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 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.
The present studio boasts
a team of five seasoned instructors (including Carolyn). The teachers
study 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.
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The studio
hosted a Celebration on January 29 2011 to mark the co-ownership
of the studio. To see photos of the event, click
here .
You may see coverage of the
transition by the the local media below.
The studio is featured in
a story in Rapid Growth.com which you may view here.
To read an article in the Grand Rapids Press about the partnership,
click here
, The Yoga Studio is also featured in the January 2011 issue
of Natural
Awakenings pages 5 and 6. It was also featured in the
February issue of On the Town.
Kat McKinney was recently
featured on the cover and in an article with a yoga sequence in
the national publication, Natural Solutions. To view
the article and pictures, click here
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Carolyn
Heines is the founder and co-owner of The Yoga Studio,
which she has
operated in a variety of West Michigan locations for 34 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
Iyengar 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 read
an article in the Examiner about Carolyn, click here.To
view a WZZM-TV video in celebration of her 30th anniversary
of teaching, click here
To contact Carolyn, send email to carolyn@gryoga.com
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Chris Smith began
her study of hatha yoga in 1972, and has studied with a variety
of teachers since then. She is currently pursuing her studies
in the Iyengar tradition, with Mary Reilly, Certified 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
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Kat McKinney is a teacher
and co-owner of The Yoga Studio. She has completed the Introductory
1 Assessment for certification in the Iyengar tradition and
is now preparing for the Introductory 2 Assessment which grants
full certification. She began her yoga practice in Ann Arbor
in 1998 as a way to rehabilitate from a serious illness.
She made yoga a permanent part of her life because of the positive
effects she experienced early on and continues to experience
to this day. Kat is also a licensed Physical Therapist
Assistant. To contact Kat, email kat@gryoga.com
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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.
Sing Song Yoga ™ was featured last year on WZZM TV 13's
Take Five. To view the video click here.Deb is currently on sabbatical,
having given birth to twin boys in October. To contact, send
email to deb@singsongyoga.com.
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Sarah Weber "accidentally" discovered
yoga while working as a certified group fitness instructor in the '90s. From
the very first class she attended, something intangible, but authentic about
yoga resonated with her. Curiosity and the desire to understand her attraction
to this ancient path led her to continue studying and practicing. Her primary
teacher training has been in the Iyengar method. Through her teaching, Sarah
seeks to create a safe and inviting space for students to explore the path of
yoga. In class she is committed to assisting students gain confidence and
knowledge of the asanas through proper alignment and breathing. Sarah is also a
licensed physical therapist.
To contact Sarah email sarah@gryoga.com |
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Lauralee Rea began
her yoga journey in 2002 with an instructor who had studied in the
Iyengar tradition. At that time she was working and studying
nutritional health, organic farming and sustainability. What
began as a complimentary practice to a holistic lifestyle became
an integral paart of her life. Dedicated to studying in the
Iyengar tradition, Lauralee is pursuing teacher certification in
this style of yoga. Lauralee also has her master's degree
in social work and practices full time as a family therapist.To
contact lauralee email lauralee@gryoga.com
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| 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. The route 6 bus of the
Rapid stops nearby. |
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