About Begin Pilates & Yoga, Serving NE Portland for 10 + years!
Begin Pilates & Yoga is a holistic studio that focuses on alignment and healthy muscle balance. With intimate class sizes, skilled instructors provide individualized corrections and adjustments in a welcoming and supportive environment. The studio caters to all ages and body types, offering a variety of classes that are tailored to meet unique needs. Instructors prioritize student safety, checking for injuries and requesting consent for physical adjustments. The studio's approach is focused on strengthening and improving flexibility, rather than purely aesthetic goals. With a range of equipment, including reformers and springwall units, and classes like "Yoga for the Inflexible Guy," Begin Pilates & Yoga is an excellent choice for those seeking a holistic and personalized approach to fitness.
This Pilates studio is the BEST (for me and my needs). I've been taking reformer classes from Emily and Kacie since February 2024. The approach is hard for me to describe as I have not been at other studios. The others in my classes are probably 90% regulars (of all ages up to 95yo). The signing up and policy for cancellations is totally reasonable. And there are different levels to choose from.
I love this intimate Pilates studio and its skilled instructors! Small class sizes mean more individualized corrections and adjustments for you. Corrections are gentle and rarely framed like you're doing that wrong unless you're about to hurt yourself. All ages and body types are represented here in a welcoming supportive environment. I truly appreciate the variety offered as every class is very different from the last. There are 5 reformers in the small room and one is extra tall and wide. Springwall units in the big room offer a lower entry price than reformer. There's a combo tower-reformer out in the big room used for privates too. Starting with some private sessions will help instructors learn how to tailor to your unique needs as you enter the group classes. They also check for injuries and ask for requests at the start of class. Anytime I join a studio where they don't check on injuries first, I'm unlikely to return, tbh. Begin instructors also have excellent habits of checking for consent on any touches. When a class is a bit smaller, it feels like they are tailored to focus on strengthening each students' particular weaknesses. Exactly what I'm looking for in my core workouts! I haven't worked with every instructor there yet, but each has a unique style. As I continue my practice there, I'm also happily becoming part of a friendly community, my secondary goal!
The "Yoga for the Inflexible Guy" class has been perfect for me. Danny is patient and runs the sessions without any pretense. This is a yoga inspired class that will help anyone improve their flexibility.Whether you haven't stretched since your last high school gym class, or you currently maintain a daily exercise routine and just need some extra work to improve results, this class can help you.