STUDIO
The Yoga Mat has been serving the Turlock and surrounding areas for over seven years. We are dedicated to the study and practice of yoga. We are also committed to honoring the fullness of your yoga experience. With this in mind we offer the tools you need to explore the path of yoga and its many styles, which involves mindful intentional movement, balancing flexibility, strength, and clarity of the mind.
We have designed our yoga studio to help you pursue a yoga practice in a clean, calm, and tranquil setting.
Spend a few hours with us each week and enjoy the many benefits of a regular yoga practice.

Every blade of grass has its own angel that bends over it and whispers, "Grow, Grow!"
~The Talmud
We'd like to be that whisper to help you grow in your practice and in your life.





PHILOSOPHY
Through the practice of yoga we seek to be truly awake in our lives, and in harmony with our environment. There are many physical, mental, and spiritual benefits to practicing yoga. By balancing the needs of the body, mind and soul we release the stress of everyday living and open our minds to the fullness of life.


TEACHERS

Victoria Donoso, Director, Registered Yoga Teacher, The Yoga Alliance

Dennis Hill, Dennis Hill has taught meditation and yoga philosophy (Samkhya, Advaita, Vedanta, Shaivite) for 20 years. Education in the sciences has brought a measure of empiricism to the appreciation and teaching of yoga philosophy and the discipline of meditation practice. Received extensive training by Buddhist, Sufi and Siddha masters in India and U.S.

Publications:
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras: The Means to Liberation: Translation from the Sanskrit, and sutras commentary. www.trafford.com
The Inner Yoga of Happiness: Essays on meditation and yoga philosophy. To be published June 2008.
Sanskrit - English Lexicon: Extended glossary of Sanskrit terminology.
Hastamalakiyam: Essence of Vedanta in Twelve Verses. Introduction and commentary. These books are available from the author.

Alex Tressetti, RYT, The Yoga Alliance, PT, Alex has traveled from Sweden to be your yoga teacher! He has studied abroad and in the U.S. His start was in Ashtanga and later grew to be a Hot Yoga devotee. His experience makes him highly skilled in providing adjustments and taking you to the next level. While Hot Yoga is his passion, he has found renewed interest in Hatha Yoga. Alex is highly trained and is eager to teach. His love and respect for our fearless leader has made Turlock a new adventure.

Rosemary Mendes, Registered Yoga Teacher, The Yoga Alliance

Ramina Simon, Registered Yoga Teacher,The Yoga Alliance, Ramina has been a Turlock resident, on and off, since 1975, (yes, last century!). Her initial exposure was via beautiful young bodies on glossy magazine pages. As fate would have it, back injuries compelled her to take a serious look at the discipline of yoga. After taking an intense 200 hour Vinyasa Ashtanga teacher training course from rhe charismatic, passionate and driven Dr. Vedantin Ping Luo, Ramina knew she would spend her lifetime learning and expanding her knowledge in this area of study. Short of dragging someone into a yoga class to get a feel of how beneficial the stretching and mindful execution of each pose is, she encourages anyone to at least try it for a short while. Ramina is cognizant that some people may equate yoga with Eastern philosophy and in doing so shun the practice. She has been trained int he traditional doctrines and has come away knowing that what works for her is not complete immersion; therefore, she has adopted parts of the teachings that server her and her students.

Salma Reyes, Salma stumbled onto yoga while seeking a path for healing and eventually the gift of teaching yoga fell in her lap. She became a teacher hoping to share with others the immense emotional, spiritual, and physical benefits of a consistent yoga practice. She has recently decided to deepen her practice and return the enormous gift yoga has given her, by stepping up to the challenge to raise money for needy children in Cambodia. Some of Salma’s favorite poses are mermaid, hurdle, and tripod headstand.

She was trained at the Village Yoga Center in Vinyasa Flow and continues her education through various classes at established yoga studios in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and seminars across the country. Her classes are energetic and vigorous focusing on movement with breath to up beat music. Students work hard during class and leave feeling limber, balanced, and refreshed (oh ya, sweaty too!)

Yvette Huffman

Eric Wilson, Received teacher training from Core Power Yoga in San Diego, CA. The yoga workshops attended while receiving teacher training were the yoga of Budokon, a mix of martial arts and yoga combined. It is a fun yoga that incorporates a lot of time to experiment and play. The weekend intensive yoga nutrition program was a huge success. It allowed time to learn about eating smart and healthy for an individual because every one is different. It taught Eric many effects of food and yoga combined. He has taught many core power yoga sessions to private clients as well. Graduated May 2007 from San Diego State with a B.A. in Kinesiology. The subjects studied were exercise and nutrition related.

Beth Steeley, is a native of Boston, Ma and is married with 2 boys. She enjoys taking care of her family, dogs, and traveling. She became very interested in yoga in March of 2007. In the fall she decided to take in her interest further and enrolled in the School Yoga Institute to become a Registered Yoga Instructor. She teaches for the pure joy of sharing and spreading benefits of practicing yoga. Her teacher, Dr. Vedantin Ping Lou, has trained her in various styles of yoga. Her favorite is the Sivananda Hatha Flow which includes the "the King of all poses" the "headstand". She has attended practices in San Francisco emphasizing in the this style of yoga. Beth's favorite poses are pigeon, dancing chiva, and half moon. I encourage everyone to try my Sunday class for a try at this unique style of yoga

Seema Saini

Jean Jay, Bellly Dancing Instructor, Founder and Artistic Director of her own dance company, Mystic Fire. Jean has been dancing for eight years and teaching for three years. She teaches at Modesto Junior College, Delta Pacific College, Village Yoga Center and here at The Yoga Mat. Jean has performed at two of the largest Belly Dance Festivals in California, Rakassaha West and Desert Dance Festival. She was also a member of a dance company directed by Moselle Williams for two years where she was a group and solo performer. Belly Dance has a universal appeal for people of any age, shape or size who want to strengthen core muscles. Belly Dance also keeps the spine flexible and gently massages your internal organs. Increased feelings of well being and confidence are just a few of the benefits. The Dance form is also used as a form of celebration, building a community of dancers who enjoy performing , and being together. Jean, stage name, LaDivina, has studied World Dance and Modern Dance and is continually educating herself and others to what new ideas are developing in the art form.

108
We now feature SPIRITUAL GANGSTER at 108, the studio shop! Be a Souljah for Change. Speak your mind. Do it wearing a cool shirt. Grab your gear today or order with us online. Call 209.667.5399 for details.


OFFICE HOURS
10:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Thursday, by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call 667-5399.

We are available before and after scheduled classes for class registration and to answer any questions you may have.

Driving Directions:
From 99, take the Monte Vista exit east toward town.

Follow Monte Vista to Geer Road. Turn right on Geer. The first traffic light is Regis Street.

Go past Regis St. to the second driveway. Turn right into College Park Plaza.

The Yoga Mat will be directly in front of you.

The Yoga Mat is available for workshops or events!
We have 1250 square feet of great space available for your event, workshop or on going classes. Please call for additional information.