Harbor resident brings power of yoga to PK

Story by Steve Nussbaum | Photos courtesy of Deena Hebbert

The area around PK is the perfect spot for yoga, relfection and solitude. Deena Hebbert provides yoga classes at PK and her studio in Mineral Wells, Sol Studio.

Deena Hebbert has experienced firsthand the transformative effects of yoga, and now she’s offering classes in the Possum Kingdom Lake area to teach others about the benefits of this low-impact exercise.

Hebbert and her husband, Bruce, made their move to Possum Kingdom Lake three years ago, when the couple bought a condo at The Harbor. They previously were living on a 400-acre horse ranch in Cool, Texas, just outside Mineral Wells, and her husband owned and ran a large equine veterinary clinic in Weatherford.

But after her husband was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, Hebbert knew it was time for the two of them to downsize and live a simpler life.

“We now spend lots of time laughing and living a relaxing life at the lake,” she said.

Hebbert, who became a certified yoga instructor in 2020, offers her classes around the lake. She said she has been practicing yoga since she was a teenager, and she co-owns a yoga studio with her daughter that’s located at 612 S. Oak St. in Mineral Wells. Information about the studio can be found online at www.solstudiomw.com.

Hebbert recently started offering yoga classes locally from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. every Thursday at the Iron Cactus party barn, which is owned by Devon and Valerie Gribble. The wide-open space of the barn, which is located on Highway 16 between Gaines Bend and Sportsman’s World, provides plenty of room and access for all participants. The charge for the class is $1, and all proceeds go to Charlie’s Angels, a food-delivery service for the needy in the Possum Kingdom Lake area.

In April, Hebbert began offering Saturday morning yoga classes on the roof of the Crazy Water Hotel. It’s a unique location that offers expansive views of the hills around Mineral Wells, as well as great views of the historic Baker Hotel. The Saturday morning classes, which have attracted several local participants from PK, cost $15 and will take place through September.

Hebbert’s classes are for yoga participants of all experience levels. She encourages class members to bring their own mats, although she does have a few of them available on a first-come, first-served basis. She said she also provides some yoga blocks, but recommends participants bring their own to help with some of the poses.

Yoga originated in ancient India more than 5,000 years ago, and it’s grown into a global phenomenon embraced for its holistic approach to health, well-being and self-awareness. The physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation in yoga are combined with a philosophical framework that encourages mindfulness, balance and harmony.

Hebbert said yoga provides many benefits, including:

• Improved flexibility and posture.
• Increased muscle strength and tone.
• Enhanced respiratory function and energy.
• Better balance and coordination.
• Reduced risk of injury through mindful movement.
• Relief from chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis and back pain.

Yoga provides a balance between movement, balance and breathing, and it’s wonderful that Hebbert has introduced its benefits to others. She said she stands ready to encourage more area residents to try it out.

The rooftop at The Crazy Water Hotel provides a great view for Saturday morning yoga offered by Deena Hebbert.