Community’s living room also a gym and spa

By DEBORAH MOON

article created on: 2009-01-01T00:00:00

Morning, noon or after work—the “J” offers members and day pass users free fitness classes ranging from ai-chi to zumba.

In addition to its role as the living room of the Jewish community, the Mittleman Jewish Community Center also serves as its workout room and spa. The renovated center has state-of-the art weight and cardio-exercise equipment, as well as two pools racquetball courts, massage studios and locker rooms featuring saunas, steam rooms and whirlpools.

“Whether it’s someone doing gentle exercise in the warm-water therapy pool or a member going for a personal weight-training goal, we offer so many ways to get fit and achieve personal goals,” said MJCC Chief Executive Officer Lisa Horowitz.. Many members especially enjoy our free group fitness offerings, like Zumba and Boot Camp, which offer fitness and a fun social environment at the same time.”

The center offers five aquatic fitness classes—ai-chi, aquarobics, arthritic exercise, masters swim and water yoga. Free offerings for those who prefer to stay dry are boot camp, cycling, kettleball, kick boxing, low impact fitness, Nia, power hour, Pilates, yoga and Zumba.

The hour-long classes are all free to members and day pass users and do not require registration. Child care is available for Monday through Thursday morning and Monday and Wednesday evening classes.

Personal trainers and fitness coaches are available on a one-time or 10-pass basis for those looking for the fastest track to personal fitness.

A variety of massage techniques, reflexology and waxing are all available at the J’s day spa.

Two programs open to the entire community add to the center’s fitness focus.

On Jan. 11, the center will host a family health and fitness fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The community is invited to come see how the MJCC can help them keep their New Year’s resolutions and experience a healthier lifestyle. The day will include nutrition and wellness lectures, exercise tips, fitness level testing and the opportunity to try out some of the center’s fitness classes. Activities, games and classes for children make it a day for the whole family.

On Wednesdays, the center hosts free presentations by local doctors in naturopathic medicine, chiropractic care, nutrition, acupuncture and other areas. Presentations are at 7-8:30 p.m. or 1-2 p.m.

For more information on class times and Wednesday topics, visit www.oregonjcc.org  or call 503-244-0111. The MJCC is located at 6651 SW Capitol Highway in Southwest Portland.