Best Low-Cost Gym in Bend, Oregon: Juniper Swim and Fitness

I love working out. I train year round for marathons and other competitive events. Its really in my blood!

Living in Bend, Oregon, one cannot help but get outdoors and recreate - from skiing and snowboarding during the winter to biking, hiking, swimming and running other times of the year. Chances are, you'll find me outdoors somewhere!

So, why am I writing about gyms in Bend, Oregon? Because its also smart to vary your workout and strengthen muscles that you might not otherwise use in your sport of choice. That's why I love Juniper Swim and Fitness - the best, low-cost gym in Bend, Oregon. In fact, its the best in the entire Central Oregon region!

We first came to know Juniper Swim and Fitness when we moved to Bend from Washington State. The facility has the only public pool in the City of Bend. Or perhaps I should say, the public pools....! During summer, there are 4 pools available for use: an indoor kiddie pool for children up to age 6, an indoor pool with a high diving board and low diving board. There is even a rope swing during family swim at the indoor pool!

An outdoor lap pool, and an outdoor pool for kids of all ages with fountains, small and large water slides are also available from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Swimming classes and swim team are offered year-round. During the school year, the most popular classes are on Saturday morning. All ages and levels are accommodated.

But swimming is just the beginning at Juniper. In addition to the amazing pools, you'll find a workout room with treadmills, exercise bicycles, weights and more. There are also two additional exercise rooms in which classes are offered every day of the week. Spacious locker rooms and family changing rooms, as well as rows and rows of lockers put convenience at the top of the list.

If you have young children, child care is available, too!

Juniper Swim and Fitness facility is located in the midst of a larger campus that includes a several parks, a walking trail, playground, and baseball field.

This is the very best part! Because Juniper Swim and Fitness is part of the Bend Parks and Recreation District, there are no initiation costs! Unlike other local gyms, you can choose either a drop-in rate, or purchase a 1-month, 3-month, 6-month or annual membership.

• Daily Rate: $5.50 general; $6.50 fitness
• Monthly: $44 general; $55 fitness
  
• Quarterly: $119 general; $149 fitness (save 10%)
  
• Annual: $422 general; $529 fitness (save 20%)
  
• Family: monthly $100 general; $110 fitness (for everyone in your entire family - there are also quarterly and annual family rates)
  

Additional rates available for students and seniors. Also, you can get punch-cards for up to 10 visits.

With a family of six, we always purchase a 3-month family pass for the entire summer. That gets us into the pools (indoor and outdoor) and also allows me to take any or all workout classes I desire!

The larger your family, the more you save! Family passes do not cost any more, whether you have 1 or 6 children in your group.

When you register for swim lessons or private swim classes, you don't have to pay the monthly fee. Your class registration is good to get you in for swimming at open swim which immediately follows Saturday swim classes.

Address: 800 NE 6th Street, Bend, OR 97701

Phone: (541) 389-7665 (POOL)

Hours:

Monday - Thursday 5:15 am - 9:30 pm
Friday 5:15 am- 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00 am - 6:15 pm
Sunday 9:00 am - 6:15 pm

Getting There:

Juniper encourages carpooling, the bus, biking or walking. Bike racks are located outside each of the two entrances (north and south). Hawthorne Transit Station is located just two blocks away; call Bend Transit at (541) 322-5870 or visit www.bendareatransit.com. Two generously sized parking lots are at opposite sides of the Juniper Swim and Fitness Campus; street parking is also available for free. Carpooling is an option, too. Use the free service provided by Commute Options: www.commuteoptions.org

Other amenities:

• Handicapped accessible
• Snack bar open inside
• Pool googles, swim diapers, ear plugs and more available for purchase
• Family changing rooms
• Two lockers each for men and women
• Daily lockers for 50 cents available
  
• Hot tub, sauna and steam room
• Birthday parties available
  

I've enjoyed several fitness classes at Juniper Swim and Fitness. On Mondays and Fridays, I attend a core conditioning/total body conditioning class that runs from 11:45-1:00. Our teacher is an IronMan competitor, who is inspirational as well as hard-core! We work out with a bench, mat, medicine ball, weights, exercise ball and rubber bands.

My coach also leads a deep-water running class on Mondays at 5:45. Nothing like running without impact to help you get in shape without undue impact on bones and joints.

There are spinning classes and other aerobics offerings, from early in the morning until evening. Of course, you can also head into the cardio room for your own weight-lifting or treadmill/bicycle workout anytime the facility is open.

Workout classes change 2-3 times a year. Be sure to check out the current schedules online!