★ 5

Motionlabpdx is fantastic! Despite being in the fitness industry personally and seeing multiple physical therapy specialists, my body was struggling a lot after having my child 4 years ago. After only 2 months working with Yelena, I have sensation back in areas that were previously numb, have decreased the pain that had become fairly constant following my pregnancy, and am on my way to better and stronger flexibility than I previously had. Yelena is incredibly knowledgeable. She is patient yet challenging. The studio is very clean and the equipment well maintained. I am so excited to see what the next two months (or even years) will bring to my body.

Source: Google

★ 5

Motionlabpdx is awesome! Yelena is incredibly knowledgeable, offering personalized guidance tailored to your needs. The studio itself is clean and inviting. The absence of mirrors shifts the focus from your appearance to the way your body feels when practicing the movements, helping you improve posture and movement in your daily life. You’ll feel challenged and supported in equal measure. I’ve noticed a remarkable improvement in my strength, flexibility, and overall well-being since joining. Gone are the days of waking up in pain just from sleeping wrong. Highly recommend to everyone of any age or ability!

Source: Google

★ 5

Yelena has transformed the way I think about moving my body. Before the pandemic, I was fairly active, doing everything from HIIT to strength training, barre, yoga, and Pilates. But my motivation to work out dropped significantly over the past few years.

When I decided to ease back into it a few months ago, I thought I’d try something gentle to stretch out my body after long hours of sitting at my desk. I found Motionlab through a general search, didn’t know anything about Gyrotonic, and assumed it would be an easy entry point. Boy, was I wrong—in the best way possible.

After just one session with Yelena, I immediately signed up for a series. Gyrotonic is challenging in ways I hadn’t anticipated, requiring me to move my body in completely new ways. It's both a physical and mental challenge in that sense. I feel invigorated after each session.

Yelena is fantastic in keeping things engaging and no session ever feels repetitive. And what’s even more impressive is knowing that she works with professional dancers, ice skaters, and other elite athletes. I feel like I’m in the best hands to rebuild my strength and flexibility in the long term.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been a member of Yelena's online gyrokinesis library from the beginning, and I view her videos as one of the few positive outcomes of COVID pandemic. Though I still love her in person gyrokinesis classes most, the online library allows me to do gyrokinesis when my schedule gets busy or when I'm traveling. Yelena has an ever widening variety of full length classes or more targeted short sessions, ranging from weight training to yoga like relaxation and breathing. Her careful online instruction ensures you get the most out of each movement. Thank you, Yelena, for bringing gyrokinesis to my home!

Source: Google

★ 5

MotionLab is a haven for learning how to move your body from the inside out. Yelena’s instruction is clear, and concise and challenging.

Source: Google

★ 5

Yelena at MotionLabPDX has helped me understand and connect with my body on an incredible level. As a Team USA figure skater, learning the Gyrotonic methods from a young age has truly taught me to appreciate the natural art of human movement. Applying and translating these lessons to the ice has greatly improved my line, strength, and overall body health as an athlete. I highly recommend giving Motionlabpdx a try and challenging yourself to discover this unique but satisfying way of movement :)

Source: Google

★ 5

I had a fantastic experience learning from Yelena and my body changed in noticeable ways. I’ve had Yoga teachers compliment me on the movement in my thoracic spine :) I really appreciate that she would adjust our workouts based on how I was feeling. If I had energy, she would challenge me and if I was wiped out, we would do a lot of relaxing movement. She is also a true teacher and will take the time to explain the ‘why.’ highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been doing gyrotonic weekly with Yelena for almost ten years. It's made a huge difference. I have a long history of low back problems, with frequent spasms, but at this point, I can't remember the last time I had one.

Source: Google

★ 5

Yelena Foley is a great Gyro teacher. I’ve worked with her to heal from many injuries. Then seven years ago, I was in a near-fatal car wreck. I had six major surgeries. I’ve been taking gyrokinesis from Yelena and I’ve made a full comeback. I can’t say enough about the power of gyro and Yelena for helping my body stay flexible.

Source: Google

★ 5

As someone with long experience in dance, yoga and Gyrotonic, I can attest to Yelena's excellence as a trainer and fitness instructor. And as a massage therapist who has referred clients with little experience in these areas to her, I know she is good with beginners too.
Yelena's strength as a trainer lies in her ability to recognize each client's limitations, challenges, tendencies and strengths and easily and accurately adapt exercises so that they can get the full benefit without strain (but not without a good workout!). She also understands the importance of variety, both in keeping clients engaged in their workouts and in approaching key concepts from different angles in order to fully integrate their benefits.
I have worked with Yelena since 2009 and she has helped me overcome low-level chronic complaints, recover from injury and protect myself from job-related repetitive strain, as well as look forward to my sessions with her because there's always something new.
If you are looking to up your game, resolve nagging discomfort, enhance your physical abilities and/or discover exciting nuances in everyday movement, do yourself a favor and schedule a series of sessions with Yelena at Motionlabpdx. The investment will pay off.

