in the sauna. We’re all there, and the freakiest thing is … we all get along (shock!). It’s “for real”. That is, there are 2 lifting platforms, plenty of chalk, a bolted down power-rack, and a competition bench. There’s 2-55lb Texas squat bars, and some old Eleiko bumpers. It’s a bit crammed, for sure, but we got what you need. There’s even an aerobics room upstairs where members get free aerobics and palates classes. So we aren’t totally living in the past. (see below). It has history. It was founded in the 30’s, and has the Globe dumbbells to prove it. There are signed pictures on the wall from virtually every big name in bodybuilding, and plenty of other strength athletes, including everyone from Tommy Kono to Gov. Jesse Ventura. In fact Ventura first broke 500 lb on the bench press while at Loprinzi’s. (for a wild story involving the gym and Jesse, check this out.)