The Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, along with the community, celebrated the ribbon cutting ceremony for Spira Power Yoga on April 9. Chamber members, family, friends and community members gathered in the new yoga studio with owner Dora Gyarmati and Mayor Mary Lou Pauly to celebrate Spira’s second location.

Mayor Pauly said the yoga studio is something fun and different to have in Issaquah.

The Seattle-based yoga studio opened its doors in Issaquah on Jan. 6 but due to the snowy conditions, postponed their ribbon cutting ceremony until spring.

“I’ve always wanted a local studio here in Issaquah,” Gyarmati said. “Starting a new business is a big risk, but it’s also exhilarating… I love what I do, and I can’t wait to get it started here.”

Gyarmati opened her first yoga studio in West Seattle nearly eight years ago. She said she and her customers became a close community there, and she can’t wait for that community to be formed in Issaquah.

Located at 1135 NW Gillman Blvd., near other mom and pop stores, Gyarmati said it already feels like community.

“It feels like it’s community here,” Gyarmati said of the new location. “It’s not glamorous, but that’s what I like about it.”

Being a long-time resident herself, Gyarmati said she’s noticed the changes in Issaquah. Although the change is good, she said mom and pop stores seem to be squeezed out and those are the places that feel most like a community.

Gyarmati’s hope is to have her place as a place where people feel comfortable and that it’s more than “just exercise.”

Spira Power Yoga teaches a “tough” yoga style that’s approachable for any level. They specialize in warm yoga, as opposed to hot yoga, by heating the studio to 86 degrees. Gyarmati said they teach in a more mindful manner. Spira uses the Mindful Movement Meditation and Breathing (M3B) technique developed by Gyarmati. At Spira, it’s about strengthening the body and the mind.

All Spira teachers have been trained to meet Spira’s guidelines, well above and beyond the 200 hour Yoga Alliance certification.

To learn more about Spira go online to www. spirapoweryoga.com.

Spira Power Yoga is located on 1135 NW Gilman Blvd, Suite F-10, Issaquah. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo.

Spira Power Yoga held a free class before the ribbon cutting ceremony on April 9. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo

Owner and teacher, Dora Gyarmati has over 15 years of experience. Gyarmati is also the inventor of M3B Method – a mindfulness based philosophy and training methodology. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo.

Dora Gyarmati’s and Panni at the Spira Power ribbon cutting ceremony on April 9. Stephanie Quiroz

From left: Mayor Mary Lou Pauly, Dora Gyarmati, Spira’s architect Janna Hagensick, and Spira student Sarah Goettsch at the ribbon cutting ceremony on April 9. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo

Dora Gyarmati, her husband Regan Pasko, and their dogs Albert (white dog) and Panni (black dog) in their new Issaquah studio. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo