the yoga studio : grand rapids : about

The Yoga Studio, Grand Rapids' oldest yoga establishment, was created in 1979 by Carolyn Heines as a vehicle for her teaching. Since then, the studio has outgrown several Grand Rapids locations, and is now located in the vibrant East Hill neighborhood at 955 Cherry SE,. The studio is housed in a historic building, a storefront which features hardwood floors, the original brick walls and tin ceiling and lots of natural light.. There is free convenient parking.

Read the story about the new space on the rapidgrowthmedia website.

The present studio boasts a team of four seasoned instructors (including Carolyn). The teachers have extensive training in the Iyengar system of hatha yoga and provide expertise and a supportive environment in which students can enhance their well-being.

The yoga philosophy permeates the teaching, encouraging students in self-knowledge.

	Carolyn Heines owns The Yoga Studio, which she has operated in a variety of West Michigan locations for29 years. In 1976, she began studying Eastern philosophy and meditation and immersed herself in its practice for many years. In 1978 and 1979 she received extensive training at the Iyengar Institute for Yoga Teacher Training in San Francisco, studying asana, pranayama, anatomy and philosophy. Since 1979 she has continued to enhance her teaching and practice by studying with senior teachers throughout the country. Her classes encourage self exploration through attentiveness in postures, breathing and relaxation. She was the recipient of the 2006 YWCA Tribute Award in Sports, Fitness and Wellness for her leadership in the community. She was also the subject of the" My Life" feature October 21, 2008 in the Grand Rapids Press. To contact Carolyn, send email to carolyn@gryoga.com

	Chris Smith began her study of hatha yoga in 1972, and has studied with a variety of teachers since then. She has extensive training in the Iyengar tradition, and continues her studies with Mary Reilly, Senior Iyengar teacher. Her teaching emphasizes structural alignment to increase the natural energy flow throughout the body, and includes movement, classical postures, breathing and relaxation to provide a balanced yoga experience. To contact Chris, send email to chris@gryoga.com


	Kat McKinney began her yoga practice in Ann Arbor in 1998 as a way to physically recover from a serious illness. She made yoga a permanent part of her life because of the positive results she experienced early on and continues to experience to this day. She is currently pursuing teacher certification in the Iyengar tradition and studying to become a Physical Therapy Assistant. To contact Kat, send email to kat@gryoga.com

	Deb Weiss-Gelmi fell in love with yoga in 2001 and has contintued to study with dedicated teachers since. She finds it deeply rewarding to guide her students from their first experiences with yoga through a deeper understanding of yoga and themselves. A former kindergarten teacher, Deb developed and teaches Sing Song Yoga for kids, using music to help teach the poses and sharing the delight of yoga with the children. For more information visit www.singsongyoga.com. Deb is currently studying within the Iyengar teacher certification program. To contact, send email to deb@singsongyoga.com

The studio is located in the East Hills neighborhood at 955 Cherry SE, Grand Rapids, near the intersection of Lake Drive, Cherry and Diamond. The studio may be entered either from Cherry or Lake Drive, and free on street parking is available on both streets. In addition the parking lot of Boerkoel and Boerkoel, located across the street from the studio on Cherry, is available during non business hours.