Blog Posts
Grow beyond your experience and create impact for others
The Practice Space Announces Revolutionary Full-Time Educator Model
Starting in 2025, The Practice Space will become the first yoga and Pilates studio in the region to offer full-time salaries and benefits to its educators. This groundbreaking move addresses a long-standing industry issue where teachers, despite their dedication, often face financial instability.
“Teachers dedicate their lives to this work, yet they are rarely acknowledged or compensated as if they have a professional career,” said Krista Lennartz, owner and educational director. “We believe the well-being of our educators is as essential as the well-being of our students.”
This innovative model, which includes leadership roles for full-time educators and continued opportunities for affiliate teachers, sets a new standard for sustainability and excellence in the industry.
Why I enrolled… Again
For over a decade, I've had the privilege of learning with Meghan and have participated twice in the transformative 40-day journey for self-discovery. I've delved into profound contemplations, spent countless hours pondering life's complexities through the yogic lens, and this spring, I find myself drawn once more to this grounding process.
Why do I return? Have I not grasped the lessons from my previous journeys?
(un)Expected Weather
On the early Monday of the past week, I arrived at the airport to check in for a one-week retreat in Costa Rica with five other wonderful entrepreneurs. However, the harmony of anticipation was quickly disrupted when my fellow traveler discovered that his passport was missing – an unforeseen omen of the challenges awaiting me in the days ahead. Little did I know, these hurdles would test my resilience in ways I hadn't anticipated.
I choose to stay.
I opened all of the windows. Every single one of them. I opened them all and now as I write this the house is cold with brisk winter air. Then, with a lit sage in hand, I traversed every room, waving it toward the corners burdened with the weight of memories. Spider webs, dirt along the baseboards, piles of laundry, remnants of the past in photos and empty frames awaiting purpose. Groceries, thirsty plants, wrapped presents patiently awaiting the dawn of the new year. My son's writings adorned his sister's bedroom wall.
In honor of a student who is the real teacher
Williams closes its doors…
To overcome economic pandemic diversity and be “the studio that survived and thrived”. After this week, I have found space in my mind and heart to thrive in a new and careful way.
The Practice Space and Social Media
Decisions around social media can be fraught with issues that spark philosophical contemplations. I was recently put into a contemplative tailspin when trying to identify how our new brand can be on social media with integrity.
2022 Reflections, 2023 Hope
Reflecting on 2021 and we had just over 15,000 studio visits. Our teachers and students work in symbiosis to make the potential of our practice magical.
2021 Lesson Learned to Keep it F*%&ing Simple
Lessons from 2021: 1) Laughter in the face of adversity, 2) Sometimes you need to say f&%! and 3) Change the story. A fart isn’t embarrassing.
A New YBCP - Part One
In the middle of 2020, I didn’t know how I could help the situations that surrounded me. At one point I felt frozen with uncertainty… How the heck can I support my family in a pandemic, become an ally to BIPOC Portlanders, make changes to save the planet, and run a successful business?!?!
To Demonstrate or Not to Demonstrate… That is the Virtual Question.
A primary focus in my work with motor learning has been the study of cueing approaches for yoga and Pilates. Specifically, how and why teachers utilize either demonstration or verbal cueing to teach large classes with diverse populations.
Movement's Metaphor and Home-Education Support
My conclusion, based solely on my anecdotal evidence is that, in these past 21 days, acceptance of a new reality is improbable at best. Personally, I am nowhere near the autonomous stage of learning or developing new habits.
You Can't Hold Hands Online
As we are quickly learning during this unexpected pandemic that is rattling our economy, community connections, and personal health: human connection is invaluable.
Memberships
All of memberships are designed to support your dedicated practice. Explore our monthly memberships:
Lunar Monthly Memberships
Weekly Private Session Membership
unlimited access to all classes plus 1 private per week
*specialist not included
$450
Upcoming Events & Workshops
Join Anne Witmer on January 5, 2025, for a transformative 3-hour workshop designed to help you slow down, de-stress, and align with the rhythms of winter. This deeply restorative session will incorporate yin yoga, qigong, acupressure, and guided meditation to harmonize your internal energy with the Water element.