Source: Google

★ 5

Absolutely a game changer for my daughter since she was referred by a fellow figure skater who said her work with Yelena was life changing! It’s been over 2 years and my daughter looks forward to each and every session which are not only challenging but often therapeutic and healing after a week of hard training on the ice. Yelena does not let incorrect exercises slide which is a rare trait in trainers. A true professional who is meticulous and passionate about gyrotonics in every way! From head to toe, inside and out, the results speak for themselves both off and on the ice!

Source: Google

★ 5

Yelena is incredible - she’s helped put me back together after having a baby and Gyrotonics is the best

Source: Google

★ 5

Yelena is about the most gifted analyst of body mechanics I know. Her gyrokinesis classes and gyrotonics sessions have created more space in my spine and helped me develop a wider range of motion in my joints. After each hour working with Yelena I feel either a little bit taller or able to twist a teensy bit more! I especially appreciate her wry sense of humor and no-nonsense attitude. She is helping me fully enjoy and respect my aging body.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have always loved moving but would often get bored after awhile. 14 years ago I was introduced to Yelena and the work she does at Motionlab pdx. Gyrotonix, via Yelena’s tutelage, has proven to be the workout my body and brain need as I age. Doing it weekly keeps me limber and strong. Yelena is a master teacher. I am always learning new things about my body and my mind through this work with her. I am 67 and invite anyone, any age, interested in stretching their body and their mind to try “gyro” with Yelena.

Source: Google

★ 5

I am an active 67 year old and have been studying Gyrotonics with Yelena for almost seven years. This work has without doubt made me stronger and nimbler. If there is an exercise I’m unable to perform as intended yelena is supportive on helping with modifications. I’d recommend to anyone at any age.

Source: Google

★ 5

Gyrotonics helps keep my movement balanced. As a result; I visit my chiropractor less. 😁

Source: Google

★ 5

It is the best exercise program I have ever done.

Source: Google

★ 2

I have felt conflicted and a little intimidated writing this review since every other review is a full 5 stars. However, I think it’s important that I share my experience for the consideration of others with chronic pain conditions and autism.
I was excited to visit Motionlab and work with Yelena because the website described Gyrotonic as “…joints function with more ease and muscles stretch to their greatest capability. And the workout, feels great.”
When we first started I mentioned that I don’t like being touched (part of my autism) and she said that she understands and prefers it that way because she doesn’t like touching people anyway. However, as the session progressed she got increasingly frustrated with me because she wanted to articulate my limbs for me.
The pace of the lesson was too fast for me which I told her and she simply denied it, ignored it, and continued at her own pace. Because of this I wasn’t picking up the skills as quickly as she wanted and she kept getting frustrated.
When I told her that I was in pain she asked why, which is when I reiterated that I have Fibromyalgia. She told me that it was actually my fault because of how I sit…even though I told her that I shift around while sitting because of my back pain.
I cried multiple times throughout the session due to either frustration or pain (I can remember at least 3 times) which she ignored except to give me a tissue the first time.
When I finally gave in and let her hold my arm I basically dissociated and she didn’t like that I wasn’t being responsive.
Basically, she got increasingly irritated that my body and mind didn’t adjust quickly enough for her and then simply stated that she can’t do anything to help me.
I walked away still crying and feeling demoralized and weak.
It’s a real shame that she gave up on me so immediately because today I woke up with some relief and as I practice the posture she taught me I’ve had far less back pain at work.
I added a second star because she really is very knowledgeable and gentle and her studio is lovely.
Overall, I do hope others have a better experience than I did.

Source: Google

★ 5

Yelena is a fabulous teacher! She is so patient and knowledgeable. This was my first time doing gyrotonics and it was awesome!

Source: Google

★ 5

I wholeheartedly agree with the previous 5-star reviews. Yelena, a former professional ballet dancer, is a master gyrotonics/gyrokinesis technician and instructor. She takes the time to get to know her students, their bodies, strengths, challenge areas, and goals before designing highly individualized and effective workout sessions. She works with athletes looking to improve their flexibility, strength, and performance, people recovering from injuries, and persons of all ages and abilities looking to build better posture, balance, and ease of movement in their lives. Yelena's classes and sessions have improved all of these areas for me. I started working with her after a year of weekly chiropractic treatments (for a low back injury) didn’t provide the level of healing or progress I was seeking. Within the first few months of training with Yelena, she provided me with a functional (and cost-effective) way to rehabilitate my spinal ailments. Beyond pain reduction, her careful and practical instruction also supplied a more active way to gently create better body alignment and efficiency with how I sit, stand, and move. And, as an adult figure skater, my flexibility, range of motion, and power have all increased since I began gyrotonics in 2016. (I'd be remiss if I didn't mention as well that Yelena trains some of the best dancers and competitive figure skaters in the area; top coaches routinely seek out her gyrotonics/gyrokinesis expertise for their students). Finally, Yelena's generosity, caring, and wit make for a motivating and inspiring learning environment. I’ve never had an instructor quite like Yelena who is so willing to collaborate with other coaches, e-mail additional exercises and recommendations, and stay after class whenever there are additional questions or when she thinks she can help the student further. Yelena is such a rare find and I can't recommend her highly enough.

