Yoga teachers Debi Garrett and Shannon Frank-Ball never intended to turn a dry cleaners into a yoga
studio, but that’s exactly how their path unfolded in 2008. Shannon, a personal trainer and long-time yoga instructor, clicked with Debi, a pharmaceutical sales rep
with a background in dance, when Debi was training in a yoga certification program that Shannon hosted in Athens. As Debi and Shannon got to know each other and to share their vision for yoga in Athens,
the two realized they had similar goals: to bring a friendly, yoga-is-for-everyone studio to a
central location in Athens.
Before they knew it, they were standing in what had once been a drop-off location for Nu-Way
dry cleaners thinking, “Wow. This could really work!” And with a rocking class on Thanksgiving
Day 2008, the women opened Five Points Yoga. That same week, Debi was laid off from her
corporate job. Not long after, Shannon found herself giving up the mind-body fitness program
she’d directed for so long. Suddenly, the benefits of yoga were more relevant than ever, as the
women turned to the practice to sustain their inner strength, to cope with the stress of opening a
new business in a tough economy, and to create a community that is happy, fun, and welcoming.
The teachers at 5 Points Yoga bring a wide variety of experiences, trainings, and traditions to
their classes. All of us welcome those who hold an abiding faith in God and deep religious
conviction as warmly as we embrace those who believe in karma and the amazing mysteries of
the natural universe. We offer varied yoga teachings: Anusara guides students to “flow with
Grace” as they follow their hearts. Vinyasa brings breath-synchronized movement into a vigorous
yet soothing practice. All of our classes—which include yoga for all levels of practitioners,
prenatal and postnatal practice, t’ai chi, ballet-inspired work, pilates, and meditation—are
intended to bring a mindful rest to our busy lives, and to create a little space in every week for
building a strong body, a peaceful mind, and an open heart.
No matter who you are, where you’re from, what you know or don’t know, you are always
welcome at 5 Points Yoga. Come join the fun!
