Mark Uyeda and his student athletes

Mark Uyeda is the owner and operator of The Garage Gym, now located in Portland’s Lloyd District.

Born and raised in Oregon (Portland/Redmond) and a 1995 graduate of Oregon State University, Mark has been in the fitness industry for over 15 years as a personal trainer, spin instructor, and group fitness coach.

He started with a small boutique gym in SW Portland, running it for eight years before moving to an established gym in NE Portland. Then COVID hit, and things got creative—think Zoom classes, high school fields, and elementary school playgrounds. Eventually, Mark turned his garage into a full-time gym, where he’s been running personal training sessions, small group, and large group classes ever since. What started as a temporary solution became a thriving community of long-time clients, neighbors, and people from all over Portland.

Running a gym outdoors wasn’t easy, but Mark’s commitment to his clients—rain or shine—helped create a one-of-a-kind workout experience. And now, The Garage Gym is heading back indoors to a new space in inner NE Portland. This time, there’s cover from the elements and an even bigger garage door to keep things true to its roots.

Mark has worked with athletes at all levels—professional, collegiate, high school, and middle school—along with people of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to hit that next goal, The Garage Gym is ready to help.

On top of running the gym, Mark recently finished the 2024 Oregon Cascades 100 trail race in Bend, Oregon—all while raising two teenagers and an English Lab (soon to be spotted roaming the gym).

The Garage Gym is more than just a place to work out. It’s where you come to reset, move, sweat, lift, laugh, cry, and, most importantly, be grateful to do it all—even on the Echo Bike.

Hope to see you soon!

The Garage Gym's 10 Rules:

1) Be kind to others. It's group fitness!

2) Be kind to yourself.

3) Be consistent.

4) Work hard. (Give whatever you have on each day!)

5) Move with intent.

6) Don't complain.

7) Lift others up.

8) Let others lift you up (when needed).

9) See #6.

10) See #1.

What people are saying.

  • “I’ve been working out with Mark for 7 years. The classes at the Garage Gym are fantastic - the people, the equipment, the really well-constructed workouts. Mark is an excellent trainer because hs is passionate about health and fitness and has so much knowledge."

    - Jeff L.

  • “I started working with Mark one-on-one to add some strength-building to my spin class routine. Before I knew it, I was spending more time at his gym than at the spin studio because his workouts ticked ALL the boxes. I think he knows 100 different ways to strengthen any muscle group. I’ve never been this strong or committed to my fitness.

    - Jen M.

  • The Garage Gym quickly became a close-knit community for me. The people are like-minded, personable, and work hard while having fun. Mark is is able to motivate people and push us all toward our goals with individualized training plans and focus.

    - Lexie

  • "When I started training with Mark at the Garage Gym during Covid, it was a small but mighty crew. The large encouraging community it has grown into is all because of Mark! He will push you to lift heavier weights while being committed to making sure you avoid injury by incorporating mobility and conditioning."

    - Maureen

  • "I’ve been taking Mark’s group fitness classes for 7 years and I’m still not bored! Mark does a great job of keeping workouts fresh and fun. Most importantly, Mark knows all of his clients’ needs, prior injuries, etc. as he is focused on helping each of use get better each day. Love Mark and my Garage Gym community!"

    - Emily

  • "I had lots of coaches as a young and college athlete and have had plenty of trainers at lots of gyms as an adult. And Mark is absolutely one of the best! He has created a community of fantastic people who want to train hard but never take themselves too seriously. The Garage Gym is a special place - come join us!"

    - Ann

  • "Working out with Mark these past years has literally changed my life. I’m stronger, more mobile, and have more energy and confidence. Mark challenges me to challenge myself in the best way. I look forward to every single workout and feel like a million bucks after."

    - Jill