Yoga Classes
Level 1
Establish basic yoga principles and body awareness in our Level 1 practice. We will practice seated, standing, supine, prone, and balance poses. No previous yoga experience is necessary.
Level 2
Practice a variety of seated, prone, supine, standing and balancing poses, while working on basic strength and flexibility. Gain experience with gentle backbends. This class is a good review if you’ve had some previous yoga experience.
Level 2-3
Work on longer holds for improved strength and deeper stretches for increased flexibility. Explore new balance poses, as well as stepping through from dog pose. We use props to make these more challenging poses accessible. This class is suitable for students with an established alignment-based practice.
Level 3
Practice a full range of poses, including gentle forward and back bends, standing balances, and inversion prep work. Cultivate deeper flexibility and strength through longer and more challenging postures. This class is suitable for students with an established alignment-based practice.
Level 3-4
Refine your standing and balance poses as we work with subtle cues and movements. Begin practicing inversions — shoulder stand and handstand at the wall — and prep for headstand and forearm balance. We introduce arm balances such as crow pose. This class is suitable for students with several years of practice.
Athletes 3-4
This class is specifically designed to complement athletic training, especially running and cycling. We focus on stretching, joint alignment, and upper body strength. The pace of this class is intense, designed to improve stamina. Previous yoga experience is recommended.
Iyengar Level 2/PYC Level 4
In this class, students will encounter a wide range of postures including standing poses, beginning inversions, arm balances, twists, backward extensions, and forward bends. Longer holds will enable students to further refine the asanas while working on strength and stamina. For those students familiar with the Gudmestad method, Iyengar Level 2 is equivalent to a Level 4 class at Paxson Yoga.
Level 4-5
This 2-hour practice is our most advanced class, featuring a wide range of challenging poses taught at an intense pace. Students should be injury-free and have practiced alignment-based yoga for several years.
Registration
Please call the yoga coordinator at (503) 223-8157 to discuss the appropriate Paxson Yoga Center/Gudmestad Yoga Tradition level for you and find out about class availability. Many classes are full when the term begins, so we suggest you register at least a month before the term begins to assure your place in class. We also suggest you start your class at the beginning of the term for continuity of instruction, however we may allow you to join a class later as space allows.
Students practicing with us for the first time are eligible for the New Student Special: Half-off tuition for your first term, and 20% off retail and special classes (Special Focus and Monthly Restoratives) during the Term. This discount does not apply to Anatomy Courses taught by Julie Gudmestad.
Registrations are for full terms only. Once registered, your place in class is assured for the term, so there are no refunds for late drops. Special consideration is given on a case by case basis.
Click here to download registration forms.
Policies
Make ups
If you are not able to attend your class at its scheduled time, you may make it up in the studio in a class of the same or lower level.
You may also sign up for our recording subscription service to receive the class recordings via email. You will have access to these recordings for the entire term, so you’ll have lots of flexibility for practicing.
Withdrawing from Class/Refunds
Yoga class or classes dropped within the first 2 weeks of the term will be refunded, to your MindBody Online account, minus the cost of the class or classes that have already taken place, whether or not you attended.
Workshop Return Policy
We have a 24-hour return policy for workshops. You must cancel 24 hours prior to the event for a refund to your MindBody Online account.
Class Cancellations
We may cancel a class if a teacher is sick, has an emergency, or if the weather is inclement. We will send out an email notification to all students in the affected class(es).
FAQs
What is the parking situation at the location on Macadam Ave.?
The small parking lot adjacent to the building is reserved for PT patients and and clients of wellness practitioners. For all others, there is street parking in the neighborhood or in Willamette Park, which is directly behind the studio.
What time should I arrive for class?
Plan to arrive about 15 minutes early for your first class so you can get acquainted with the space and your instructor.
What should I bring?
We have everything you’ll need for a safe, comfortable practice, but feel free to bring your own mat and props if you have them. Please wear comfortable clothing that isn’t too loose. Baggy clothes tend to get in the way of movement, and can make it difficult for your instructor to see the alignment of your poses.
Is there a place for me to get changed?
Not at this time, except for the bathrooms. We have cubbies in the lower lobby where you can store your personal belongings.
Can I reserve a spot in the next term?
Yes, we give returning students priority with a sign-up sheet near the end of each term. This helps ensure you get into your preferred class.
What happens if the class I want is full?
We keep a wait list active through most of the term. We will contact you if a spot opens up. You can ask to be added to the wait list for the following term if you don’t get in.