Unfold Studios

Just had my first class but it was a good one. It’s been a long time since my last yoga class at another facility … one where I didn’t feel inclined to continue. However, there were many things I liked about today’s class. The room with its high ceilings and a lot of outdoor lighting; the early and small class; and the relaxed and inviting atmosphere created by my excellent teacher, Michelle Ryan, all have contributed greatly in making me want to return. Plus the special price I just happened upon helped make me a very happy customer!

Really enjoyed the intro session for the MBSR class by Laura Martin. Great space for the class and Laura is an excellent facilitator. Space has a great vibe and the parking is extremely helpful.

Unfold is comprised of friendly and knowledgeable teachers. They provide a very welcoming atmosphere, and a beautiful, restful studio space. There is a wide variety of classes offered, including a good number of Yin and gentle, restorative options which are my
current «go-to’s.». The instructors are supportive, meeting and accepting each student wherever they are at in their journey – whether it is their 1^st or 100^th class – and knowledgeably and safely teach to all body types and abilities. I appreciate that variations of poses are offered regularly and as the norm, not as an «exception» that can sometimes single individuals out whose bodies may have difficulty with an initial pose. There is a learning/​teaching element to each class and the ongoing lesson is: this your body, this is your yoga… Trust and Listen to Yourself.
The teachers are knowledgeable and while the different instructors come to their practice and teaching from various perspectives, none set themselves apart and approach their teaching as hierarchical «top-​down „experts“ but, rather, present themselves as a supportive partners and „explainers.“ I feel comfortable and supported on my journey here. I also appreciate that they are very open, welcoming of, and responsive to member feedback; it makes me feel like it truly is ‘my» yoga space, too.
Thank you, Unfold, for creating such a unique and valuable learning and practice environment. You should feel really proud of what you have created and what you model here. So happy I found this studio!

Pretty much all yoga studios say they welcome all students, regardless of body type or ability. But despite their best intentions, very few teachers know how to actually work with more than the standard «yoga body» you seen on the cover of yoga magazines. The instructors at Unfold are — thank God! — totally different. I have taken classes from 6 different teachers there, and every single one of them has been totally welcoming, eager to offer modifications, and super friendly. I have never once felt shamed or judged by anyone there, and I have received exactly the right amount of personal attention — not so much that I felt singled out, but not so little that I felt disregarded. I’ve been practicing yoga for about 7 years, and Unfold is by far my favorite studio in Portland. And Liz Eisman, who teaches Friday mornings, is an absolute gift to my world — so much joy and humor and sass stuffed in to a compact little body! THANK YOU, Unfold!

I love taking Yin Yoga classes here. I always arrive slightly frazzled but always leave feeling very grounded. I’m grateful to have this studio close to my home.

Sasha has provided me a transformational healing experience. She has been kind, genuine, attuned and intelligent in her teachings.
I take Sasha’s strength and balance class. The class begins with a dharma talk which engages your curiosity and gives you something to ponder. The class typically challenges you, but in a playful manner.
I would highly recommend Sasha’s classes for anyone looking for great experience in a wonderful, supportive environment.

Unfold Studios is an incredible place. If you are interested in Spirituality and gentle yoga then this is the place to be. The instructors are welcoming to everyone… regardless of outer appearances. Everyone feels valued and safe to be their authentic selves. Its perfectly okay to do only what feels right for you to do at any given time in the yoga classes here. Best studio ever!

I just love Unfold. Come as you are, there’s no pressure to be anything or anyone you aren’t. The best you can offer is your authentic self. I always feel safe and welcome here and am thrilled to have found this special place right in my neighborhood! No mirrors, no weird windows where you are on display, the cork flooring, natural light and wooden walls are all perfect.

Updated review: I have been back for two meditation classes. I was excited to see that they are offered at 8:00am as most morning meditations in Portland are much earlier — too early for this night owl! They are also on a donation only basis which is consistent with Buddhist philosophy. I often scoff at meditation class series costing $ 300 or $ 400. Meditation should be free/​open to all. This studio embodies their «unconditionally welcoming» mantra by making this class accessible to all. While Im not as much of a fan of the «facing away from each other/​facing the wall» style of meditation one teacher employed (as opposed to sitting in a circle or all facing forward) I was open and it worked all the same. The staff has been very nice and I am excited to try a yoga class soon.

Love Karen G and her classes! She is a great teacher and really connects with students.

Welcoming environment, knowledgeable staff, unpretentious

Unfold Studios is a beautiful space to unwind and practice. I have been fortunate enough to attend a Yin Class with Leigh and it was a blissful hour and a half of deep stretching and inner meditation.
Although the studio is on the busy part of Division, they manage to help in taking you to a world away. The studio faces away from the street and the only windows are a ceiling height with views of the trees swaying in the gentle breeze.
The class and teacher were very down-​to-​earth and made you feel completely comfortable no matter your level/​size/​body type.
I will definitely be back as this is only a block and a half from my apartment.

Amazing experience for both classes. knowledgeable, gentle classes, the approach I am looking for away from furious flow classes. Feels more grounded in yoga roots than anywhere I have been in town. Thanks!

Finally an inclusive yoga studio. This is a place that unashamedly embraces and accommodates people like me, who are size 12 and not size two. Real yoga for actual human beings, some of whom are thin white girls, but not all.
From the moment I entered the bamboo walled studio I felt safe and yummy. I Noted the soothing piano arpeggios, and sat on the free, comfortable yoga mats.
There were props a go go to sit on, including blankets, blocks, wedge shaped blocks, bolsters both round and rectangular, and best of all: Eye pillows and sand weights for your ankles or abdomen. This is real restorative yoga, not what is advertised by other studios as «restorative» or «yin.»
The place is quiet, with no external noises, and only six or so yoga students. This means individual attention and individual attention.
This is a hands on, prop intensive place that is authentically in touch with yoga philosophy and its roots in the yoga sutras.

I really appreciate the way the studio is welcoming to students of all levels, ages and body types. I particularly appreciate Liz Eisman’s creative and inspiring classes!

This studio is welcoming to all students — every size and shape and physical ability. Each class can be as challenging as you personally need it to be. The teachers are very good at offering alternatives to poses to make them attainable or more challenging at every level. The community exudes warmth and inclusion. If you have ever wanted to try yoga or to continue to work on your practice in a welcoming and non-​judgmental environment, I encourage you to try Unfold Studios.

I know three of the teachers at Unfold and they each have very deep expertise. They are all committed to being «unconditionally welcoming.» which is important to me as an older woman with a large, out-​of-​shape body. EB and many of the practioners are trained in yoga therapy which requires extensive training beyond being a trained yoga teachers.
If you have not, just take a peak at the schedule – the variety is astounding!

Wonderful place for Yoga. Unfold has reinvented itself as a Yoga Community Center. E.B. Ferdig is an amazing instructor /​partner in the business. If you are worried that you don’t have the right body for yoga… don’t…The classes here make it doable for anyone at their own pace — if you are round or have disabilities — fear not, they will make you feel welcome and included and find ways to give you confidence. It’s more than a place to learn to bend like a pretzel — it’s a wonderful place to open your mind and spirit through awareness of breath and body. And it’s okay to laugh there too! Highly recommended.