My Favorite Mid-Valley Things: Courthouse Athletic Clubs

For most of us runners, we love being out there in the great outdoors, rain or shine. I mean, we do live in the Pacific Northwest - if we didn't run when the weather was nice, we'd never put any miles in. That being said, it can be nice to have some indoor fitness options when the weather turns bad, AS WELL as shaking up your routine and expanding your fitness horizons. Here in Salem, we are lucky enough Courthouse Fitness, a local group of clubs that help keep the Capitol city in shape.

We are lucky to have 5 clubs in the Salem area (and one tennis club):

• Keizer
• South River Road
• Battle Creek
• West Salem
• Lancaster
• Tennis Club (Near Fairgrounds)

“The Courthouse”, as it’s known around the area, is dialed into the running community. The Keizer location is the start and finish for the Keizer Jingle Dash, as is the West Salem location for the Capitol Mile. A few years ago, they helped launch the Courthouse to Venti’s running events, where participants would begin at one of the fitness clubs, and finish their run at one of the two local Venti’s restaurants in town. Some of their events had a set route and some didn’t – meaning you could make your run as long or as short as you wanted. Other C2V’s presented obstacles along the way. But not matter what, they were fun, encouraged an active lifestyle, and came complete with great local food and beer at the end.

I find that people can be hit-or-miss when it comes to group classes. I, personally, choose to run alone whenever I can so that I can just get away from the world and have a little alone time. However, I have participated in a few group classes at the Courthouse in the past, and actually really enjoyed it. My wife and I did the classes together and had a blast working out together – something we don’t often get to do. I remember leaving classes sweating like a beast and enjoying the feeling that a little comradery and “competition” put into the workout.  AND I got to work out some body parts that I forgot I had! We also have a few fitness instructors here at Run Oregon who I know would just love to put me through their routines and shape me up. Courthouse clubs have a wide array of classes from 515am to 7pm and cover everything from spin to yoga to dance and even Spartan training sessions as well.

Membership prices (all prices monthly):

• $39 for Go! Membership (all fitness equipment)
• $59 for membership with unlimited group classes
  • $50 joining fee with a one-year commitment
  • $150 joining fee with no commitment

Temporary Memberships

• $25/week
• $79/month

For those desiring some more individualized work, there are also specialized training options starting at $128 and going up to $399. Right now they are offering a Kickstart option for $189. For people who are lazy like me in the cold, dreary, and rainy summer months, this looks to be a godsend. This plan includes four weeks of meal plans, training, and full Courthouse access (fitness, classes, and pool). On top of that, for every pound of fat you lose, you get paid back $10.

If you happen to live in the Salem area, do yourself a favor and make sure you don’t take a slide back this winter. Stay active by brining the Courthouse aboard to break out of your lazy routine and shake things up. I know I will be!

Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.