FAQ

What is this yoga stuff anyway?

The word “yoga” is often interpreted as meaning “to yoke” or “union”. It is a practice that reintegrates the different parts of self, and is most well known for reintegrating the mind with the body. Yoga appears from the outside to be primarily a physical practice, but once inside of it you realize it incorporates the mind, breath and nervous system in meaningful ways. Yoga has many potential benefits for both mental and physical well-being. Some of our students have reported experiencing an improved relationship to food, improved balance, flexibility and strength, lowering of stress, anxiety and depression, better sleep and reduced pain, among other great benefits. Yoga can be a very challenging form of low-impact exercise, a meditative rest, and everything in between. Yoga has a long history and is practiced in many different ways, so really the best way for you to learn is to come on in and try it!

I'm brand new to yoga. Where should I start?

We offer a Yoga 101 Series every 3 months, which is highly recommended for beginners.

We also offer classes a week that are an appropriate challenge level for most beginners, including Gentle Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Hatha classes.
It is also recommended to sign up for a free 30-minute Open House Session with Yoga Refuge owner, Kate Holly, to help you determine the best classes for your lifestyle, and answer questions about how to begin. Please see the New Students page.

What if I can't do yoga because I am too inflexible/weak/old/out of shape/overweight/injured?

There are many different styles of yoga and different approaches to teaching it, so finding the right fit is key. With the right fit, yoga can be a very safe and low-impact form of exercise, making it an excellent option to support your health during all phases of life.
If you are not sure where to begin, or are concerned that you can’t keep up with a group class, please sign up for our free 30-minute Wellness Strategy Session. Yoga Refuge owner, Danielle Clothier, can help you determine the best fit for your goals, as well as looking at possible modifications for your practice based on injuries and other limitations.

You can also e-mail anytime for a quick consult to figure out where to start: info@yogarefugepdx.com

Do I have to bring anything?

We recommend bringing your own yoga mat. We rent yoga mats at the studio for $2 (free for your first visit), and we also sell a variety of mats if you do not own one.

If you plan to come regularly, you are welcome to leave your labeled mat in our student mat storage area.

Please wear clothing you can move in, and consider bringing a water bottle.
Please refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes or other strong scents in the yoga studio.

What are your hours?

We are open 15 minutes before each regularly scheduled class. If you would like to stop by at any other time (to see the studio, buy retail or gift certificates, or for any other reason), feel free to make an appointment questions by e-mailing info@yogarefugepdx.com.

What are your studio rental rates?

Host your event, production or small group in an environment with an abundance of natural light and greenery, above street level and in the midst of Montavilla’s fantastic local restaurants, cafes and shops.
Our beautiful studio space is available for rent, and rates vary on a case by case basis.
Inquire by emailing us at info@yogarefugepdx.com.

Do you have a work-trade program?

If you are interested in trading your time in exchange for yoga classes or membership here, please inquire at info@yogarefuge.com or fill out our work-trade application below –

Anything we didn’t answer here? E-mail us at info@yogarefugepdx.com