One of the more appealing ideas that's been batted around as a possible use for the empty Washington High School (currently readying to open its doors this week as the late-night venue for TBA) is to turn it into a community center, with a pool and fitness facilities. But until a big, affordable fitness option that isn't something like this moves into Southeast Portland, little local options are cropping up to take in the slack. The next one on the horizon is the Green Microgym, which plans to open its doors on November 1st at 828 SE 34th Ave, Studio B. One advantage it has is a unique "Burn & Earn" program, which "rewards members accruing 10 total hours of cardio exercise on their grid-tied, electricity-generating equipment with a $10 gift certificate to a participating local business of their choice OR a 50% shopping spree at the Adidas Village store in North Portland." Hm, tempting. You may be familiar with the Green's style, in which the workout machines generate their own electricity, if you've ever visited the NE Alberta location, a sensibility that will no doubt be a hit in its new neighborhood. It's fall after all, time to go back to school/work/the gym with new resolve.
