Hello Refinery Family!
Happy March! I think of March as the dark days of Spring. We are ready for longer, warmer days. We are ready for a bit of frivolity and frolicking. And mostly, that’s not the vibe of a Portland March. It’s still under 40 degrees or hovering just over that most mornings, the days have drizzle and moments of sun breaks, and mostly we’re still on the colder, damper side of Spring. We are not surprised nor are we weary just yet. It’s an opportunity to stay focused on our “personal best” goals.
We may as well use this time to stay on our New Year’s track. It’s time to add another life-giving, healthspan-improving routine. In the January newsletter, I sent out a list of areas in our lives to assess and address in 2023. Perhaps get out your notebook and identify what you are going to do this month to become a more optimized you. Hopefully, you added a new habit in January and February and are feeling confident about these improvements.
Maybe you’re walking every day now. Maybe you drink more water. Maybe you have a regular bedtime routine. Maybe you’re reading 5-10 pages a day. Whatever it is – my guess is you like the addition, as does your body and mind. March is upon us – use the dark days of Spring to prepare for the frolicking that is just four weeks and another new habit away!
I walk this walk with you. In January I added daily walking or outdoor time regardless of the weather. I’m getting that in about four days a week. Under 43 degrees is my threshold for positivity, and I’m committed to seeing the good in the PNW climate. I’m getting a solid 85%. It’s an improvement from years past. In February I stopped drinking alcohol during the week. This lifestyle change has likely been the best surprise for me, and I genuinely love my new alcohol-free weekdays (snow days are exemptions.) In March, I added daily meditation. I already look forward to it! My body and brain exhale as soon as I’m in my comfy place and start the breathing. It’s a lovely mini-chapter
of downtime where I am present but not “on.” I urge you to find ways to fill your cup and become a better human in this lead up to the brighter, longer and (slightly) warmer days of Spring! Why stop now? You are still a living work in progress!
Here’s to a mindful March,
Ashleigh
New Merch!!!
We’ve been waiting a long time to bring out the new Refinery Spring collection 2023 – we’ve got new colors and styles, all with our precarious weather and seasonal hues in mind. Sweaty at the gym? We’ve got tanks and performance tees! Need to head to the grocery store after a workout? We’ve got hoodies! You have an afternoon tee time? We have performance polos! It’s 40 degrees outside? We’ve got fleece (still getting the logo stitched on but coming soon!)
We had to clear the shelves of the old merch and it will be available for the taking and wearing to everyone who wants something- free of charge! You can find it on our front counter. Thanks for representing!
New merch is being sold – prices are as follows:
Tanks: $20
Tees: $22
Hoodies: (zip, non-zip, cropped): $35
Polos: $30
Fleece: $45
Class Updates
Adding Monday 6 am Burn with Mitch
Starting NEXT WEEK, Monday March 13th, we will make it possible for you to get your BURN on 5 days a week at 6 am! In an effort to address the waitlists and welcome more members, Mitch is ready to pass out booty bands an hour earlier and, of course, will continue to coach his regular Burn at 7 am. Thank you Mitch (and Betsy, who is changing her training session time for the benefit of all of us!)
Register in Mindbody!
Add Thursday 5:30 pm or 6 pm Yoga?
Seems like Zach is becoming a fan favorite around here and it also seems like yoga is becoming more popular among the Refinery folks. We are considering adding a Thursday evening class to complement our Sunday and Tuesday yoga classes. Zach is willing to commit to your mobility and calm mental state on Thursdays. Let’s get this going!
Does this interest you? Would you attend? Does Thursday evening fit your Spring schedule? Let Sarah or me know – text, email, or tell me in person. Thanks!
Spring Break
Spring break for Portland students and their families this year is March 25th – April 2nd. Often during spring break, our class sizes are reduced to the point where they might be canceled.
If the class size goes lower than 4 registrants our general policy is that the class is canceled for that day. The trainer that teaches that class or Sarah (or both) will send you a notification email or text to let you know the class has been canceled. If this is a source of frustration or concern for you, I recommend that you register early for your classes so that we have an idea of which classes will be less affected by the school holiday.
If you are going out of town for spring break, I hope that you stay active and for the most part eat in a way that nourishes your body. Enjoy your vacation, but not so much that you have to suffer upon your return!
Welcome Jamie Fearn!
Jamie is joining The Refinery team as both a Reboot instructor and a Personal Pilates trainer. She is working on her Personal Trainer certification and will soon join us as a personal trainer.
Jamie is a multifaceted movement coach who draws inspiration for her classes from the Pilates method and beyond. With additional training in classical ballet, barre, running, climbing, weightlifting, and group fitness, Jamie brings an immense amount of knowledge about the moving body to each of her clients. An important part of Jamie’s work is giving clients the information needed to access their bodies more fully and discover the most effective pathways for optimal performance. In a class with Jamie, clients can expect to build confidence in their proprioceptive connections and be pushed towards achieving beyond what seems possible.
“When Britany decides to step away from The Refinery to put her focus toward the motherhood journey, Jamie will take over her Thursday 6 am and 8:15 am Reboot classes. She will also be subbing Reboot classes and eventually Burn classes as well.
Jamie is also available for Personal Pilates training sessions. Sarah can help you connect with Jamie and get you scheduled!
Britany and Baby and a Lil Bit of Business
The inevitable transition of adapting from pregnancy to motherhood is coming closer each week for our beloved Britany. While we have witnessed her baby’s growth in Britany’s changing body, we appreciate her unwavering commitment to your fitness. She was her usual punctual, perky self even while she absorbed the unpredictable task of growing a baby. With her due date fast approaching, I have decided to celebrate this new adventure for her with an open house-style baby shower.
Please stop by my house on Sunday, April 16th between 10 am and noon to share your wisdom and good wishes.
Click here to be a part of: Britany’s baby registry!
RSVP to the Refinery number 503-593-7035 and confirm your attendance. Sarah will then text you my address. Thanks! We are looking forward to giving Britany a send off that truly demonstrates our gratitude.
People ask if Britany will be returning. My response and relevant conversation with Britany developed from my own experience of motherhood – where what I thought I wanted before I met Henry and what I wanted after I met Henry were not the same. Britany is not obligated to return after a given date and is always welcome to return, in whatever capacity she desires whenever she desires. The reality is that it is not a decision for me to make, and I fully support her decision.
After she embarks on her journey of motherhood, her classes will be coached by current Refinery trainers with our new addition, Jamie.
Tuesday 6 & 7 am Burn will be taught by Ace
Wednesday 9 am Burn will be taught by Frederik
Thursday 6 am and 8:15 am Reboot will be taught by Jamie
Saturday 9 am Reboot will be taught by Ashleigh
Let’s enjoy our last month plus some with Britany!
New Face Around the Gym
You may have noticed that there is a new face around the gym. Trainer Lori Vance will be training her clients at The Refinery through June while she builds out her own studio space two blocks from us. She specializes in senior fitness and functional training.
I remember that I had to train at Wilshire Park for three months in 2012 while I was building out the Refinery space. It was ultimately not as fun as training indoors would’ve been. When she approached me, I was happy to offer her and her clients a place to train for a few months. Welcome Lori!
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