As a yoga student and teacher with over 25 years of experience, I don't often leave reviews, especially negative ones but I feel it's important to share this honestly and with compassion. After moving to Portland from New York, I was excited to find a new yoga community and purchased a pass at this studio that's a few blocks from my home. Unfortunately, before I had the chance to attend a class, I received a class cancellation and an unexpectedly harsh and uninviting email from a teacher in response to scheduling a class. The message set a very firm boundary which I honour, but it was delivered in a way that felt abrupt, dismissive, bringing up the past without acknowledging the present moment. It seemed like the teacher was solely focused on her own comfort, without any acknowledgment of my presence, intent, or humanity. In yoga, we are taught ahimsa (non-harming). That applies not only to our actions, but to our words, tone, and the energy we bring into interactions. Boundaries are healthy and necessary, but they're most powerful when held with compassion and mutual awareness. Sadly, this boundary felt more like a wall than a bridge. Especially for those navigating transitions, like moving, healing, or returning to practice it is important to approach each human with gentleness. It bums me out that what i thought would be my healing time turned into more chaos, and wounding leading me to write this review. I chose to cancel my membership to the entire studio, not out of anger, but to protect my peace and sense of belonging. Yoga spaces should be welcoming, inclusive, and rooted in empathy, presence, and warmth. This engagement was far from this and when I said I felt unsafe in this interaction, I was just scurried away. I hope this reflection encourages this studio to act in a more thoughtful, engaging way and utilize human-centered communication. If the studio owner wants more feedback I would be happy to talk. Thank you so much for listening. read more

The most incredible, gentle, inclusive places I've been too. The staff is family. Thank you.

It has been a while since I have visited this studio, and I almost forgot about this place till the new owner reached me out. She seems very nice and I believe the studio has been changed, and I will be happy to give another try and update my review again. read more

Yoga NW is the best community. Each teacher brings a lovely energy and perspective to their classes. I've loved how welcoming everyone is, as well as the beautiful space and variety of yoga styles. There is a great mix of postures as well as meditation/breath work (not strictly fitness - definitely come here if you want to engage in a more mindfulness-based practice). Laela is an incredible owner, and her care and dedication to each student really shows. Definitely recommend to yogis at all stages and abilities :) read more

I signed up for a month-long membership while visiting the area in February, just as the new management started. Yoga is a big part of my life, and the vibe of a studio is everything to me. I had the opportunity to take classes with three different teachers here, including the owner, and every one of them taught an absolutely lovely class. There was no pretentiousness or "scene," and I felt very comfortable and happy to be in this sweet, little studio. My husband joined me for two classes, and he really liked it as well. We are moving to the area soon, and I look forward to going back on a regular basis. read more

Yoga NW is a 10 out of 10! This studio is bright, spacious and immaculate. I feel a sense of well-being and calm when I enter into the studio. Bonny is warm, personable, kind and heart-centered! I highly recommend this shared space to ground, feel truly welcomed and connect with others. read more

One man's experience, yours may differ. I found Yoga NW on the web and figured I'd give it a try. They had $5 classes all day on Wednesday and it was in a convenient location for me on that day. I arrived and found that alas, the class was not $5, it was $15. The website did (and still does at this writing) advertise the lower rate. I was not the only student that expected the $5 rate. In class, as we were to begin, the teacher stepped (swaggered?) on my mat nonchalantly. (Alarm bells ringing) The class was not what I was looking for, and more appropriate for beginning students, which was my fault and not the teacher's, although it was not advertised as a beginner's class. However, the teacher twice chastised me for not "staying with the class", almost shouting. I was in the same pose as the class, but with slight variations. I was aghast. The second time it happened, I almost left the class. I ended up staying as a lesson in patience and allowing. I took a bind variation that is very challenging/opening for my body at one point, and the instructor loudly proclaimed the evils of "showing off", and the benefits of staying with the class. It was clearly directed at me. At another point, the instructor had the class doing a pose I have never seen, with the knees bent far below the ankles in a standing pose. This type of pose is extremely dangerous for the knees. I had a hard time believing that this instructor was telling people to, "stay with the pose" when it could result it injury. In the middle of class, the instructor had us lie down supine for a "guided" meditation. After 10 minutes of this, she instructed us to get into pigeon pose... so we got all warmed up, then lay down for 10 minutes, then pigeon? It was totally ridiculous. The whole point is to build up to the more difficult poses and here she is having students cool down for 10 minutes before getting into a notoriously difficult pose. I know this sounds like a rant, but it's not my intention. This class was just that bad and by far the worst class I have ever taken. The instructor for this class has an ego the size of an SUV, but without the skills to match. Some positives: the studio is nice and airy, with lots of light and a very neighborhoody, casual atmosphere. I feel that beginning students would feel more comfortable in this studio than some others. In fact, with a different instructor, I believe that this would be an optimal studio for those learning about yoga. In the spirit of clarity and with the hope that prospective students can avoid this instructor, her name is Sheila. read more

