A brief history of Portland Power Yoga

Portland Power Yoga began as a joke between friends, evolved in a conversation between husband and wife in 2004 and became a reality in 2006.

Charlie Terhune knew Portland very well. His mother Gretchen was born and raised here, the daughter of Howard and Laura Reiche. For his entire life Charlie and his family traveled to Portland often to visit his grandparents and cousins.
Many years later, Charlie met Alice Riccardi and soon they married in Massachusetts. They eventually bought a house and had a daughter Sophia and would visit Portland often, by themselves and with their extended family. Portland became their home away from home.

Charlie often joked with a friend from Portland about opening a Power Vinyasa yoga studios in Portland. But he was afraid to follow through on it. Soon though, Charlie realized he wasn't joking anymore. Something began to call him north, from the direction of Portland.

While traveling to Maine for the funeral of Joanne Pike, a family friend and founder of the Good Shepherd Food Bank, Charlie talked to Alice about an idea he had about opening a yoga studio in Portland. At first, Alice was uncertain as to why they would leave a beautiful home and a life that they were just beginning in Boston. But, as they talked more about it, the idea took on a life of its own. Charlie began looking for spaces – it took exactly 9 months to find the location – the birth of a new beginning!

During the first year, Charlie and Alice did all the teaching. Slowly, through word of mouth, the studio grew and Portland Power Yoga saw 1,500 students walk through their door during that first year! Today, Portland Power Yoga has 15 employees, including managers and teachers and 20 sevateers (work exchange volunteers) who are dedicated and committed to the discipline of power vinyasa yoga as a powerful vehicle for self-discovery, health, and well-being.

Over the last 5 years, Portland Power Yoga has grown by leaps and bounds. In it’s 5th year of operation, PPY moved to a bigger location at 84 Cove Street, partnering with Hara Holistic Health to provide Portland with the most credible yoga instruction in tandem with the highly regarded bodywork services of Hara Holistic Health.

Portland Power Yoga’s ongoing innovation and vision provides Portland with the best in yoga instruction, impeccable service, and a supportive and transformational community!