Where is the Best Yoga in Portland, Oregon?
10th Ave is in a class of its own. Hate the atmosphere of Bally’s or 24Hr? Come here…seriously. I did the 24Hr thing and it failed me – unfriendly staff, prissy atmosphere, and not a single locker to rent to keep my stuff in.I came to 10th Ave because I wanted to find a place that was smaller yet still had a breadth of equipment…and somewhere where I could keep my things in a locker overnight! It’s a great atmosphere to work out in – no pretentiousness – just genuine people who are there to get their hearts beating a bit faster and to maybe shed a few pounds. Trainers are around all the time if you have a quick question…and they’ll even say hi to you (even if they don’t know you!) This is the only place I’ve felt like I’ve been able to be ‘myself’ and workout. No guilty feelings for being overweight. Just a darn good gym.Pros + Regular people, friendly staff, rentable lockers!Cons – Trainer groups sometimes take up too much room
I just don’t see what the big deal is. Yes, they have a lot of classes and yes, the space is really large. But it still matters how you treat people, because, believe it or not, someone may not come back, and so forth.I have been to many yoga studios all over the country. This one by far has the least friendly staff up front. At my favorite place in the northeast, you are always greeted warmly and treated nicely. And I don’t expect shiny happy people being fake holding hands, etc, but c’mon, you are a yoga studio, don’t make me feel like I am bothering you before I even get class…And speaklng of class, you better put those hands together in your warrior one or else- “hands together!!!” “look up at your hands!” no matter if you have neck issues, which was not asked at the beginning of class. Remember the soup n*zi on seinfeld? I sorta got that feeling the other day when I was afraid for not straining my already injured neck to look at my hands.But not all the teachers are like th
I had a great instructor for several years but he closed his studio, and I found The Movement Center about five years ago. The setting is exceptionally tranquil and lends itself to genuine yoga practice. The instructors offer considerable variety in emphasis and approach, but all are thoroughly qualified and highly skilled. Classes are small and instruction focuses on enhancing each individual’s practice according to each one’s capacities. The schedule offers various times of day and days of the week, and styles from gentle to strenuous. In addition to regular weekly classes, there are many special two and three day intensive workshops available from time to time, featuring notable master teachers and sometimes physician instructors. Prices are reasonable and consideration is given seniors. Street parking is readily available, and there are bike racks inside the grounds of the old Laurelhurst Manor with its gardens. A marked contrast with typical “gym” settings. Be sure to che
Great studio. The facility itself is very nice and I enjoy the complimentary hot tea in the nice reception area after class. I’ve been to Sarahjoy’s and Lisa’s classes are in the Anusara tradition and they are topnotch teachers. Besides classes, Amrita offers events, workshops, retreats, teacher training, and discussion groups, and this is great for building the yoga community. Pros + Teachers, facility, community
I’ve been taking Pilates with Ishbel since the beginning of 2007. It’s uncharacteristic for me to have consistently exercised for such an extended period of time, but I’ve rarely missed a class unless ill or traveling. That I look forward to Tuesday and Thursday mornings is due in very large part to Ishbel’s delightful personality and high-quality instruction. Ishbel leads our class with good humor and creates a fun (yet calming) atmosphere that is welcoming and encouraging to all, no matter what a person’s ability or experience. Her instructions and demonstrations are clear – much of Pilates happens in the mind and she has a great repertoire of helpful metaphors. She keeps the class interesting and our bodies challenged with frequent variations on the standards and introduction of new moves (seriously, in 18 months I’ve never been bored). Although the group is occasionally large, Ishbel is always alert to what students are doing and provides individual attention where needed.
