Overview
Sellwood Yoga is a family-owned and operated studio with deep roots in Portland’s historic Sellwood neighborhood, run by siblings Savonn and Bill Wyland. It provides a clean, welcoming space with a diverse schedule of classes including Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, Slow Flow, Restorative, and Yin Yoga, all designed to be accessible for beginners while offering depth for experienced practitioners. The studio is particularly noted for its highly effective restorative classes and specialized offerings like Yoga for a Healthy Spine and programs for women’s health. Beyond group classes, they offer teacher training, workshops, retreats, and private sessions, with many classes available in a hybrid in-person/livestream format. Their emphasis is on creating a supportive community environment where students can learn, unwind, and turn inward, making yoga relevant to daily living.
Yoga Format
Yoga Styles
Studio Business Hours
| Day | Status | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Open | 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | Open | 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | Open | 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | Open | 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Friday | Open | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | Open | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Open | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Studio in Details
A Neighborhood Yoga Space with Deep Roots
Sellwood Yoga presents itself as a family-owned and operated yoga studio that has been part of the historic Sellwood neighborhood in Southeast Portland for over sixteen years. The space is described by its operators as a place for welcoming community, thoughtful practice, and real life yoga. This suggests a focus on making the practice accessible and relevant to daily living, rather than purely athletic or esoteric. The studio is run by siblings Savonn and Bill Wyland, who bring decades of experience from previously operating a community-centered studio in San Francisco. Savonn lives just around the corner, and Bill remains closely connected, which points to a deeply local, embedded presence. The studio’s location on SE 13th Ave places it in the heart of the neighborhood, though one visitor noted initial confusion about finding the correct entrance, suggesting first-time visitors may want to confirm specific arrival details.
The physical space is noted by visitors as a nice, clean studio. The studio also mentions having a wooden yoga deck behind the building for outdoor practice when weather permits. The overall aim, as stated by the studio, is to offer a welcoming, relaxing, beautiful, and clean space where people can learn, unwind, and turn inward. The hope is that students leave each class feeling better than when they arrived. This emphasis on a supportive environment is a recurring theme in how the studio describes its approach.
A Diverse and Inclusive Practice for All Levels
The class offerings at Sellwood Yoga are designed to cater to a wide variety of students. The schedule includes multiple classes throughout the week, with styles ranging from gentle, supportive practices to more dynamic flows. Based on the studio’s detailed class descriptions, they offer Hatha Yoga, which blends principles from Iyengar and Vinyasa traditions at a slower pace; Vinyasa Flow, which creatively links breath and movement; and Slow Flow, a gentler version of vinyasa ideal for newer students. For those seeking deep relaxation, the studio provides Restorative Yoga and Yin Yoga. Restorative classes use props like blankets, bolsters, and blocks to support fully passive, restful poses held for extended periods.
Visitor experiences strongly affirm the value of these restorative offerings. One person who attended a Monday evening Restorative Yoga class with instructor Quinn noted that she “will go around the room and make sure that every person is as comfortable as possible” and that poses are held for 15-20 minutes, which allowed them time to settle in and feel the benefits. Another visitor who took Lana’s Wednesday night restorative class reported sleeping very well afterward, praising the instructor’s intentional flow and incorporation of somatic movements, which left their nervous system “so happy.” The studio also offers specialized classes like Yoga for a Healthy Spine, which focuses on back care and alignment, and Yoga for Healthy Aging, designed to support balance and mobility at any age. Other listed classes include Yoga Basics, Functional Strength & Yoga, Stretch and Strengthen, and Morning Yoga, indicating a well-rounded schedule that supports different health goals like strength, flexibility, and stress relief.
Beyond the Mat: Programs, Accessibility, and Community
Sellwood Yoga extends its offerings well beyond regular group classes. The studio runs various programs and workshops designed to deepen understanding. These can cover topics like anatomy, sound healing, breathwork, and Thai yoga massage, and are available both in-studio and online. A significant educational component is their Yoga Teacher Training programs and mentorship opportunities. They also have signature initiatives like the Pause & Pause Plus Programs, which are tailored to support women through perimenopause and post-menopause. Furthermore, the studio organizes retreats that are described as thoughtfully designed and open to all, with yoga as an optional activity, making them suitable for bringing non-practicing friends or family.
Accessibility is addressed through flexible formats. Many classes are taught in a hybrid model, meaning students can choose to attend in person at the studio or join via a simultaneous livestream on Zoom. This provides options for those practicing from home, the office, or while traveling. The studio states it offers affordable and flexible rates, including packages, memberships, and drop-ins, though visitors do not mention specific pricing details. For those seeking personalized attention, private sessions are available; one group of friends celebrated a birthday with a private session led by instructor Jess and found it to be an “amazing experience.” The studio also sells gift certificates. While the overall feedback highlights a strong sense of community and skilled instruction, one visitor’s experience underscores the importance of clear communication for first-timers regarding studio location and arrival procedures.