North Texas Daily

Mariana Viana / Intern Writer

In addition to being the home of fresh-grown produce, tons of coffee shops and two universities, Denton is also the home to more than seven yoga studios.

“Denton is a great place to practice yoga. Not only are there lots of studios and different teachers to learn from, there is a relaxed and receptive attitude in general,” said Rose Kamego, owner of the Yoga Hut studio. “It’s the kind of place where you can practice headstand in a coffee shop and no one will think you’re weird. Someone might actually join you.”

Denton offers a multitude of options for yoga-seekers of every skill level and variety, from beginners looking for an outlet to relieve stress, to trained athletes looking for an edge.

Yoga has exploded in Denton in the past three years, said Becky Klett, owner of the Denton Yoga Center.

“The yoga community is growing in Denton,” Klett said. “There are a lot of new people in town who are bringing new energies and are interested in learning new things.”

Kamego and Klett have both been teaching yoga in Denton for more than 10 years.

Klett teaches hatha yoga, a physical discipline, which focuses mainly on asanas (postures) and breathe work in order to prepare the body for spiritual pursuits. Kamego teaches Iyengar and Ananda yoga, which provide a tool for spiritual growth while releasing unwanted tensions.

“Yoga isn’t just physical exercise, it’s a spiritual practice,” Kamego said. “It allows us to see our true selves, our true splendor and learn to exist in a nonviolent way. It is a path of peace and liberation.”

Yoga helps alleviate stress and maintain healthy lifestyles, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Tara Hughes is training at Lifetime Fitness to become registered yoga teacher. She practices hot vinyasa yoga, which is performed in a heated room (85 to 90 degrees) because of the benefits it offers the body.

“The heat allows for muscles to ease through their full range of motion but is not an excuse to push muscles beyond their limits,” Hughes said. “It also improves circulation, metabolism and strengthens the cardiovascular system.”

Hughes wants to specialize in prenatal yoga, which she said is a great way to stay fit and grounded during pregnancy.

Stefania Kaczmarczyk, a computer systems programmer, started practicing yoga a year ago. She started by taking a class at UNT with a friend and she fell in love with it.

“It really woke my muscles up and left me feeling energized for the day,” Kaczmarczyk said. “Ever since then I’ve used it as a way to relieve stress, focus my thoughts and challenge myself.”

Kaczmarczyk was a rock climber, and said she found that yoga was a good balance for the strength-intensive exercise, and it also helped to improve her form.

She said she practices yoga every day, whether for 10 minutes by herself or for a full hour with an instructor.

“There is no ideal body for yoga,” Kaczmarczyk said. “The body you come in is the body you are ready to practice in. You don’t need to lose weight or run a marathon, just practice.”

Owner of the Yoga Hut Rose Kamigo and student Nicole Cook do the triangle pose. Photo by Fey Sandoval / Staff Photographer

Rose Kamigo does a supported headstand. Photo by Fey Sandoval / Staff Photographer

Kamigo and Cook do the wheel yoga pose. Photo by Fey Sandoval / Staff Photographer

Owner of Denton Yoga Center Becky Klett. The Denton Yoga Center is located at 118 W. Congress Street. Photo by Larissa Mathews / Intern Photographer

Becky Klett does the tree pose outside the Denton Yoga Center. Photo by Larissa Mathews / Intern Photographer

Klett does a yoga headstand outside the Denton Yoga Center. Photo by Larissa Mathews / Intern Photographer

Feature photo: Rose Kamigo, owner and head instructor at the Yoga Hut, guides 2-year student Nicole Cook through some poses during a late night relaxation session. The Yoga Hut, found at 611 N. Locust St, offers classes for beginners and experts. Photo by Fey Sandoval / Staff Photographer