Mary Lou began her practice and love of yoga in the early 70’s when yoga was just becoming popular in Charlotte. Starting with Richard Hittleman’s 28-Day Plan and Lilias on TV, she soon was taking every class she could find. Yoga became a way of life, helping her deal with stress and sleep better at night. With a BS in Physical Education but limited experience in yoga, she began teaching friends and, a few years later, classes for the YWCA and CPCC. She studied at Kripalu Center in 1985 and 1986, completed Kripalu Teacher Training in 1987 and was certified as a 500-hour professional teacher in 2001.
Teaching in many locations over the years, Mary Lou realized her desire and need for a space especially designed for yoga. In 1998, she created Yoga for Life in Dilworth, including other teachers and offering a variety of classes and workshops. The studio moved from East Blvd to 1920 Cleveland Avenue in 2000 and was purchased by Karen Williams in early 2009. Mary Lou continues to teach and be a part of the Yoga for Life community.
In August, Yoga for Life will move to 1410 West Morehead Street. The new location is now being renovated to better accommodate the wellness needs of Charlotte's growing yoga community. The new site will include two yoga studios with hardwood floors, showers, a small retail space and offices for six wellness practitioners. Stay tuned for open house news!
8 Comments
Kimerly
December 29, 2009 - 10:58 pmI took my first yoga class with Mary Lou in 1976 in Concord, NC. This lady was way ahead of her time! So glad to see she is still lighting the path of yoga.
Noreen J George
July 25, 2009 - 8:01 amSo thrilled to see the recent Observer article on Mary Lou. Proud to say that she was my first Yoga instructor here in Charlotte many years ago! To know her is to love her!!!!!! THANK YOU Mary Lou.
Linda O.
July 5, 2009 - 12:27 pmThank you, Mary Lou, for all you've given to our community. Where would we be without you?
gailgoforth@bellsouth.net
July 3, 2009 - 11:54 pmMary Lou, You were one of my first teachers on the path of Yoga and I am grateful to you for that. You got me started with sun salutation and the stick figures that you handed out of the poses. I took them home and practiced. God bless you, Mary Lou.
Karen
July 2, 2009 - 1:11 pmMary Lou is an inspiration to us all! She introduced so many in the Charlotte community to the practice of yoga. I look forward to practicing with Mary Lou for many years to come!
Judi
July 2, 2009 - 12:12 pmCan't think of a more deserving person to receive recognition as Hero of the Month!
Linda
July 2, 2009 - 11:06 amMy first yoga experience was a videotape of Mary Lou's that I used regularly and learned the poses and flow. I still hear her voice as I practice.
jennifer
July 2, 2009 - 10:59 amI started doing yoga 9 years ago in Mary Lou's class. She was an inspiration then. Definitely worthy of "hero" status.
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