The
Heart of Yoga
Houston's
offerings to the yogic tradition
by
Maria K. McKeehan
A
place for yoga can be found in everyone’s heart.
The tradition of yoga, which is over 5,000 years of
age, is still evolving and flourishing in our world
today. Its charm has been extended past the ancient
caves of the Himalayas to take hold in our Western society
and to settle in our everyday lives. Yoga is now a gift
that is available to all. To treat yourself to the gift
of yoga is to open your heart, to bring health and vitality
to your entire being, and to be able to deal with life’s
complications with tranquility of mind, wholeness of
body, and expansiveness of soul.
In
Houston we are blessed with a wide range of yoga possibilities.
We have institutions that offer rich resources for the
serious student of yoga, classes offering an intense
workout for the fitness enthusiast, and everything in
between. To find out where it all started, we must travel
back to 1948 when a young woman named Billie Gollnick
was given a gift.
The
gift was a book, a book on yoga, called Forever Young,
Forever Healthy, given to her by a friend at the Brown
Bookstore. The book planted the seed of yoga into her
life. As her interest in yoga philosophy grew, it eventually
brought her to India. “What kept me with it, as
I am not a very disciplined person, was the breathing,
and the expansiveness and freedom of the whole thing,”
says Billie.
As
she returned to Houston she began giving talks in churches
and schools around the city. Soon more and more people
began urging her to teach yoga. At first she thought
it was “too far out” to be teaching, but eventually
the concept became a reality. Houston’s first yoga
class commenced with Billie and five others in the dining
room of her Memorial home in 1966. Many people began
to come, as many as 50 per week, so in 1968 she opened
Houston’s first “School of Yoga” in a
house in the Montrose. The school flourished. Hundreds
of students came to learn yoga, courses were developed,
teachers were trained, and yoga made its home in the
heart of Houston.
Eventually
others came to plow a path for yoga, such as Lex Gillan
and Robert Boustany, who both opened yoga studios in
the early 1970s. In the ’80s and ‘90s, many
other gifted teachers founded studios and started classes
for an ever-growing crowd of student yogis.
And Billie Gollnick? She’s still doing backbends
and standing on her head at 72 years of age! You can
find her at the Jung Center and Healthspan still bringing
the gift of yoga to other people’s lives. Houston
is a place for yoga, with a rich history and an open-hearted
spirit. Give the gift to yourself, continue the tradition,
and find a place for yoga in your life.
Choosing a class: You may be seeking a physical workout;
or a method of relieving stress and tension; a more
healthy body and lifestyle; a remedy for a physical
ailment; a complement to another sport; a means of meditation;
or a more spiritual life. Different yoga classes speak
to this variety of needs, temperaments, and abilities.
However, pick a class that is conveniently scheduled
and easy to get to. When choosing a yoga class, remember
to consider:
•
INSTRUCTOR: Class ambiance varies significantly
by instructor. Different teachers vary by style, personality,
qualifications, and his or her relationship and history
with yoga. If one class doesn’t work out for you,
try another instructor. There are substantial differences
from teacher to teacher.
•
THE CLASS SIZE: This is important. You’ll want
to choose a class that is small enough for the teacher
to provide individual attention in adjusting postures
for your own body. You don’t want to get injured,
frustrated, or bored.
The
following is a list of yoga resources available to the
aspiring Houstonian yogi. Our listing here is not intended
to be exhaustive, since yoga classes are always starting
up or changing. We’ve concentrated on classes inside
the Loop; if you are looking for a class in an area
not included here, we recommend calling the Yoga Association
of Houston at 713/668-2292.
THE
YOGA INSTITUTE AND BOOKSHOP
Rae Lynn Rath, director
2150 Portsmouth (Shepherd Plaza), 713/526-6674. Four
different levels of instruction. Introductory lectures
are held Thursdays at 6 p.m. Level 1A (beginner’s)
schedule: Mon., 7-8:20 p.m.; Wed., 10:30-11:50 a.m.,
5:30-6:50 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-–-12:20 p.m.; $87
for six-week session, unlimited attendance.
