Tulsa yogaquest

Members of the month Mary Jo and Steve!

Hot yoga has been a significant part of our life for the almost 30 years we have been married. I started first in 2005 as a way to heal from a fall with broken bones and Steve followed soon after when seeing the benefits that I was receiving. We practiced in Houston for 9 years before moving to Austin, then 11 years there before moving to Tulsa in August 2025 and joining the amazing people, teachers and studio here at Yoga Quest.

We both enjoyed rewarding careers- Steve in healthcare information marketing/sales and myself in non-profit leadership. However, retirement has been a positive change and given us more time for the many things and people that bring us joy.

Among these joys are our blended family of 4 grown children and 5 grandchildren scattered in PA, TX and OK. The youngest grandchild is only 15 months and close by in OKC so being with an active toddler makes us appreciate that hot yoga has given us the flexibility and endurance to keep up with him. We were much younger when the other 4 were little. Pups have always been an important part of our married lives and sadly had to part with our 13 year old lab right before we moved. We weren't quite ready to get a new pup but when UE mentioned a SPCA event recently where he was doing puppy yoga, we decided to go to support it with no intention of bringing home a pup. Well, sweet 8 week old Mavis Staples stole our hearts and is already a member of the family. She's energetic, spirited and bright so just another reason why we need to keep up with our yoga practice.

We love to travel and have been fortunate to some amazing trips. Coming up soon is an Alaskan cruise including a train trip to Denali to mark off another of our growing list that we've visited. We also plan to honor the 100th anniversary of Route 66 later in the Fall with a road trip to Chicago on the route, a train trip to LA, and another road trip on the southern route back to Tulsa. When we're missing from yoga for any length of time, it's because we're off on an adventure but we are always glad to come back to it.

Supporting live music and the many musicians who make their living with their unique talent has become very important to us. We've hosted House Concerts in Austin and been involved on boards of music related non-profits. The thriving live music scene here in Tulsa was a driving force for our move in addition to the other many cultural attractions here and of course, our grandson in OKC. We've joined All Souls Unitarian Church and quickly became involved with their social justice initiatives. Tulsa's progressiveness is in alignment with our values and we're already "cheerleaders"
lifting this city up to others.

The benefits of yoga for mind, body and soul have kept us engaged for over 21 years and we hope for many more. It's aided me to heal from 2 total knee replacements and 2 rotator repairs and still helps with other genetic arthritis issues. Steve came back within several months of having open heart surgery for a mitral valve repair in 2021. We love practicing together and encourage other couples to join us on our mats.

Welcome to the triple digit club!

100 classes is more than a number. It’s strength built breath by breath. It’s flexibility earned with patience. It’s confidence that carries into everyday life.

Meredith, you’ve put in the work—and it shows. We’re proud of you.