Begin Pilates & Yoga — Attraction in Portland

Danny is a great instructor. I really enjoyed his personal concern and respect for each person's process.

I'd recommend anyone with chronic pain issues, not just back pain, to take Danny's course. You will get a chance to adjust your perception of pain and learn some techniques to help deal with and reduce your pain. The class goal of giving each participant some useful tools to manage pain was clear and gradually unfolded, building on each week's lesson and homework assignment.

This was my first exposure to anything yoga. Danny was great at explaining the connections between our movements and breathing and our mindset.

It was clear from the beginning that I would get the most benefit by a consistent investment of about 10+ minutes of meditation per day. Therein, lies the rub. I was taking the class to help with back pain. The reason I have back pain is that I don't do my exercises. I still don't have the self-discipline needed, I still have back pain.

At the beginning of each class, each of us had an opportunity to describe our successes doing the homework. I could have happily skipped that part of the class. With only a few students, I couldn't hide in the back row. Danny always made it optional to participate, but I felt guilty either avoiding confession or confessing my failings.

I really enjoyed the guided movement portion of each class! The instruction was direct and easy and the individual attention was greatly appreciated. Danny really paid close attention so each of us could get the most benefit.

Danny suggested that I look into the weekly Wed. evening mat class offered by Begin Pilates. I have been going every other week and intend to go weekly as I can schedule it. The instructor is also really good. The class involves more movement and that is the...

I don’t know about anyone else but as I grow older and thus less flexible, I used to struggle in those physical activities that I enjoyed and in some cases, just had to give up. Yeah, I went to different types of Yoga classes, stretching classes and core strengthening classes, begrudgingly. Frankly felt intimidated and frustrated and this is coming from an old gym rat. I bought the dvd’s, etc. but, again being an old gym rat, working out alone is never been a motivator for me. Then I heard about “Yoga for The Inflexible Guy” at Begin Pilates and Yoga.

I started over three months ago, under the yoga instruction of Danny, with a small group of other guys just like me. I attend twice a week and it has made a HUGE difference in my flexibility, core strength and balance, to the point that I am doing things physically that I thought were no longer possible. It is a great workout and a lot of fun.

Danny is great! He keeps his classes small so that he can watch over each of his guys to provide care and encouragement to each of us in a group environment. I would give up a lot of things before I would give up my Tues and Thursday’s with Danny. What a difference it has made in my sense of well-being and physical...

As the pandemic was coming to safer place, I was looking for a place to do yoga. I'm a guy in my 50's...I can't do the positions that 25 year old women can and frankly those studios don't work for me. When I discovered "Yoga for the Inflexible Guy", I thought it was too good to be true. It's a safe space without body judgement and Danny leads us old dudes through poses and breathing that work for my body. It's not just good for my body, it's good for my soul. I feel rejuvenated after each class. And the bonus is discovering pilates here too. I've now had a few private pilates sessions (thanks Kacie!) and have taken a number of reformer classes as well. It's a great environment with instructors that cater to a small group setting and the needs of whomever is in the class. No posers, no preeners, no judgement. ...