The
Yoga Institute and Bookshop is The Place to discover
yoga in Houston. Houston’s long-reigning yoga establishment,
opened in 1969 by Lex Gillan, has sponsored many famous
yogic faces such as Ram Dass and John Friend. Offering
not only instruction in classical hatha yoga, the institute
also offers meditation workshops, a fine selection of
books for the spiritual seeker, yoga videos, music,
mats, and other yoga accessories. Classes vary by teacher,
time, and level. Style is Anusara Yoga, which is flowing
with grace and following your heart. Very peaceful,
meditative, and loving atmosphere. Classes are taught
in a structured grade level format with new asanas incorporated
each week, so learning is progressive. Class size 10
to 30.
HATHA
YOGA STUDIOS
Robert Boustany, director
1728 Bolsover (just north of Rice), 713/523-8932. Classes
offered daily, as many as five per day on weekdays.
Check out http://www.byoga.com for complete schedule.
$10-$12 per class.
Offers a wide range of yoga resources for all kinds
of students. Classes vary significantly in size, level,
and atmosphere according to teacher. Robert Boustany,
yoga practitioner since 1966, and director of the studio,
has trained with many yogis and swamis in many different
styles of yoga. He teaches classes for the beginning
as well as the advanced student. Other yoga teachers
are Erica Schreiber, Misha Laird, Linda Gilbert, Ann
Hyde, Laura Camp, and Dr. Julie Byrd, many of whom offer
private instruction. The studio offers beginner, intermediate,
advanced, to the very advanced, classes for persons
with injuries, restorative yoga, and yoga for expectant
mothers. Morning classes are small (3-5 people), while
evening and afternoon classes can go up to 20.
HOUSTON
IYENGAR YOGA STUDIO
Constance Braden, director
3701 West Alabama, Suite 245, 713/850-8812. Daily classes,
call for schedule.
Beginning, intermediate, advanced levels, plus pranayama
(breath work) and gentle yoga classes. 12-week session:
$132 (1 class/wk); $240 (2/wk); $324 (3/wk).
The focus in these classes is precision and alignment.
Iyengar hatha yoga classes strictly adhere to the style
of yoga outlined in B.K.S. Iyengar’s Light on Yoga.
Yoga props—bolsters, blankets, blocks, and straps—are
used to allow the body to get into a posture the “correct”
way. Classes are rather physically demanding. Small
classroom; class size 10 to 15.
DEVANAND
YOGA CENTER
3115 W. Loop South, Suite 21 (in the back, ground floor),
713/965-9642.
These classes emphasize the meditative and traditional
aspects of yoga. The classes are great for training
the mind to be still and the body to make slow, deliberate
movements, coordinated with deep breathing. Very relaxing,
intimate, and peaceful atmosphere. The Devanand Yoga
Center is a nonprofit organization offering free yoga
classes to all, after you pay the one-time fee of $44.99
for books and a T-shirt. Schedule: Mon.,Wed. 6:30 p.m.;
Sat. 9:30 a.m.; Tue. 6:30 p.m. is strictly meditation.
Classes include chanting, meditation, breathing, and
traditional hatha yoga postures. Class size: 15 to 25.
3HO
YOGA FOUNDATION
1123 Jackson Blvd., 713/526-2614; 713/528-7345. Established
in 1969, the 3HO Yoga Foundation offers Kundalini yoga
and meditation. Also offers specialty classes on healing
and vegetarian cooking. Mon.–Thu., 6:30–7:30
p.m.; Sat., 8-9 a.m.; Sun., 8:30-9:30 a.m. First class
free, $10/class; $32/4 classes; $75 monthly unlimited.
Kundalini yoga varies from hatha yoga quite a bit, but
it is still yoga. Classes concentrate on the subtle
energy centers in the body, or chakras, and aim to activate
these centers using mantras (a saying that is repeated
in a chant), mudras (“locks” of the hands
and body), physical postures, and breathing and meditation
techniques. Emphasis is on spiritual development, coupled
with stability and vitality. Intimate atmosphere. Class
size: 5 to 15.
One of the teachers here also teaches Kundalini yoga
in the Heights at 731 E. 27th St., 713/861-4810. Mon.
& Thu., 10–11, 11:30–12:30, 3–4,
4:15–5:30. $10/class.
BIKRAM'S
YOGA COLLEGE OF INDIA
Mike Winter, director
2438-A South Blvd., 713/664-5333, Mon.–Fri., 7:50
& 9:30 a.m.; Mon.–Thu., 6:30 p.m.; Sat. &
Sun., 9:30 a.m. $15/class, package deals available,
monthly unlimited $180.