Join our 200-Hour Yoga Pathway: Immersive Study for Dedicated Practitioners and a Foundation for Teaching Certification, starting January 10, 2025! Deepen your practice with yoga techniques, philosophy, and lifestyle integration. Perfect for those seeking a transformative journey or the foundation to guide others.
Led by: Meghan Maris
Cost: $3400 *** Includes unlimited mat classes for 1 year at the Practice Space, a 3-day retreat, and immersive learning that last a lifetime.
Join us for this Movement Lab focused on hands, feet, and weight-bearing challenges. We’ll explore alignment and sensation to uncover movement practices that can help address common injuries or discomfort. Work alongside teachers and students to troubleshoot real-world challenges we all encounter both in the studio and beyond.
Led by: Krista Lennartz
Cost: $42 (25% off for autopay members)
Though the hands and feet may seem far apart, their roles in weight-bearing share many similarities. In this 2-hour lecture, we will explore the anatomy of both hands and feet, highlighting the parallels and differences between these systems. We’ll dive into common pain points and contraindications specific to mindful movement in Pilates and Yoga, discussing why these issues occur and how to address them effectively.
The workshop will cover assessment techniques and cueing strategies to optimize the plantar and palmar connections to the ground, props, and equipment. Prior knowledge of basic anatomy labeling is important for this workshop. To prepare, consider brushing up on the anatomy of the hands and feet through the following resources.
Who is this for? This workshop is ideal for individuals looking for a more complex discussion around movement, movement education, and movement practices. This is a full 2 hour indepth lecture that may include some physical participation or assessment. Students can attend “viewers” or “participants” If you are a viewer you can observe how teachers work with assessment and learning. If you are a participant it is important to have a working knowledge of the hand and foot anatomy and terminology.
Join us for this Movement Lab focused on hands, feet, and weight-bearing challenges. We’ll explore alignment and sensation to uncover movement practices that can help address common injuries or discomfort. Work alongside teachers and students to troubleshoot real-world challenges we all encounter both in the studio and beyond.
Led by: Krista Lennartz
Cost: $42 (25% off for autopay members)
Balance is often a buzzword, but what does it truly mean in the context of bipedal movement? As bipedal beings evolving from quadrupeds, the integration of four limbs in a two-limb stance is frequently misunderstood. In this lecture, you’ll explore how the joint structures of the lower limbs communicate with the torso and upper limbs through tensegrity. Discover how injuries often occur when this integration is lacking and learn practical strategies to modify your own movement, awakening and enhancing these interconnected systems for better balance and coordination.
Who is this for? This workshop is ideal for individuals looking for a more complex discussion around movement, movement education, and movement practices. This is a full 2 hour indepth lecture that may include some physical participation or assessment. Students can attend “viewers” or “participants” If you are a viewer you can observe how teachers work with assessment and learning. If you are a participant it is important to have a working knowledge of the hand and foot anatomy and terminology.
This month's Movement Lab will focus on the hips and lower extremities. We'll explore how to assess hip health in various positions such as standing, quadruped, and sitting, while uncovering movement practices that support stability and mobility. This session will provide practical tools for evaluating and improving hip function, both in the studio and in everyday life.
Led by: Krista Lennartz
Cost: $42 (25% off for autopay members)
The spine is often viewed simply as a boney head-to-tail structure, but the true function is to house and protect the central nervous system (CNS). Understanding this symbiotic relationship creates a much deeper, more intricate system of movement. In this lecture, we will explore the spine from within, focusing on the deeper connection of the spinal canal and its transformative impact on movement. From the occipital connection down to the lower lumbar, understanding what one graduate calls the “baby spine” will forever change how you approach forward folds and backbends. This session delves into the structure of the nervous system, offering insight into how it informs sensation and movement. Rather than focusing on the spine as a bony column, we will examine it as a dynamic canal of communication and information.
