Skogg Gym

I CAN now OPEN JARS.
My arms are taking on a nice shape too. The front wall is all mirror, everyone spreads out so we all get mirror time with ourselves. The instructors are great, along with Michael the owner, they all write great workouts and make sure that you have good form.
Kettlebells are all about good form — it protects you from hurting yourself with the heavy weights. And as evidenced by my jar opening, it strengthens grip and I believe it strengthens forearms for those who have desk job ergonomic issues. In my past workouts (bootcamp, kickboxing), I have strained my hamstrings but this program has been able to strengthen my hamstrings without hurting them. I’ve been in less pain overall from strenuous exercise compared to my previous programs. They take the time to stretch you out after the workout too.
If you’re there in the afternoon, you may get to meet Jack, Michael’s friendly pitbull. Aside from being able to open jars, doggie’s one of my favorite reasons to go.
Like any good workout program, the exercise routines can be modified for any fitness level. There’s a good mix of beginners and those who are super buff and have done it for years. The instructors paid super close attention to me when I first started, much appreciated! They also have an intro class on Saturdays where you can learn the basic moves. You really should attend that class before beginning workouts. For beginners, be patient, watch some videos online, use lotion on your hands. Keep with it! Your hands will hurt, your wrists will be bruised, you’ll build calluses. Get thick wristbands (available there) and lightly padded weight training gloves (must be smooth, non grippy gloves so the kettlebell can swing) if it bothers you. Eventually you’ll get good control of the kettlebell and your hands will get used to the weight.
They’re on Classpass and they tend to be on Groupon (5, 10 classes for cheap). Monthy membership is reasonably priced and it includes access to the gym equipment. The class schedule overs all parts of the day — morning, early afternoon, late afternoon, evening and Saturday mornings. I really appreciate this because I left my last workout place because they cut the morning classes. They also have deep stretching classes in the afternoon twice a week. Great stuff!
I just so happen to be getting married soon, I’m gonna be HAWT FIRE.

After being a cardio junkie for a few years and not seeing results, I took the recommendation from a friend to try out Skogg. I lost 20 pounds in 6 months and somehow even gained a half an inch in height… but I think that is because my posture and alignment has been greatly improved.
All of the instructors are helpful and encouraging. I never felt intimidated by them or any of the other members. It’s a very inclusive gym! The workouts are different every day and the parking situation is great. Come join us. You’ll be amazed at your results.

Michael Skogg claimed to be a Navy Seal and his business is built on stolen valor. This video will tell you all you need to know about this guy & his gym:

After going to regular classes only for about 8 weeks I feel fantastic!
I feel like all the muscles in my body are stronger. I’m able to sit and stand longer without discomfort.
I started with very low weights and clumsy with all the moves. The staff was supportive. I felt welcome even in a class with veterans. All 3 instructors are articulate, thoughtful, knowledgeable. They go out of their way to be helpful. Feels more family-​like than a gym for how nice and down to earth everyone is.
I believe that the workouts are very thoughtfully designed because I always feel much better afterward and I’ve never strained or hurt myself.
Most of my experience is with Skogg who seems like a super-​hero of fitness, on another plane of understanding of the human body. I’m also looking forward to trying workouts with the other instructors.
There is so much variety in the workouts, it’s like a never-​ending adventure. I always look forward to it. We use balls, ropes, matt work, cables, platforms. No workout has felt like any other, but all feel great.
If you have a desk-​job like I do, I would highly recommend one or two days a week at this gym or one like it to strengthen your body for work and old age.

I wish I could give this gym 1,000 stars. Super fun atmosphere, great music, killer workout. Get after it!

Skogg gym is the real deal. Clean facility, excellent trainers who are experts at their craft. Welcoming environment for all skill levels and abilities.

Skogg gym is a clean, open space with a large garage door on one side that lets in a nice breeze. It has a parking lot with more than enough space, which is a nice contrast to other overly crowded gyms in the area. The staff is friendly and very welcoming. I felt right at home on my first day.
The kettlebell classes are great for all levels. The difficulty just depends on how much weight you want to use. If you’re at all unfamiliar with kettlebells, Skogg gym is the perfect place to start. Skogg will happily demonstrate and explain each exercise, paying close attention to anyone new. During my first class, Skogg made sure that I was doing everything correctly, never letting me get lazy with my form.
The kettlebell workouts are exhausting and fun. The routines always change from day to day so you’re never doing the same thing over again. The variety keeps me guessing and excited for next time. I usually do the midday class and it always gets me energized for the second, usually sleepy, half of my work day.

