Gretchen & Charlie - OHY Teacher & Chaplain

Gretchen is one of our favorite Original Hot teachers - She has been practicing yoga since 2007 and teaching since 2023.

Beyond yoga, she and her husband, Charlie travel a lot! 

They have grown kids in Texas, Montana, and Hawaii. 

Half of the year is spent in Pai, Thailand, working with Shekina Gardens, an organization that supports travelers and spiritual seekers in many ways, including Christ-centered yoga. 

In Texas, Gretchen works alongside Charlie, assisting with his hospice chaplaincy work.

Gretchen:

How would you describe your teaching style in three words?

From The Heart

What do you hope students walk away with after your class?

I hope students walk away seeing the benefits of yoga and love it as I do.

Do you have a favorite posture to teach? Why?

Half moon pose is probably my favorite to teach because it is at the beginning and a lot of words and words seem easier after this pose.

Charlie:

What brought you to your first hot yoga class?

Curiosity about this big part of Gretchen’s life and how it would affect my      own strength and flexibility. And a shared hobby with your mate seemed fun.

What keeps you coming back to your mat, especially on tough days?

Yoga does something for my personal flexibility and balance and I like the sense of community. I try to structure two classes a week - seems beneficial.

What advice would you give someone new or nervous about trying hot yoga?

For guys especially, just try it a few times a week for a while.  Lately I'm really trying to focus on words and do the best I can.

FOR BOTH: 

Y'all enjoy extended travel - how do you best keep up with your practice while you're away from home?

If there is a hot yoga studio, Gretchen will definitely find it and Charlie will join. Gretchen will practice with videos. Our community in Pai, Thailand has yoga a couple times a week and we both attend.

What is your fave local SM hot spot? 

Definitely the RIVER! You can find us there almost every day.