Who is this for? This workshop is ideal for individuals looking for a more complex discussion around movement, movement education, and movement practices. This is a full 2 hour indepth lecture that may include some physical participation or assessment. Students can attend “viewers” or “participants” If you are a viewer you can observe how teachers work with assessment and learning. If you are a participant it is important to have a working knowledge of the hand and foot anatomy and terminology.
This month's Movement Lab will focus on the hips and lower extremities. We'll explore how to assess hip health in various positions such as standing, quadruped, and sitting, while uncovering movement practices that support stability and mobility. This session will provide practical tools for evaluating and improving hip function, both in the studio and in everyday life.
Led by: Krista Lennartz
Cost: $42 (25% off for autopay members)
Extension causing discomfort and pain is a common issue in both yoga and Pilates, often leading instructors to prioritize comfort and safety to the point of avoiding spinal extension altogether. But what if we took a different approach? What if we did more and deeper extensions? In our modern world, dominated by screens and convenience, our spines are no longer required to pull, lift, or reach as they once did. Without consistent activation of the posterior chain, it’s no surprise that aches and pains arise. Additionally, improper cues for spinal support can create an internal struggle between muscles and structures, exacerbating discomfort (don't worry, we’ll break this down in the lecture!). This workshop explores the sagittal plane, focusing on the mechanics of flexion and extension, and how reactivating these essential systems can lead to a stronger, healthier spine.
Who is this for? This workshop is ideal for individuals looking for a more complex discussion around movement, movement education, and movement practices. This is a full 2 hour indepth lecture that may include some physical participation or assessment. Students can attend “viewers” or “participants” If you are a viewer you can observe how teachers work with assessment and learning. If you are a participant it is important to have a working knowledge of the hand and foot anatomy and terminology.
This month's Movement Lab will focus on the low back and pelvis. This session will address common low back sensitivities and issues that arise in Yoga and Pilates practices. We’ll explore how the low back, as a crossroads for various biomechanical structures, often isn’t the direct source of pain, and learn movement strategies to support and improve overall function.
Led by: Krista Lennartz
Cost: $42 (25% off for autopay members)
Have you ever noticed yourself looking surprised while rolling up off the mat? It’s not just because the movement is challenging—it’s due to the anatomy of the fascial backline, the vestibular system, and the structural dynamics of the neck. These areas play a crucial role in what we often refer to as "core strength." The neck, jaw, and tongue are intimately connected to our spinal core and are frequently over-relied upon, which can hinder progress. This lecture will dive into how these systems interact, and how better understanding their role in movement can enhance both your strength and overall body awareness.
Who is this for? This workshop is ideal for individuals looking for a more complex discussion around movement, movement education, and movement practices. This is a full 2 hour indepth lecture that may include some physical participation or assessment. Students can attend “viewers” or “participants” If you are a viewer you can observe how teachers work with assessment and learning. If you are a participant it is important to have a working knowledge of the hand and foot anatomy and terminology.
This month's Movement Lab will focus on the low back and pelvis. This session will address common low back sensitivities and issues that arise in Yoga and Pilates practices. We’ll explore how the low back, as a crossroads for various biomechanical structures, often isn’t the direct source of pain, and learn movement strategies to support and improve overall function.
Led by: Krista Lennartz
Cost: $42 (25% off for autopay members)
Do these conditions sound familiar: frozen shoulder, scoliosis, thoracic outlet syndrome, anxiety, TMJ, rotator cuff injuries, rib displacement, or chronic lung inflammation? What they all have in common is that upper thoracic mobility and coordination can directly influence both breathing capacity and upper extremity function. Similarly, the strength and coordination of the upper limbs can either support or hinder respiration. This workshop will explore the dynamic relationship between the scapulothoracic joint and the respiratory system, providing practical tools to optimize both shoulder movement and breathing efficiency for enhanced performance and injury prevention.
