Rain or shine, Portlanders love to get a good sweat going — in fact, we ranked #9 in the ACSM American Fitness Index last year. So whether you’re staying strong on a resolution or looking to switch up your exercise routine, we have some fun ways to get active in Portland.

Caffeine + endorphins = happiness
From the baristas behind Deadstock Coffee Roasters (and the delicious LeBronald Palmer), comes Deadstock Run Club. This welcoming group meets at least once a week for walks + runs, sometimes yoga, but always coffee.

Swing through the air
You can make dreams of joining the big top a reality by taking a class at Night Flight Aerial & Circus Arts. It offers lessons for every skill level on the trapeze, silks, ropes + lyra, not to mention its series on handstands or chair dancing.

Reach for your limits

Experts + novices can have a good time climbing at The Circuit Bouldering Gym or Movement Portland, and Broughton Bluff or Rocky Butte are ideal if you’re craving fresh air.

Pick up a paddle
It’s hard to argue pickleball’s growing popularity, so if you’re looking for a place to play (or just want to know the rules) try starting with PDX Pickleball Club. Stand-up paddleboarding is another great option to get outdoors, meet new people + work your core.

Locally-sourced sweat

If the traditional gym environment is your preference, these are great local options to pump some iron + build strength:

EVENTS

Today

Consider This with Author Omar El Akkad | Tues., Jan. 11 | 7 p.m. | Virtual | Free | The author of “American War” and “What Strange Paradise” features in this YouTube conversation.

Tomorrow

Women’s WINEdown Wednesday | Wed., Jan. 12 | 7-10 p.m. | The Suite Spot PDX, 24-32 NW 2nd Ave. | $20+ | Join this midweek gathering centered around food, drinks, self care, conversation + good vibes. 🍷
Winterhawks vs. Kamloops Blazers | Wed., Jan. 12 | 7 p.m. | Veterans Memorial Coliseum | $15+ | Don’t be fooled — these Blazers aren’t from around here. 🏒
Portland Boat Show | Wed., Jan. 12-Sun., Jan. 16 | Times vary | Portland Expo Center | $15 | If you’re happiest on the water, float on over to this trade show. ⛵

Thursday

Say Yes: A Liturgy of Not Giving up on Yourself | Thurs., Jan. 13 | 7:30 p.m. | The Old Church Concert Hall, 1422 SW 11th Ave. | $20+ | Artist Scott Erickson leads a multi-sensory experience using story-teaching, participation, humor + images.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

THIS MONTH'S EVENTS

Note: COVID-19 protocols are changing rapidly to curb the spread of the Omicron variant in Portland. Please make sure to check event listing pages + venue websites for the most up-to-date information.

NEWS NOTES

Weather

54º | a.m. showers | 42% chance of rain

Sunrise + Sunset

Rise: 7:49 a.m.
Set: 4:48 p.m.

Health

Lead levels in the drinking water of some Portland-area homes are at their highest since 2000. While the Portland Water Bureau + Oregon Health Authority collaborate on solutions — one expert recommends the most at-risk residents (houses built from 1970-1985 with copper pipes joined with lead solder) use a water filter. (OPB)

Community

TriMet has reduced service on 20 of its 84 bus lines in the Portland metro area due to a historic shortage of available drivers. As a result, some routes will run fewer hours in the day, while others will have fewer pickups on the weekdays. 🚍 (KOIN)

Active

I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike. Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty + transportation officials announced that BIKETOWN, the city’s bike-share program, will expand into East and North Portland. The move will increase its footprint by 25% and reach communities that have been historically underserved by transportation. 🚲 (KATU)

Coming Soon

Mozzarella sticks, chicken parmesan, duck marsala, oh my. A new Italian-American eatery, Gabbiano’s, will open in Northeast Portland tomorrow. The restaurant is at the corner of Northeast 30th Avenue + Killingsworth Street and will partner with local purveyors and farms to craft classic red sauce dishes and more. 🍝 (Eater Portland)

Sports

There will be a familiar face across the line of scrimmage when the Beavers kick off their 2022 football season. Former Oregon State quarterback Sam Vidlak has transferred to Boise State University + will face his previous team in the first game of the season. 🏈 (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)

📸 u/Seirin-Blu

Much like a queen on a chessboard, pedestrians at the intersection of Northwest 11th Avenue and Couch Street can move both laterally + diagonally, in what is Portland’s only “pedestrian scramble.” The unique arrangement, which is also called a “Barnes Dance” after 20th-century traffic engineer Henry Barnes, halts all motor traffic to prioritize walkers, and was built to ease the heavy congestion outside of Powell’s Books.

In 2015, the City of Portland debuted the crossing with a performance from Oaky Doaks Square & Round Dance Club and other local square dancers. From initial confusion to general appreciation, the question now is where else in the city would this benefit?

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THE WRAP

Editor’s Pick: When it comes to cardio, there’s nothing I’d rather do to get my pulse up than go on a hike, like at Dog Mountain. This year, my co-editor Cambrie and I plan on featuring a local hike each month, with photos, directions + distances, and other helpful tips. If you know of any incredible trails you want to share, email us at hello@pdxtoday.com.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Check out these un-beet-able plant-based Portland eateries.

Today's Edition by:

Ben

PDXtoday Team

Editorial: Cambrie, Benjamin, Trevor, Britt

Sales: Jennifer

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