I've been going to Yoga NW since day #1 and love this place. It's a haven and Bonnie has done a great job of expanding her offerings to include people of all sizes and shapes and beliefs. Wouldn't think of yoga anyplace else! read more

I just found this place and I am reluctant to add the business here, because I REALLY enjoyed my quiet, lovely $5 Wednesday class with Jennifer (and only 5 other women!). A smallish sized studio with just the right things - beautiful exposed brick walls and clean wood floor, and location on a corner with a big window overlooking a huge beautiful old tree (ahh, autumn!). Their signup process is painless and you don't need to do anything special to sign in. They have blocks, blankets, straps, and mats to borrow if needed. "Wonderful Wednesdays" is their $5 drop in class day, which I REALLY appreciate (6:30, 9, 12, 6) and they have classes on every day of the week (6:30am M/W/F and as late as 6pm M-Th). Their classes currently listed: Insight Yoga, Integrated Vinyasa, One Breath Yoga, Vinyasa, and Yin. And, every Saturday in October at 11 am, they have a donation-based open yoga class. Pay what you want! I think I might have fallen a little in love with them today! read more

I heard that people really like the yoga class at Friendly House and it is taught by one of the Yoga NW instructors, Sheila. So I bought a Living Social deal for only $10, so I could check out the studio. I couldn't find parking and was five minutes late, but the door was locked. So I went to the next class. I've done yoga for many years and usually study Iyengar, but thought the Vinyasa was worth trying. They have lots of different classes, so I plan on trying some of the other styles. The teacher wove together lots of different standing poses with stretching poses and spent time on alignment, which was great. But not much feedback was given, even though there were several new students who had never done yoga. I think having classes at different levels might work better. And even though I mentioned I had been injured, so was taking it a little easy, she wasn't very helpful, so I just didn't do some of the exercises. Hopefully, I will heal and be able to do more yoga soon. The teacher demonstrated the opposite of what we were doing. So while we were reaching toward the window, she would be reaching the other way... It made it a bit hard to follow and when I mentioned this made it a little confusing, she was abrupt and said she had been teaching this way for 20 years. Period. Very abrupt and made me think she didn't care. I've never been in a class where the teacher was moving the opposite of what they wanted the students to do. I longed for my other yoga teacher, but will try some other teachers there. The advantage of the studio is that you can do "drop in" classes. It's a beautiful light room, very clean, so I hope to find another teacher who doesn't demonstrate opposite what the class is doing and has a better attitude. read more

I purchased their special of 3 months unlimited and I've only attended 2 classes so far. The space is small but efficient. Make sure you get there on time because they lock the front door once class begins. Update: Now I've attended 3 classes and my biggest pet peeve is that the classes run over their 1 hour time slot. Last night it ran 20 minutes late... read more

I really enjoyed my classes at Yoga NW. They have a diverse blend of classes and a beautiful space. It's got high ceilings and a very peaceful vibe. I love how they make an effort to be accessible and adaptive and make everyone feel welcome. I can't wait to return for my next class! read more