Who is this for? This workshop is ideal for individuals looking for a more complex discussion around movement, movement education, and movement practices. This is a full 2 hour indepth lecture that may include some physical participation or assessment. Students can attend “viewers” or “participants” If you are a viewer you can observe how teachers work with assessment and learning. If you are a participant it is important to have a working knowledge of the hand and foot anatomy and terminology.
This month's Movement Lab will focus on the thoracic spine, breath, and upper body mobility. We’ll dive into common misconceptions about mobilizing the upper thoracic spine and how scapular movement influences that mobility. By addressing frequent issues, we’ll explore alternative approaches to improving thoracic movement and enhancing breath awareness, creating a more integrated and effective practice.
Led by: Krista Lennartz
Cost: $42 (25% off for autopay members)
In the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, agency is defined as "the capacity to act," and the term "agency" represents the expression of this capacity. As educators, especially in the realm of mindful movement, we have a unique responsibility to create learning environments that nurture and expand our students' agency. This is not just an educational goal but a public health imperative. Our role as movement educators is to empower students to take ownership of their movement journeys, equipping them with the tools to make self-directed, informed decisions about their bodies. For lasting behavioral changes to occur, students must become agents of their own transformation, integrating what they learn in the studio into their lives beyond it. This workshop will explore how the conditions we set for practice and the feedback we provide can either cultivate or diminish a student's sense of agency. By fostering agency, we help students build lifelong, autonomous movement skills that promote overall well-being.
Who is this for? This workshop is ideal for individuals looking for a more complex discussion around movement, movement education, and movement practices. This is a full 2 hour indepth lecture that may include some physical participation or assessment. Students can attend “viewers” or “participants” If you are a viewer you can observe how teachers work with assessment and learning. If you are a participant it is important to have a working knowledge of the hand and foot anatomy and terminology.
This month's Movement Lab will focus on the thoracic spine, breath, and upper body mobility. We’ll dive into common misconceptions about mobilizing the upper thoracic spine and how scapular movement influences that mobility. By addressing frequent issues, we’ll explore alternative approaches to improving thoracic movement and enhancing breath awareness, creating a more integrated and effective practice.
Led by: Krista Lennartz
Cost: $42 (25% off for autopay members)
Assessments: What are they, and why do they matter? When used thoughtfully, assessments can be powerful tools for personal growth and self-discovery. However, if misapplied, they may undermine a student's trust and confidence, leading to fear or perfectionism. This workshop will explore how to approach assessments in a way that fosters empowerment and agency, rather than creating barriers to progress. You'll learn practical assessment techniques focused on fascial lines, soft tissue, and dynamic movement, and how to apply them in a way that supports both your own development and that of your students.
Who is this for? This workshop is ideal for individuals looking for a more complex discussion around movement, movement education, and movement practices. This is a full 2 hour indepth lecture that may include some physical participation or assessment. Students can attend “viewers” or “participants” If you are a viewer you can observe how teachers work with assessment and learning. If you are a participant it is important to have a working knowledge of the hand and foot anatomy and terminology.
This month's Movement Lab will focus on the shoulders and arms. While the arms are designed for mobility and articulate movement, they often become weight-bearers in mindful movement practices, which can be both challenging and transformative. This session will focus on balancing mobility with stability, exploring how to effectively weight-bear through the arms while maintaining the strength needed for nuanced, powerful movement.
Led by: Krista Lennartz
Cost: $42 (25% off for autopay members)
In a class of 30 people, no two students have the same structural or functional capabilities. Offering options seems like the right approach to accommodate different skill levels, but how effective is it? The psychological and emotional impact of providing options in movement education is significant and should not be underestimated, especially in public group settings. For students, learning how to make informed decisions between different options fosters confidence and builds agency in navigating their practice. This workshop emphasizes the importance of guiding students in quick, informed decision-making during each movement scenario. It also encourages curiosity about how one option differs from another and why certain choices may be more beneficial based on individual needs and goals.
Who is this for? This workshop is ideal for individuals looking for a more complex discussion around movement, movement education, and movement practices. This is a full 2 hour indepth lecture that may include some physical participation or assessment. Students can attend “viewers” or “participants” If you are a viewer you can observe how teachers work with assessment and learning. If you are a participant it is important to have a working knowledge of the hand and foot anatomy and terminology.
