Frequently Asked Questions

Ask yoga students what “yoga” means to them and you will hear a multitude of answers. Literally, the word “yoga” means: to unite. Today in the western world, “yoga” typically describes a physical practice exercising consciousness, intention, breath, and a balance of strength and flexibility that ultimately returns the practitioner to a natural, blissful state.

Expect to introduce yourself to a supportive, growth-conscious community of individuals who will welcome your presence; people who desire to live well, feel good, and share their enthusiasm for the life enhancing qualities of yoga.

Yoga Etiquette & Policies:
– No Cellphones: For your own focus and for the focus of those around you, we do not allow cellphones to be used in the studio space. If you must bring it in with you, please turn it to silent and keep it in your bag.
– Late Policy: For the comfort of our students and to avoid distractions during practice, we have a 5 minute late policy. If you arrive before the five minute mark, you will be asked to wait outside the yoga room until the beginning centering/meditation is complete. If you arrive after the 5 minute mark, you will not be allowed into the class.
– No Glass: We have concrete flooring so we do not allow glass into our studio space. We provide plastic water cups at our filtered water station.

It most certainly is. We have students of all shapes and sizes. Come to class and look around. You’ll see a group of people whose level of physical fitness cannot be measured by their outer appearance. Part of yoga is letting your practice be challenging in appropriate ways for yourself. At Yoga Union we care about your growth through a positive experience on the mat, not about how athletic your postures look. We encourage our students to stay within their capabilities and grow naturally over time.

The therapeutic applications that yoga offers are endless. If you have a serious injury, arrive early and speak to your instructor before class. They will help you learn to heal your body through the ancient art of yoga. However, we do encourage you to consult a doctor who knows about your type of injury, for advice about whether to practice yoga and how to do so safely.

Dress for comfort and to your own taste; we are not a fashion-concerned community. Just wear athletic clothing such as shorts and a t-shirt. For heated classes, lighter weight material is preferred. If you have a yoga mat, bring it. But we do rent mats if you need one. You may also want to bring water and a towel, especially for heated classes.

Absolutely not. Increased flexibility is one of the benefits a regular yoga practice will provide, but each individual has limitations. Our instructors provide skilled guidance for students of varying degrees of flexibility. At Yoga Union, you’ll learn to ease past your boundaries with care and patience.

A yoga mat is essential for all Yoga Union classes. We sell a variety of yoga mats to suit your need, and our staff will gladly help you pick one that you’ll love. Mats are also available to rent/try-out at the front desk for $3.

This depends on your specific needs. Even one yoga practice will calm your nervous system and ground you in the present. If you are hoping to see physical change (e.g., weight-loss, increased flexibility, muscle tone…) the recommended frequency of practice is at least three times per week.

There are three main things about Yoga Union that make it a “community wellness center.” To answer the “community” part – whenever possible, we hire within the community. From our instructors to maintenance personnel, Yoga Union either trades with or employs nearly 40 community members at all times. As for the “wellness” – our aim is to continue seeking and providing an answer to the question: “how do we live well.” And we are a “center” because our space is a hub for people to gather with a mutual interest in creating both community and wellness in their lives.

View the teacher schedule.

Yoga Union is located at 2305 SE 50th Ave. in Southeast Portland between Hawthorne and Division, at the corner of 50th and Sherman.

There is usually plenty of on-street parking available.

The #14 bus will drop you at our doorstep, and there are plenty of bike racks available outside.

We offer free (Yoga for Beginners) classes as well as five dollar drop-in (Vinyasa for Beginners) classes regularly . Please check the schedule for times, and feel free to take advantage of these classes as often you like.