Source: Google

★ 5

I feel 15 years younger! I started Pilates with Solara Jean about three months ago, twice a week every week. I used to go to the chiropractor every week for my back but not anymore! My chronic back pain is gone! Prior to Solara's expert, unparalleled tutelage, I had injured my rotator cuffs weight lifting about 18 months ago. I could not lift my arms straight over my head without pain. After one month the pain was gone and I have regained full mobility! I simply am astounded at the changes in middle aged body by only an hour workout twice a week. My stamina has increased, I've lost three inches off my waist, and my mood is near an all time high.

I've had many instructors and coaches in my life. Wrestling, grad school, flight instructors etc. Nobody is a better teacher than Solara. She is simply gifted. She tailors her sessions to your specific individual needs in real time with immediate feedback. If you want to feel young again, change your body, feel good and be strong and healthy, go to Motion Lab Pdx.

Source: Google

★ 5

Yelena is an exceptional instructor. She is a master of her craft - I always feel I am getting the best therapeutic and challenging workout combined. She is very knowledgeable and gifted at describing and demonstrating subtleties of movement to isolate muscles. Yelena sets the bar high: her sessions push me to improve my flexibility and strength, while also taking care to help me find the suitable range of motion and alignment that is best for me. Yelena’s attention to detail and expertise in guiding me through the movements has helped me develop an inner awareness of body mechanics and correct alignment, as well as heal chronic issues. I consider my weekly Gyrotonic session the best form of physical therapy - keeps me fit, limber and out of trouble!

Source: Google

★ 5

Yelena is the most amazing gyro instructor! For an hour with her you will get more info than at any other studios for years!

Source: Google

★ 5

Unbelievable instructor, best kept secret in Portland workout scene! I absolutely love her Gyrokinesis class on Saturday mornings at 10 am.

Source: Google

★ 5

Yelena is amazing! I feel totally refreshed and literally inches taller after a session of gyrotonics!

Source: Google

★ 5

Like so many, I have struggled with weight loss and sticking to an exercise routine my entire adult life. In the last 6 months I have lost over 50 pounds and intend to keep it off. After having various abdominal surgeries and shoulder surgery it has been difficult to find something gentle enough yet challenging enough to provide a real workout. Then I was introduced to the GYROTONIC© Method and Yelena Foley at MotionlabPDX. My initial consultation was thorough, she assessed my abilities and was able to create a routine that was comfortable yet challenging. It reminded me of a mix of ballet and swimming with the relaxation and breathing techniques of yoga. I could feel the stretches, the alignment changes and every muscle working. I felt empowered, invigorated and refreshed after my session with Yelena. I highly recommended MotionlabPDX to anyone looking for results.

Source: Google

★ 5

I started Gyro for low back pain - it has changed my body and my life. Pain free, and in better shape now at age 55 than ever in my life - thanks to Gyro and Motionlab. I always feel totally taken care of in this space and walk out feeling incredible.

Source: Google

★ 5

Oh my goodness I LOVE Gyro! I have been training as a bodybuilder since 2008 and have lost some of my flexibility. I worked with Yelena and continue to train on gyro as a compliment to heavy weight lifting and it is AMAZING! Yelena truly knows what she is talking about and has all of my respect as a trainer. She is meticulous with form and demonstrates the moves so gracefully. Thank you Yelena for being an amazing trainer and sharing Gyrotonic workouts with everyone!!! Tiff :)

Source: Google

★ 5

I highly recommend taking gyrotonic classes at Motionlab in NE Portland,
Hollywood area. The studio is a great space and Yelena the owner is a
driven instructor who works to encourage you to your own next level with
humor and determination. There is nothing better than gyrotonic for the
ultimate intelligent whole body work out. Practicing student of Yelena's
since 2006

Source: Google

★ 5

Yelena Foley is an excellent gyrotonics trainer. She inspires me to push myself (carefully) into greater flexibility and strength despite old injuries and a recent bout of sciatica. The specialized equipment enables me to move freely in ways that yoga and Pilates did not. It has become essential to my overall well-being .. and at 67 years of age, I plan to continue.

Source: Google