Riley Peters spent the last few years looking for a yoga studio in Clark County where she felt a sense of belonging. A passionate yogi since high school, Peters believes community is an essential element of yoga.
“Personally, I love the energy that’s created when you bring together a group of positive and compassionate individuals in one space,” Peters says. “The studios around here are beautiful, but I felt there was a need for an affordable studio where people can come practice yoga as often as they are able.”
Peters’ studio, Parallel 45, has a low monthly membership fee: $45 per month for unlimited classes. She credits her business partner, Kaileen Barley, for the low-cost concept and for helping to choose the studio name. “Parallel 45 wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for her!”
In addition to reflecting the monthly cost, the studio name Parallel 45 “is a combination of the location and living in the moment. We live in such a beautiful place and wanted the name to remind people of being present,” Peters explains.
The yoga studio utilizes natural light and reclaimed wood, bringing a feeling of the outdoors inside. A massive piece of reclaimed barn wood, decorated with a string of lights, takes up most of one wall. “The wood is from my grandpa’s old dairy farm,” Peters smiles. “He thinks I’m crazy, digging through his burn piles.”
Parallel 45 is located on Mill Plain Boulevard, half a mile east of I-205 in Vancouver. Beginner, power and Vinyasa yoga classes are offered throughout the week. Peters plans to add kids’ yoga and prenatal yoga in the future, in addition to hosting inversion workshops and special events with next door neighbor Flyboy Brewing. The studio regularly offers a Vinyasa 101 workshop for beginners or students looking to deepen their practice.
“We want everyone to feel welcome and to broaden the typical target market for yoga,” Peters says. “Anyone age 3 to 103 can come practice with us, and we want guys to feel welcome, too! I hope people will make friends, encourage each other, and grow together as yogis.”
Student Jessica Geffen says, “I had the pleasure of attending Michelle Reid’s Gentle Flow yesterday, and it was truly incredible. Joining the mat next to me was a lovely woman participating in her first ever yoga class. Michelle was so helpful throughout the class, guiding us from pose to pose, explaining the benefits and variations of each pose to assist us at our individual levels, and allowing us each to make the most out of our time on the mat. I loved the music selection Michelle used for her sequence, and the space itself is incredibly unique and cool.”
Proper alignment, breathing and an energizing playlist is a hallmark of Parallel 45 instructors, though each has their own unique teaching style. “I want people to feel like they got their flow on, but also received the benefits of mindfulness and meditation,” Peters added.
Whether you’re a long-time yogi, new to the practice, or returning from a break, your first class at Parallel 45 is free.
- Beginners and those new to yoga should try the Yoga Foundations class, currently offered three days a week.
- Mindful Vinyasa, offered five days a week, is appropriate for all levels and ideal for those who would like assistance with their alignment.
- In Power Yoga, expect the instructor to offer more challenging options for experienced yogis. This class is offered daily.
Parallel 45 is located in a shopping center off Mill Plain at 316 SE 123rd Avenue, Suite D-5, Vancouver, WA 98683. You can view their yoga class schedule online at parallel45.com and connect with them on Facebook or Instagram @parallel45yoga.
