Connected Through Grounded Movement: Topeka Yoga Network

By Jen Leclair
Photos by Brian Peters

After 37 years in the corporate world, Mary Boland knew firsthand how physically demanding desk jobs and stressful schedules could be, and how yoga had helped her rebuild her own strength, stability and energy.

The solution she decided on was simple: bring yoga directly to the workplace. That idea became the foundation of Topeka Yoga Network’s philosophy, summed up in six words: “We Bring the Yoga to You.”

Corporate classes allow employees to practice with coworkers in a familiar environment, while community offerings bring yoga into public spaces where new participants can try something different.

Over the years, Topeka Yoga Network has partnered with organizations including Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka, CoreFirst Bank & Trust, Washburn University, Stormont Vail Health and the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library to provide wellness opportunities.

CREATING A PLACE TO BEGIN

For many people, yoga begins with walking through the door. Owners Evelyn Spangler and Mary Boland say that door should never feel intimidating, exclusive or out of reach. They founded their studio on the belief that yoga should be accessible to all, regardless of age or experience level.

Evelyn is Mary’s daughter, and together they’ve built a business through studio classes, corporate wellness programs, community events and teacher training.

“Our mission is to build a welcoming, nonjudgmental community,” Mary said. “We want you to feel comfortable asking questions and exploring your practice, free from the fear of failure.”

MEETING PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE

After earning their initial certifications, Evelyn was offered her first teaching position. She quickly ran into one of the main challenges of yoga instruction: figuring out how to create a useful experience for a group of people with different abilities, backgrounds and comfort levels.

Before teaching yoga, Evelyn worked in patient care, including time at TARC and three years as a nurse at Cotton O’Neil Clinic. She now also serves as wellness coordinator for staff and faculty at Washburn University.

During the pandemic, the business adapted by finding ways to continue serving clients through virtual offerings.“We have been virtual and live for a very long time,” Mary said. “Before COVID even forced restrictions, Evelyn was already looking ahead and working on ways to provide Zoom lessons.”

Today, Topeka Yoga Network offers a range of classes designed to serve different needs and interests.

The goal is not to force every person into the same version of yoga, a principle that anchors the 200-hour teacher training curriculum Evelyn uses to help new teachers understand group classes. Evelyn and Mary focus on helping students understand how their own bodies feel, then build from there.

A typical week includes both in-studio and virtual options, with classes ranging from power yoga to chair yoga to slow flow and restorative sessions, often scheduled multiple times a day to fit different routines.

“We don’t teach a pose just for the sake of the posture,” Evelyn said. “We guide people to tune into how their bodies actually feel, helping them understand what they need on any given day.”

Both owners are 900-hour certified yoga instructors and internationally certified yoga therapists. Evelyn has also pursued additional education in nutrition coaching with an emphasis on gut health, biomechanics and personal training through the American Council on Exercise, or ACE.

“I love anatomy,” she said. “But I want to make sure that each person understands it in a way that makes sense to them. You have to find ways to say things that are anatomically true but also understandable.”

Students frequently mention the clarity of instruction and the sense that classes are designed for real people, rather than just experienced yoga practitioners.

“One longtime client who has several certifications himself and has practiced yoga all over the world told us, ‘The cues you give, I have never taken a class like this,’” Mary said. “It’s not just what we teach, it’s the way we teach.”

TAKING YOGA INTO THE COMMUNITY

Through partnerships with organizations like FORGE and events at Evergy Plaza, the group continues to bring yoga into new environments, including its SplashPad Yoga events, which offer free opportunities for community members to participate, cool off and try yoga in a different setting.

“Because we are helping people feel good during and after class, it builds their desire to practice regularly,” Mary said. “Working with local organizations means people are less fearful of approaching the mat.”

BUILDING STRENGTH THROUGH PRACTICE

Mary recalled a participant from Brewster Place who said yoga helped her regain strength and confidence, including being able to step into the carousel at the zoo and swing one leg over the side of the carousel horse. Another participant credited yoga with helping her manage challenges related to osteoporosis, telling her physician that the practice had led to measurable improvements.

“Everyone has some strengths and some limitations,” Evelyn said. “It’s just important to find a way to move your body.”

TRAINING TEACHERS

Topeka Yoga Network also offers a 200-hour yoga teacher certification program, focused on anatomy, modifications, communication and creating inclusive environments rather than teaching perfect poses.

“We don’t train you to teach a perfect pose; we train you to understand the human body so you can make yoga accessible to every person who walks through your door,” Evelyn said.

Each cohort of instructors learns to teach in a variety of settings, from studios to parks to corporate offices.

OPENING THE DOOR WIDER

Topeka Yoga Network plans to keep exploring new class formats, partnerships and wellness opportunities, including expanded corporate programming.

The message Evelyn and Mary want people to remember is simple.

“Just come in the door,” they said.

“We have all of the equipment you need, and you won’t have to pay to use it. Your first class is free, and we promise you’ll feel welcome regardless of your fitness level.”