Welcome to Prism Moves

Hello wonderful humans!

Welcome to the Prism Moves newsletter. If you’re new to Prism Moves, let me tell you a little bit about us.

• We’re a nonprofit gym located in Portland, OR.

• We focus on creating a safe space for women, BIPOC humans and the LGBTQIA2+ community to workout and get strong in without fear of isms (sexism, racism, you name it).

• We offer free memberships, sliding scale memberships and a once-a-week free BIPOC class because let’s be honest, gym memberships can be expensive.

• There is no pressure to compete, be competitive, do anything you aren’t comfortable with or do anything that honestly, just isn’t your jam.

• We have a pretty awesome group of humans that support each other, whine about squats together and have an overall great time moving their bodies.

If you’ve ever been intimidated by gyms or physical movement, come check us out. We offer a Free Week Trial and would love to meet you!

Happy Workout,

Asher Kondziela - Founder/Executive Director of Prism Moves

Meet our Members

Kelsey Miller (they/them) has been with Prism since it opened in 2019. Not only have they been a consistent supporter, they are a constant source of dance moves, laughs and lifting slogans such as “so strong, so sad” that encompass how it feels to be proud of getting stronger while coming to the realization that your working set percentages and RPE’s will also increase. Read on to learn more about Kelsey.

What do you do for a living?

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist, and I work as a behavioral health therapist at Prism Health- Morris.

How did you find out about Prism?

Google? I don’t quite remember, it was about 5 years ago!

What made you want to try Prism and when did you officially join?

I had spent most of my life adverse to movement, growing up fat, being accident prone, asthma, etc. had all deterred me. I was looking for a gym where I could challenge gym anxiety in a safe enough space. I knew I needed a gym that was fat-inclusive, and the queer focused aspect of Prism was an awesome bonus. 

What has kept you at Prism?

The people. Prism attracts great people. The classes because I tend to turn my brain off when I’m lifting and having instruction helps a lot! And overall, I’m a pretty loyal guy, you show me you care and provide good experiences for me to feel supported and I’ll stick with you to the end!

What is your favorite thing about Prism?

Community, I feel welcomed in whenever I show up.

What is your favorite lift?

Back-squat, where I feel most powerful.

Any advice for those that are curious about Prism but have fear around joining gyms and working out?

I had that fear too! But the coaches are all super nice and want to make sure you’re doing things properly when you first start. No one will push you past your limits, they encourage you to take breaks as often as you need, there are no mirrors, everyone I’ve been in class with is supportive of each other showing up and I’ve never felt stared at or intimidated by anyone. I’ve experienced and witnessed this gym meet people wherever they’re at when they arrive. 

Anything else you'd like to share? 

I don’t know where I would be without Prism. My lowest in the past several years were when I couldn’t come in for months on end mainly due to Covid. I truly believe in mind-body connection and building strength at Prism has helped me immensely in getting more in my body and in touch with what I’m feeling. I have felt held here going from not working out ever to being called an athlete and regularly lifting around 200lbs.  You won’t just gain a gym when you join Prism, you’ll gain a community that cares a lot. 

Up and Comings

On November 24th, we will start our first Youth Lifting Program.

• Ages 10-18 welcome, no experience needed.

• Sundays, 11/24-12/22, 2-3:30pm.

• $200 for the five weeks, financial assistance available.

• Sign-up here!

• This is a 5 week pilot program for what we hope we can make a regular program in the future. Prism has applied for a grant through the Believe in Me foundation to fund a year long youth program and is waiting for a response.

December 3rd is Giving Tuesday!

• Giving Tuesday is the biggest nonprofit fundraising day of the year. You can support Prism by donating and sharing our Giving Tuesday Campaign.

We are heading into holiday season, which means things start to slow down at the gym as people travel and spend time with their friends and families.

• Enjoy this time! It’s ok to eat, rest, nest as the weather changes.

• You do not need to earn your food or workout to burn off holiday calories. Do not punish yourself over food.

• If you are working through an eating disorder, I see you and know that this time can be extra hard. You’re doing great, you’re loved and I hope you are kind to yourself.

  • Shana Minei Spence and Anna Sweeney are two of my favorite nutrition resources that go against diet talk, food myths and other harmful stereotypes around food.

Prism Holiday Hours

• No Classes on 11/27, 11/28 and 11/29.

• No Classes on 12/24, 12/25, 12/26.

• No Classes 1/1/25.

• Open Gym will be available and workouts will be posted to SugarWOD for all those days.

Prism Moves is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. You can support us by:

• Donating to and sharing our GiveLively account.

• Sharing this newsletter.

• Sharing your love of Prism.

Have an idea we should feature in the newsletter? Want to work with us? Shoot us an email at [email protected]. #prismmoves

New here?