Debbie Gant sits on the original 1918 polished birchwood floor of The Corner Mat, nestled in the historic Kitselman mansion on University Avenue. This yoga studio has become her sanctuary. It’s hard to believe how much has changed in 15 years.
Gant spent 28 years in the fast-paced, high-stress world of commercial insurance. The job had drained her, physically and mentally, until she knew she needed to make a significant change. Looking for alternatives, she decided to enroll in a 200-hour yoga teacher training in Chicago, a decision that would lead her to leave behind the corporate world and create a space where balance and mindfulness could thrive.
Yoga is a mind-body practice that blends physical postures, breathing and meditation to enhance well-being. It strengthens the body, increases flexibility, and enhances balance while reducing stress and improving mental clarity. The practice encourages mindfulness, helping individuals connect with the present moment, calm the mind and cultivate inner peace. Through various methods including hatha, vinyasa and restorative yoga, students can tailor their experience to meet their unique needs.
Within a few weeks of practicing, Gant started noticing the changes. She felt taller, her posture was more aligned, and her joints, once tight and sore, began to loosen up. “Old age doesn’t have to be what it used to be,” she explains. “As we get older, we still want to be able to get down on the floor with our grandkids.”
The Corner Mat is solely dedicated to yoga, unlike classes offering it in a fitness space. Yoga is all about the energy in the room, and at The Corner Mat, that energy is pure and focused. Unlike other places, where the sounds of bouncing balls or heavy weights dropping disrupt the flow, every sound – every breath – supports the practice. This creates a sense of calm, allowing each person to connect with their body and mind without distractions.
The Corner Mat offers a variety of yoga styles to suit different needs. Yin yoga focuses on the joints and connective tissues, promoting deep flexibility and relaxation. Restorative yoga is gentle and slow, designed to calm the nervous system and encourage healing. For those seeking a more intense experience, the studio also offers hot yoga, where 12 infrared ceiling panels warm the room, helping to soften the body and increase flexibility. The studio’s client base is equally diverse, drawing people from all walks of life. “Being near the university, we see professors and students practicing alongside community members,” Gant says. This blend of backgrounds and experiences creates a welcoming atmosphere, where everyone can come together and find a sense of peace on their mat, regardless of who they are or where they come from.
Many people see yoga on social media and think of it as a “culture” of hippies or ultra-spiritual folks, which can feel intimidating to those just starting out. Perfectly curated Instagram posts can make it seem like you have to fit a certain mold to belong. “What you see on Instagram is not seen in class,” Gant says. “They are not true depictions.” At The Corner Mat, yoga is about meeting yourself where you are. It’s a practice for everyone, regardless of age, body type or experience.
Yoga isn’t just about physical flexibility; it can also help free up emotional baggage. By opening up the heart space, and especially the hips, deep-seated emotions can surface. “Sometimes clients will cry in class after releasing pent-up feelings they didn’t even realize they were carrying,” Gant says. This emotional release is a natural part of the healing process, and many students find that yoga offers a safe, nonjudgmental space to let go of stress, grief or long-held emotional tension.
As with any new venture, getting started is often the hardest part. For many, insecurities about appearance or clothes, or the fear of embarrassment, can be a hindrance. “The studio doesn’t have mirrors and no one is looking,” Gant says. “Give it a try; don’t talk yourself out of it.” To make the process easier, The Corner Mat offers two weeks of unlimited classes for just $29, giving newcomers the chance to explore different classes and instructors until they find the best fit. It’s all about easing in without pressure, and finding the comfort and confidence to embrace the practice.
The studio also offers private group classes for clubs, teams, sororities, wedding showers and corporate bonding events. “The studio can hold up to 35 people for one price,” Gant explains. “People love a bonding experience.” For those looking for something a little different, she organizes fun outings like Yoga with Bunnies or Yoga with Goats at local farms. These events are more about enjoying time with the animals and are often tied to fundraisers. “Don’t take your expensive mat to one of these,” Gant warns with a smile. “It’s a little more rustic than your usual class.”
As the studio continues to grow, Gant has welcomed Lori LeValley as a partner. LeValley is currently completing the 200-hour teacher training and will take on an active role at the studio starting this April.
Gant emphasizes that the yoga experience is what you make of it, as long as it’s promoting peace and calm.
“I don’t care if you want to hang out in a comfy space and take a nap,” she says. “As long as you’re taking the time to care for yourself, that’s all that matters.”
For more information, visit thecornermat.com or email thecornermat@gmail.com.
