Yes!Yoga opened in January, 2014 to serve residents and visitors in the Twin Lakes area of North Central Arkansas primarily in Baxter and Marion Counties. The studio is conveniently located at 1200 West Main on US 62 West in Cotter, nestled between Dally’s Fly Shop and Shape Fitness gym. Classes are beginning to intermediate levels for students of all ages. Gentle chair-based yoga classes are available through the SilverSneakers® fitness program.
Owner Melinda Motley states, “We are blessed to have great teachers in a beautiful location close to nature and near the White River. Anyone who comes to yoga for their very first class, or as a seasoned practitioner feels welcomed and at home right away.” Motley believes that as more people move into the area from locations around the nation and world, demand for accessible yoga classes and other wellness modalities will continue to grow. Throughout 2014, people came to yoga from California, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. More and more residents are discovering what yoga practice can offer on many levels.
New teachers Rebecca Coble and Melissa Risher are well trained and familiar with various schools of yoga. Coble, a life-long lover of yoga, completed Thai massage training with D’vorah Swarzman in Ashland, Oregon and has been working with Holly and Matt Krepps at Circle Yoga Shala on her 200-hour certification. Risher comes from a very strong fitness background and her classes are an active vinyasa flow style. Risher started her yoga journey with YogaFit® while working in an Air Force Base Health and Wellness Center in Germany. She brought yoga to the military community and their families. She continues her training through YogaFit® to receive her 200-hour certification. Motley has been involved with yoga since the mid-1990s–practicing with several teachers at various churches, convents and YMCAs in the Cincinnati area. Teaching yoga in Mountain Home at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church since 2008, Motley opened Yes!Yoga in January, 2014. She certified at AYC in Fayetteville in 2009 after moving to Arkansas. Motley has also studied with Holly and Matt Krepps in the last two years.
Going into its second year of business, Yes!Yoga offers a variety of teaching styles and levels. From beginning, to gentle and restorative, or intermediate to more intense, there is a class for every body. In addition a fast and fun Zumba® class is offered by Annie Burnett for those seeking a real shake out! Other workshops, guest speakers on nutrition, physical therapy, and various integrative health practices are scheduled throughout the year.
Motley further comments, “It has been a wonderful journey to connect with the yoga community in the beautiful Ozarks of Arkansas. I continue to marvel at the diverse, dedicated yogis here, and growing interest in yoga. People truly desire to improve themselves in body, mind and spirit for the rest of their lives. I am grateful to connect with, and be able to help contribute to the yoga community who live in, or visit Arkansas. We have high hopes and expectations that all who come to yoga will benefit in surprising ways.” We look forward to meeting you.
Melinda Motley began her yoga studies in the mid-1990s in the Cincinnati area. She learned from several pioneering American teachers including Nancy Bloemer, Lilias Folan, Kathy Hunter and Mary Kemper of the Cincinnati Yoga Teachers Association. She became certified through AYC in Fayetteville after relocating to Arkansas in 2008. Motley has also studied with Holly and Matthew Krepps at Circle Yoga Shala, and is committed to a life of ongoing education and practice. She maintains registration through the Yoga Alliance, HealthwaysTM SilverSneakers® and is a member of IAYT. Motley founded Yes!Yoga to serve people of all ages from beginning to gentle and more rigorous yoga practices with an emphasis on the needs and wellness of students.
Yes,
there is a yoga studio in North Central Arkansas!