Scientifically designed to address all body systems
using a set sequence of 26 yoga postures and breathing
in a 90-minute class. Developed by Bikram Choudhury,
“yogi to the stars.” Thermostat is set high,
to encourage you to work up a purifying sweat; classes
are rather physically demanding. Class size: 10 to 25.
YOGA
CENTER OF HOUSTON
John Coon, director
3701 W. Alabama, Suite 230 @ Byran J. Peters & Associates,
713/524-4572, http://www.yogacenter.com. Multilevel
instruction, plus also offers classes on yoga therapeutics
and ayurveda.
Classes are conducted at Bryan J. Peter’s &
Associates, under the direction of John Coon, who has
trained extensively throughout the United States and
India. Style of yoga is called Vinyasakrama, which is
a step-by-step method of teaching asana, incorporating
the postures in a flow series called vinyasa, while
coordinating breath and movement. Classes are physically
demanding. Schedule: Mon.–Thu., 6–7:30 p.m.;
Sat., 8:45–10:15 a.m. $85 monthly unlimited; drop
in $15; other packages available. Class size: 30.
KAY
WESTCOTT
Multiple locations, 713/729-8285. Prices vary, but are
in the low range of yoga classes.
One of the few yoga teachers in town teaching fulltime,
Kay offers classes at a variety of locations around
town. Kay’s yoga classes are for the fitness buff,
if there is such a thing. A more athletic, challenging
yoga, with emphasis on stretching the physical body,
although Kay always gives options for a variety of abilities.
Relaxed atmosphere with requests taken from the students
for poses, but at relatively fast pace and physically
demanding.
• YWCA (Waugh @ Memorial) Mon. & Wed., 5 &
6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m
• YMCA Downtown, 1600 Louisiana, Tue. &
Thu., 5:30 p.m.
• Bryan Peters & Associates, Tue. &
Thu., 8:30 a.m.
• Fitness Exchange, 4040 Milam, Mon., 7:30 p.m.
• Downtown Fitness Center, 806 Main, Tue.&Fri.,
12:45 p.m.
• Bally Total Fitness (West U), 2500 Dunston, Wed.,
7:30 p.m.; Sat., 11:45 a.m.
• Jewish Community Center, 5601 S. Braeswood, Thu.,
7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2 p.m.
BILLIE
GOLLNICK and DOLORES CLARK
Jung Center, 5200 Montrose Blvd., 713/524-8253.
12-week session $150 members/$180 non-members; $215/$260
for Billie’s intermediate class. Register through
the Jung Center; next 12-week session begins April 10.
• Billie Gollnick
She now holds her hatha yoga classes in the peaceful
ambiance of the Jung Center. Emphasis is on breathing
and freedom in a playful, intimate, yet meditative atmosphere.
Students are encouraged to move at their own pace to
increase strength, flexibility, balance, and energy.
Register early; the classes fill up quickly. Beginner:
Wed., 5:45–7:15 p.m.; Intermediate: Mon.&Thu.,
5:45–7:15 p.m. Class size: 25.
• Dolores Clark
“Finding Peace in Quiet Movement”
Incorporating breath and movement in traditional hatha
yoga postures. Visualization, symbolism, and “active
imagination” encouraged. Emphasis is on grounding
and inner and outer awareness. Dolores has a calming
teaching style and a gentle routine that is excellent
for seniors or those who want a mild and welcoming introduction
to yoga. Mon., noon–1:30 p.m. Class size 8–18.
BILLIE
GOLLNICK and ERIK HARDENBOL
Healthspan, 1111 West Loop S., 713/961-7774 or 713/622-6135.
Sat., 9:30 a.m.; Tue., 7:15 p.m.; and Wed., 7 p.m. (taught
by Erik Hardenbol). $15/class (1st class free), $65
monthly unlimited.
Billie also teaches at Healthspan, a small exercise
center in a Tarzan-like jungle setting off W. Loop and
Post Oak Blvd. Similar to Billie’s classes at the
Jung Center but in a larger, fitness-oriented setting.
MARIA
THERESIA and ROBERTO MAZZARELLA
Yoga for Every Body
Classes are made up of a set 37-posture sequence. Emphasis
is on “listening to your body,” while developing
strength, flexibility, and balance. If you are just
looking to relax and stretch at an affordable price,
this is for you. $5/class. Metropolitan Racquet Club,
713/652-0700, Allen Center Parking Garage, 6th Floor:
Tue.&Thu., 6:30–7:30 p.m.;
Bayor Medical College-Raisor Hall, Wed., 6:15–7:15
p.m.