I’ve been going to Skogg for 2 years and I love it. I’m someone who typically gets stuck in a workout routine. Before going to Skogg the only type of work out I did was running. I always meant to mix things up, but never got around to it. At Skogg the work outs alternate each day from conditioning to strength, providing variety. This is great for me and it keeps the workouts interesting. Having the strength training days has made me stronger than I’ve ever been… seeing yourself go up in bell size is motivating and exciting.

My wife and I have been training at Skogg now for about 2 years. At 32, I am more fit and strong than I have ever been. I enjoy Skogg much more than a regular gym, since the instruction is personal and it’s a different workout for every class, which keeps things interesting. You get a combination of amazing strength and conditioning workouts. Best of all, the instructors and regular Skoggers are very friendly, which makes for a great community. I actually look forward to going to the gym every day.
Highly recommended!

I have been training with Skogg for about 6 months now and his outlook on fitness and nutrition is the most complete and well rounded out of anyone I have ever worked with. His knowledge is extensive and he is willing to answer all of your questions around working out, injury rehabilitation and diet.
The trainers and members are also very welcoming. The classes are intense for people of all skill levels. Their weekly workouts are not all about being competitive with the other members, they are about setting personal goals and meeting them. It’s a great way to track your progress over time.
One thing that I really love is that Skogg and his trainers are familiar with their members existing injuries and are always inquiring as to how the injury is holding up. The importance of this cannot be overemphasized. The last thing anyone needs is a trainer ignoring an injury and pushing them to do things that will not help in their rehabilitation.
Also, their gym dog is cute!

Great facility — Great instructors — Great system. Michael Skogg’s Skogg Gym has all the pieces necessary to create a compelling fitness experience. Though I’m an avid gym goer I’d never used kettlebells before getting the opportunity to try out Skogg Gym. Michael Skogg has it down to a science and I’ve quickly become a huge fan. The workouts are intense but go very quickly. I never find myself watching the clock like in other instructor led classes I’ve taken. Instead I’m completely focused on nailing the proper form and pushing my limits. Conditioning or strength, they have classes focusing on both. I’ve taken classes from 3 different instructors including Michael Skogg and they all were very knowledgeable and led great classes. I really appreciated how they constantly reinforce proper technique and give you lots of one on one instruction. Skogg Gym can give you the intensity and challenge of a CrossFit gym with the added benefit of using kettlebells which I find greatly reduce the chances of injury. In fact kettlebell use seems to reinforce proper technique automatically. Learning proper kettlebell technique, specifically the hip hinge fixed my deadlift technique. Now I’m hitting new PRs in the regular gym with no lower back pain. But it’s not all kettlebells, TRX straps, hammers, tires, swiss balls, dumbbells, this place has all the fun toys. If you’re looking to prioritize your fitness or simply looking for a new challenge I highly recommend checking out Skogg Gym.

Best gym in Portland. Michael is a true master of his craft. He has the best knowledge of human structure of anyone I have ever known. The Skogg System is the best system I have found (in years of searching) for improving strength, body composition and rehabilitating old injuries. Classes are fun, dynamic and led by incredible instructors. Far superior to the injury inducing Crossfit program, Skogg System will get you hooked, change your body and get you to your goals, no matter what they might be. I have been training with the Skogg System for 6 years and don’t plan on stopping, ever.

SKOGG is amazing! I have typically been turned off by other gyms and other work out class environments, but SKOGG provides a really wonderful open and non-​intimidating place in which to get your body FIT! The intstructors really watch your form and make sure you are doing things right, and the classes tend to be just the right size to recieve a good amount of attention from the instructor. The gym is always super clean and professional looking. I read someone said there was dog hair. I have never experienced this. Most importantly I feel amazing after a work out and I stand up straighter then ever!
Thanks SKOGG I feel great!