---
title: The Loprinzi Special
author: George Mandis <george@mand.is>
date: 2014-05-30
tags: post, post, portland, gyms
---

<p>There's a gym here in Portland called <a href="http://www.loprinzisgym.com/">Loprinzi's</a>. It's something of an institution, and though I can't vouch for it personally, I've heard nothing but great things about it. I'm looking to join this week; something to fill the gaps between running, biking and yoga.</p>
<p>All of <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/loprinzis-gym-portland">the Yelp reviews</a> pretty much laud the same things: it's no-frills, no-nonsense and charmingly old-school. In fact, it's hardly changed since 1948 (!!!).</p>
<p>You can watch this wonderful video where Bob Hill, the current owner, talks about it:</p>
<p><iframe title="Loprinzi's Iron" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/41721348" width="100%" height="281" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>I look forward to experiencing it for myself soon. If nothing else it's a place to and sit in the sauna when the colder days return.</p>
<p>I also can't help but think of Izzy Mandelbaum from Seinfeld every time I bike past the sign:</p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pcFSOnumgZA?feature=oembed" width="100%" height="375" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>I always secretly hoped that Loprinzi was like Izzy. Then I could make a joke about their personal-training programs — "The Loprinzi Special." <em>For $20 Loprinzi will call you a wimp while you lift. For $30 he'll punch you in the stomach at the end and call you a sissy!</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>