St. Luke’s Methodist Church, Room 263, Thu., 6–7
p.m. Other classes available outside the loop, call
713/781-4621 for complete schedule. Class size: 15 to
40.
JUANITA
HOWARD
Eureka Heights Wellness Center, 826 W. 32nd St., 713/869-1540.
Mon.&Wed., 9:30–10:30 a.m. $40/month.
Stretching, strengthening, and breathing in the classical
hatha yoga style.
Alejandro Chaoul offers classes in Tibetan yoga and
meditation. Call 713/621-7430 for more information.
JANE
WILEY KEEP
1110 Winburn in midtown Houston, across the street from
HCC, 713/528-6971.
“The Yoga Bar” is Jane’s vision for a
new-age lounge. She holds her yoga classes here Mon.,
Wed., Fri., at noon, as well as at Planned Parenthood
on Mon.– Fri., 7 a.m.; Tue., noon. Traditional
hatha yoga with emphasis on relaxation, meditation,
and tuning in to your body in a noncompetitive atmosphere.
Classes at her studio are slow-paced, beginner’s
classes catered to older people or those new to yoga.
At Planned Parenthood, they are more challenging. $5/class.
NANCY
SORENSON
Naturally Yoga
St. Luke’s Methodist Church (Westheimer @ Edloe),
281/345-1650. Tue., 6–7 p.m.; Sat., 9:30–10:30
a.m. $5/class.
Nancy offers a good workout for all of the body systems
in each class. Emphasis is on breathing, flexibility,
relaxation, and health in a set sequence of yoga postures,
at an affordable price. Class size: 15–25.
MERCEDES
MOORE
Clubhouse of Allen House Apartments (off of W. Dallas
and Dunlavy)
713/200-1199. Tue.& Thu., 7 p.m. $5/class.
Beginning Bikram-style yoga classes. Well-rounded, with
emphasis on breath, strength, and flexiblity. Class
size: 4–12.
DOLLY
HARVEY
Heights Blvd. (call for exact location)
713/861-2204. Tue.&Thu., 7:15–8:30 p.m. $10/class.
Beginning Iyengar classes held in a small beautiful
setting in the Heights. Emphasis on alignment, extension,
and precision. Class size limited.
SUSAN
GOVEDARE
Montrose area (call for location and schedule), 713/524-9012.
A student of John Coon’s, Susan uses a traditional
approach, synchronizing breath and movement. While classic
postures and sequences build strength and flexibility,
a meditative focus is maintained.
FITNESS
CLUBS
Many health clubs include yoga at no charge, or a minimal
charge to their members.
• YMCA Downtown 1600 Louisiana 713/659-8501. Mon.,
6:40 p.m. (Nancy); Tue. &Thu., 11 a.m. (Gudrun);
Tue. & Thu., 5:30 p.m. (Kay); Sat., 8:30 a.m. (Andrew)
• Ernest & Co, 4006 Bellaire Blvd., 713/661-4020.
Annette Raj, Sat., 11:30 a.m.
• Fitness Exchange, 4040 Milam, 713/524-9932 Mon.,
7:30 p.m. (Kay Westcott), Tue.&Thu., 8–9:30
a.m. (Liz Belile).
If
you don’t think you are ready just yet to jump
into a yoga class, I encourage you to pick up a few
books or yoga videos to practice with in your own home.
Here are some suggestions:
• The Sivananda Companion to Yoga by Lucy Lidell
• Yoga Journal’s Yoga Basics: The Essential
Beginner’s Guide to Yoga for a Lifetime of Health
and Fitness by Mara Carrico
• Living Yoga: A Comprehensive Guide to Daily Life.
Edited by Georg Feuerstein and Stephen Bodian
• Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving into
Stillness by Erich Schiffman
• Living Yoga-A.M./P.M. Yoga for Beginners with
Rodney Yee and Patricia Walden [vhs]
• Yoga for Meditators with John Friend [vhs]
• Ali MacGraw: Yoga Mind & Body [vhs]
Maria
K. McKeehan holds her own beginning yoga class on Thursday
mornings in the Montrose area. Emphasis is on freedom,
expansiveness, and artistic expression integrated with
body and breath. Call 713/522-0056 for more information.
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