Yoga studio expands to Issaquah, serves Eastside students

Spira Power Yoga expanded to Issaquah to offer closer classes for local students.

A Seattle-based yoga studio recently expanded to Issaquah, offering Eastside students a shorter commute at a more convenient location.

Dora Gyarmati opened her yoga studio, Spira Power Yoga, in West Seattle nearly eight years ago and has since seen enough success to open a second location at 1135 NW Gilman Blvd. in Issaquah. The location opened on Jan. 6 and provides a closer studio for some students who had been commuting 30 minutes for their sessions.

”We are a licensed vocational school, and our educational workshops got so popular over time that we ran out of space in West Seattle,” Gyarmati said. “So many of our students commuted for half an hour to see us, we thought it was time for us to come to you.”

Spira Power Yoga specializes in warm yoga, as opposed to hot yoga, by heating the studio to 86 degrees. As with many yoga studios, Spira aims to educate students techniques to increase mindfulness and alleviate stress.

Gyarmati also opened a sister company, Spira Mindful Wellness, to educate students further by hosting seminars on mindfulness, resiliency and stress management.

“Many of our teachers are health care professionals,” Gyarmati said. “We make sure that you strengthen your stabilizing muscles, stretch gently, and breathe to manage stress. We hope to grow a family of friendly community on the Eastside.”

According to Gyarmati, her studio has given lectures to intensive care unit nurses and Seattle paramedics. Additionally, the studio also is speaking with University of Washington Medicine regarding a potential lecture series.

Gyarmati has 15 years of experience as a yoga instructor and said she correspondingly ensures all Spira Power Yoga teachers meet a certain standard.

”Our teachers have all been trained to meet Spira’s guidelines well above and beyond the 200 hour Yoga Alliance Certification,” Gyarmati said.

Spira Power Yoga offers a 200-hour yoga and mindfulness teacher training and 500-hour teacher training. The studio offers a schedule for classes on its website.

Gyarmati herself has a Bachelor of Arts degree in art history and a Bachelor of Science degree in neurobiology from the University of California San Diego. She worked in immunology research before pursuing her career and business in yoga.

“Everything in balance and moderation. The key to health is an active life, where we can minimize stress and maximize joy,” Gyarmati said in her motto. “I believe this is a service that will prove to be important for the neighborhood.”

Gyarmati strikes a warrior pose in the yoga studio. Evan Pappas/Staff Photo

Gyarmati strikes a warrior pose in the yoga studio. Evan Pappas/Staff Photo