Living Your Life on Purpose

Alex and Terri Cole are the co-founders of Oregon’s premiere yoga studio, YoYoYogi. Set in the heart of Portland, YoYoYogi is a revered sanctuary for all people to explore life’s biggest questions while increasing flexibility of mind and body. YoYoYogi, which started in 2010, continues to thrive under the exceptional direction of their daughter, Kristi, and her husband, David Vote.

But, their story began decades before.

Alex began as a performer on stages around the world. His early years were filled with travels, rich experiences, and dreams of stardom. Terri, as a creative, was traveling extensively styling “for the stars”. Alex and Terri were young and deep into their professional lives when they met on a soundstage in Hollywood, California. Their union and the gift of two baby girls, set the wheels in motion for a change that would eventually lead them to their life’s work.

However, there would be many twists and many turns. From the bright lights of Hollywood to the depths of corporate America. They would live in the city, on the coast, in a small mountain town, and in wine country. They would travel the world for their personal and professional life.

Even so, yoga found them! It sneaked its way into their home, disguised as a video tape. The powerful yogi on the screen said “breathe, and feel sensation.” That they did. This seemingly insignificant tape evolved into a curiosity that could not be quenched . After years of daily practice and diving into intense teacher trainings, their insatiable desire to grow continued. It was time to expand. They dared to pondered the question... now what?

6 weeks later, these baby boomers started the blog, YoYoYogi, and chronicled the epic adventure of 2 wandering yogis searching out and reporting on masterful yoga from Seattle to San Diego. For all their fellow zen-lovin’ brethren, this highly popular and upbeat read gave insight into the vast landscape of West Coast Yoga.

Returning home, forever transformed by their travels and an uncompromising desire to share their passion, YoYoYogi, now bricks and mortar, Portland, Oregon, was born!

Alex’s Soul Shakin’ class, often called “yoga church”, has become synonymous with YoYoYogi. Blending physical and mental challenges with chanting, philosophy, demanding choreography, and heart pumping asana, Soul Shakin’ resonates! Embracing the philosophy that the true teacher is the guru inside, he invites his students to seek the answers from deep within their own soul.

Terri, understanding the hurdles that stands in the way of yoga, committed herself to tearing down the walls. Her subtle, yet strong teaching demystifies what can be a complex set of physical postures. Her approachable, insightful guidance gently invites deeper exploration. Terri masterfully instills confidence in new and seasoned students alike.

Together they developed and teach a unique style of yoga that seamlessly blends spiritual and subtle energies with mental and physical strength. Alex and Terri continue to transform countless students through their world class teacher trainings, workshops and international retreats.

Alex and Terri believe that to be a great teacher, one must be a great student. They continue to draw from a wide scope of teachings. They seek inspiration from religious scripture, ancient teachings, indigenous philosophy, modern teachers and contemporary theories. Their greatest hope is to be a pebble in the pond of life and have their life’s work ripple in ways beyond their imagination. They seek to pay forward the gift that is yoga.