The Portland Yoga Project Introduce
Hello, Mainers! In the heart of our beloved city of Portland, finding a space that feels truly welcoming and empowering can make all the difference in your wellness journey. The Portland Yoga Project is more than just a place to practice yoga; it's a vibrant, deeply rooted community built on a foundation of respect, education, and social justice. We understand that for our neighbors in Maine, a studio should be a haven—a place where you can feel at home, regardless of your experience level or background. This is the guiding principle behind everything we do, and it's what makes our studio an "absolute gem," as one of our members so perfectly put it.
The Portland Yoga Project is a space of radical welcome and genuine inclusivity. We are proud to be a women-owned and LGBTQ+ owned business, and we are committed to making our studio a safer, more accessible space for all. We believe that yoga is for every body, and our teachers are incredibly knowledgeable, skilled at offering classes that are both empowering for seasoned yogis and restorative for beginners. As a community, we believe in the power of movement to create a deeper connection to oneself and to each other. Our owners and instructors, including co-founders Jess Emilfarb and Elizabeth April, and co-owner Lauren Znachko, are dedicated to fostering an environment where every student feels cared for and safe.
We are a "project" because we are always in-process, evolving, and striving for the common good. We actively work to honor the roots and lineage of yoga while making the practice accessible and relevant to modern life. Our classes are designed to be "chock full of new and interesting perspectives," integrating knowledge of anatomy with a love for functional movement. Our commitment to creating a safe and inclusive space extends to being a transgender safespace and LGBTQ+ friendly, ensuring that all members of our community can find a place to move and breathe freely.
The Portland Yoga Project is located at 129 Newbury St, Portland, ME 04101, USA. For our Portland residents, our downtown location is easy to find and integrate into your daily routine. We also have a sister studio on Forest Avenue, giving our members more options to find a class that fits their schedule and location. Our downtown studio is a beautiful space with thoughtful decor and a warm setup that creates an inviting atmosphere for your practice.
We also understand the importance of accessibility and convenience. We offer free street parking, as well as access to paid parking garages and paid street parking, ensuring you have options for your visit. Our Newbury Street location is well-served by public transport and is a short walk from many downtown areas. We have also ensured our facilities are accessible for all, with a wheelchair-accessible and gender-neutral restroom, further demonstrating our commitment to inclusivity.
Services Offered:
Group Lessons: A wide variety of classes for all levels, including Vinyasa, Hatha, Barre, and more.
Onsite Services: Experience the community and energy of our beautiful in-person studio.
Our instructors are skilled in facilitating classes that are both challenging and accessible, providing modifications and adjustments for individual needs. The diversity of our class styles means you can choose a practice that perfectly aligns with your current goals, whether you're looking for strength and conditioning, or stillness and ease.
Features / Highlights:
Identifies as LGBTQ+ owned and women-owned
LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safespace
Wheelchair accessible restroom and gender-neutral restroom
Beautiful studio with a welcoming, vibrant, and community-focused atmosphere
Knowledgeable and kind instructors
Variety of parking options, including free street parking
These features are a core part of what makes our studio special. Our commitment to being a safe and welcoming space is a top priority, and it's reflected in everything from our ownership to our amenities. As a testament to this, our members often mention feeling "completely at home" and "part of something really beautiful" from their very first visit.
Contact Information:
Address: 129 Newbury St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Phone: (207) 808-8185
We invite you to reach out to us with any questions or to learn more about our class schedule and offerings. We are always happy to help you find the right class and welcome you into our community.
What is worth choosing?
For our Maine neighbors, selecting a yoga studio is a decision that deeply affects your physical and mental well-being. The Portland Yoga Project is an excellent choice for a multitude of reasons. Our studio stands out for its unique blend of high-quality instruction and a genuine commitment to inclusivity and community. The instructors are not just teachers; they are knowledgeable guides who make every class feel "empowering and restorative." The reviews from our members consistently highlight the kindness and expertise of our staff, who are dedicated to creating a safe and positive experience for every individual.
Furthermore, our identity as an LGBTQ+ and women-owned business is more than just a label—it's a core value that shapes our entire operation. We actively work to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable and respected, a crucial element that allows you to focus on your practice without any reservations. The amenities we offer, such as wheelchair-accessible and gender-neutral restrooms, are tangible examples of our dedication to providing an inclusive space for all.
Beyond the studio itself, our location in downtown Portland is a significant benefit. With various parking options and easy access, you can seamlessly integrate your yoga practice into your busy schedule. This convenience, combined with the wide range of classes available, makes it easy to stay consistent with your wellness goals.
Ultimately, what makes The Portland Yoga Project worth choosing is the feeling of belonging. As one member said, it "feels like home the moment you walk in." We believe that a strong practice is built on a strong community, and we are committed to being that for you. When you choose us, you are joining a family that is supportive, welcoming, and dedicated to helping you find joy and balance in your life, both on and off the mat.
The Portland Yoga Project Services
Yoga Studio
- Group lessons
The Portland Yoga Project Details
From the business
- Identifies as LGBTQ+ owned
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Onsite services
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
The Portland Yoga Project Photos
The Portland Yoga Project Location
The Portland Yoga Project
129 Newbury St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
The Portland Yoga Project Reviews
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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Beautiful studio! I typically go to the Forest Ave location as it’s closer to home, but my fav studio is the downtown location. Love the set up and decor. The owners and instructors are so wonderful, kind, welcoming. I can’t say enough good things!
May 28 · Melissa NeaultPortland Yoga Project is an absolute gem—welcoming, vibrant, and deeply rooted in community. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and make every class feel both empowering and restorative. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned yogi, this studio feels like home the moment you walk in.
March 31 · Corey StoneI've been a long time member of PYP, but I tend to frequent their Forest Ave location. However, the downtown location is nothing if not an extension of the beautiful community that is Portland Yoga Project. The space is stunning with large windows that allow natural light in during classes and feels very open. There is plenty of street parking and it's so nice to be able to easily pop to a coffee shop or restaurant post Sunday morning Barre class. Highly recommend!
January 30 · ArielThe new Portland Yoga Project's downtown location is fantastic! The space itself is gorgeous and thoughtfully designed. The yoga instructors are amazing and each class from yoga, to matte, to barre is so individual with tons of modifications for those with injuries or just a beginner. I have been a yogi for years and I am loving the new studio.
December 20 · Kristine TaylorI'm glad this opened as it's convenient to walk to from where I live and there aren't very many options within walking distance of Munjoy Hill. The space itself is beautiful, well kept, and well decorated. There are some things re: physical space that could use improvement and seem to be in progress, such as more bathrooms available. I have taken a few different classes at the Downtown location so far, each with a different instructor. The classes seem consistent regarding "difficulty" level regardless of instructor. I like that there is variation, although I feel like there are too many barre/matte classes and I'm not a fan of barre. Some classes can be crowded, so arriving early is necessary. All of the staff are laid back, welcoming, and friendly. Workout classes in general can be intimidating and there can be a cliquey attitude, but thankfully that is not the case here. I felt welcome by staff and other class participants. I am super thankful that there are mats available for use since I'm walking and want to carry as little as possible. Overall, this is a great yoga studio and I enjoy going there immensely. The pricing is fair it's definitely worth it for a monthly membership. I'm giving four stars instead of five because I think there could be some minor improvements: the aforementioned bathroom situation, more class time offerings outside of work hours (ex: I wish there were a 4:30 Gentle Yoga or Vinyasa), and perhaps a cap on attendees for any given class that is slightly fewer people as it can be difficult to find a spot if you arrive just before the start time of class.
January 02 · Max Wilder
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