FAQ | OHSU

General Questions

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

Members (community and employee members only) 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. Parking is limited in CHH and can be congested; however, Rood Family Pavilion parking offers more spaces and is easier to enter and exit.

I lost my membership card, help!

Membership cards can be replaced for $5. You can also take a photo of your card and use the image to scan in/out.

Can I take cell phone calls?

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

Are cell phone photos and video permitted in the center?

The use of any camera, video or still photography is always prohibited.

Is there a place I can have a meeting on my computer?

Yes, in the CHH1 main atrium there are many seating options.

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.

What if I forgot my workout clothes?

Rental clothing is available at the front desk for a nominal fee.

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.

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 don’t wear them. Rental clothing is available at the front desk for a fee.

Group Exercise

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 arrive early and 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.

Are the group exercise instructors certified?

Yes, all 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, aqua, or Pilates 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. Class times are listed on the group exercise schedule.

Can I join a class if it has started?

If it is more than 5 minutes beyond the start time it can be dangerous without the proper warm up and instruction. Please take the class another time.

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.

Gym Equipment

Locker Rooms

Do I need my own lock?

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

Are there lockers available outside the locker rooms?

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 before or after my workout?

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 monthly for a small fee.

Why aren’t there towels in the locker room?

There are several reasons including: towel stacks can get contaminated and adequate supply might not be available.

Are gender-neutral locker rooms available?

All are welcome to use the locker room that aligns with their gender identity or expression. Gender-neutral and accessible shower room available in the pool area. In addition, gender neutral restrooms are available in the hallway.

Personal Training

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?

Click on Programs and Services
Select Training and Coaching.
At the bottom of the page are trainers / pictures / biographies / emails.
After you select a trainer send them an email or schedule through 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 45-50 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, only OHSU march wellness & fitness staff are eligible to conduct personal training, instruction and coaching of any type in all areas of the facility. Due to liability issues absolutely no outside people including care providers, trainers or therapists may conduct or provide instruction, lessons, or directions.

Pools, Spas, and Steam

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?

The therapy pool and lap pool lifts are ready for use. For the spa, when you check in at the front desk let them know you would like to use the lift. Facilities will get the lift ready.

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 saltwater pool has a generator that uses electrolysis to release chlorine gas from salt in the water. We use CO2 to treat for pH. Both methods are better for you and the environment.

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

Two things:

Scaling - this is preventative and keeps the buildup of gunk down
Salt deposits

Are the pools vacuumed?

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

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.

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.

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.