Yoga NW is a neighborhood gem. It's my little home away from home. I've been practicing there for almost 7 years and absolutely love it. Some of the things I love most about it are the small classes, the friendly and knowledgable teachers, the unpretentious environment, the supportive community amongst the students and teachers, and the coziness of the studio. It is loved and well cared for and it shows. I also love Yoga NW's focus on accessible yoga. If a pose isn't working for you and your body, the teacher will suggest an alternative option. The new owner, Bonny, has brought so much positive energy, love and light to the studio as well as more classes and workshops. It's an accepting and inclusive environment and welcomes everyone. Come join us! read more

This is a beautiful, relaxing, clean, and cozy studio with lots of light and lovely decor. The staff was very friendly. They have lots of supplies, even blankets! for people to use. Arrive early as parking can be a little tricky. read more

This is a beautiful studio in a lovingly restored brick building. Tall south-facing windows have honeycomb blinds to soften the light. Mirrors on one wall are curtained off for yoga - or revealed for dance classes or rehearsals. I go for the latter. But, I'm impressed by the variety of yoga classes. The new owner, Bonny, has been a dream to work with! read more

Yoga NW is a warm, creative and supportive studio offering a variety of high-quality classes and events. All of the instructors are excellent and they offer REAL yoga for everyone. read more

Yoga NW is the first Yoga Studio that I've truly felt a sense of belonging and genuine welcoming. I love that the classes and students are diverse and varied, all inclusive and meet you wherever you're at in your practice and body. Owner Bonny is an absolute gem and has worked so hard to create a beautiful studio, wonderful community and incredible workshops offered regularly. I whole heartedly can't recommend Yoga NW enough! read more

This sweet, unpretentious studio offers great yoga. Sunrise Yoga with April is particularly wonderful. All the instructors are excellent and supportive of any size, shape and ability of the students. Worth every penny! read more

Yoga NW is a wonderful asset to the neighborhood and community. It offers a variety of classes for many different needs. It is supportive and welcoming of all. read more

A lovely, welcoming atmosphere with skilled teachers. Yoga Northwest is a gem in our neighborhood.

Yoga NW provides an excellent way to practice yoga. The owner, Bonny is caring, knowledgeable and empowers students to make decisions on how to use the practice to meet their needs and abilities. Modifications and alternatives are always presented in her classes. I am thrilled to have found her studio in NW Portland. In addition, other practitioners offer other classes and workshops. In the six months I have been practicing at Yoga NW I have found the staff and other students support each other in a community atmosphere. read more

This has become one of my favorite places for a mindful, low key practice. To date all of my practices have been with Aimee and her practice is a wonderful break from my normal power vinyasa practice. Yoga NW is a small, intimate space with "regular" people. Mike S. and I went to YTT together in 2011 so check out his class! read more

I am commenting on the Forrest Yoga with Becca King as this is the only class I have attended. First of al the space is clean and relaxing. I have been to many yoga classes over the years, and Becca is one of the best instructors. She offers gentle corrections on form, and has a class where people of multiple levels can succeed. I am a runner and have found this practice has really helped me with flexibility and strength. The session is both relaxing and a good workout. read more

NW Yoga is truly peace,calm and focus. I would highly recommend you stopping by a class. I have been in Becca, Micheal and Jacqueline's classes. They teach to many levels and not only lead with their hearts but also instruct the small changes one may need to make in positions. The effects will ripple through your life in many ways. read more

my first yoga experience, ever, and totally dug it. aimee seems to be a pretty amazing teacher, something i could gather not just from being able to visualize poses and moves from her vivid descriptions, eyes closed, but also from the appreciation of her from the other students in the class. definitely going back! read more

I left this place feeling more tense and frustrated than when I walked in. One of the instructors, Sheila, was abrupt, rude, and downright uncaring. Her energy sent me out the door. I will never go back. A waste of my time trying to find parking, and obviously my money. read more

Wonderful instructors, great approach to yoga, nice space. Very friendly and knowledgeable, helpful and encouraging without being overbearing. The prices are reasonable -- you can get $81/month unlimited yoga, e.g., or a package that comes out to $12/class, which I think is good. I think some reviewers expect really inexpensive yoga, and while that's great -- hey, in Albuquerque, some studios charge $5/class -- it's not really reasonable for teachers trying to earn a decent wage for their work. I definitely like it the most of any yoga studio in this neighborhood read more