This month's Movement Lab will focus on the shoulders and arms. While the arms are designed for mobility and articulate movement, they often become weight-bearers in mindful movement practices, which can be both challenging and transformative. This session will focus on balancing mobility with stability, exploring how to effectively weight-bear through the arms while maintaining the strength needed for nuanced, powerful movement.
Led by: Krista Lennartz
Cost: $42 (25% off for autopay members)
Demonstration is a powerful teaching tool—until you realize what people are actually focusing on! The science behind mimicry and mirror neurons reveals fascinating insights, but it also exposes common misconceptions. While the visual system plays a significant role in learning, the question is: what exactly are we processing when we observe someone else move? And how does this differ from when we observe ourselves? This workshop will delve into the science of demonstration, exploring how to use it effectively and how to guide your focus when observing others. Join us to enhance your understanding of visual learning and apply these principles in your teaching or practice.
Who is this for? This workshop is ideal for individuals looking for a more complex discussion around movement, movement education, and movement practices. This is a full 2 hour indepth lecture that may include some physical participation or assessment. Students can attend “viewers” or “participants” If you are a viewer you can observe how teachers work with assessment and learning. If you are a participant it is important to have a working knowledge of the hand and foot anatomy and terminology.
This month's Movement Lab will focus on the shoulders and arms. While the arms are designed for mobility and articulate movement, they often become weight-bearers in mindful movement practices, which can be both challenging and transformative. This session will focus on balancing mobility with stability, exploring how to effectively weight-bear through the arms while maintaining the strength needed for nuanced, powerful movement.
Led by: Krista Lennartz
Cost: $42 (25% off for autopay members)
The nervous system is the foundation of our movement, often seeming complex or elusive—but it doesn't have to be. From pain to joy, the nervous system is our primary communication network, and it can be our greatest ally in understanding movement. In this workshop, Krista will share research and insights into neuromuscular disorders, exploring how we can more deeply connect with the nervous system in movement education. By learning to interpret its subtle signals—its tingles, wiggles, and whispers—we can better understand how our body communicates with us. Come with curiosity and openness as we dive into the “inner voice” of the nervous system, uncovering how it guides us in both movement and daily life.
Who is this for? This workshop is ideal for individuals looking for a more complex discussion around movement, movement education, and movement practices. This is a full 2 hour indepth lecture that may include some physical participation or assessment. Students can attend “viewers” or “participants” If you are a viewer you can observe how teachers work with assessment and learning. If you are a participant it is important to have a working knowledge of the hand and foot anatomy and terminology.
This month's Movement Lab will focus on the shoulders and arms. While the arms are designed for mobility and articulate movement, they often become weight-bearers in mindful movement practices, which can be both challenging and transformative. This session will focus on balancing mobility with stability, exploring how to effectively weight-bear through the arms while maintaining the strength needed for nuanced, powerful movement.
Led by: Krista Lennartz
Cost: $42 (25% off for autopay members)
Unpopular opinion: Modifications aren't very helpful. This workshop will challenge traditional approaches in public movement education by rethinking the role of modifications. Using the visual system to provide modifications can be inherently flawed. Instead, we’ll focus on the deeper, more effective practice of understanding the systems at play and how to facilitate mindful movement through clear processes. Building on the concept of agency, this workshop encourages shifting from offering "modifications" to guiding students in optimizing environmental constraints to support their physical progress. Krista advocates for removing the term “modification” from our teaching language, and instead, embracing an approach that enhances student autonomy and promotes optimal movement solutions.
Who is this for? This workshop is ideal for individuals looking for a more complex discussion around movement, movement education, and movement practices. This is a full 2 hour indepth lecture that may include some physical participation or assessment. Students can attend “viewers” or “participants” If you are a viewer you can observe how teachers work with assessment and learning. If you are a participant it is important to have a working knowledge of the hand and foot anatomy and terminology.
Section Styles summary-block