Don Ugent

Don was born in Beloit, Wisconsin. He completed his undergrad and attended law school at the University of Wisconsin. After that he lived and worked in the Los Angeles area for 40 years, then moved to Austin in 2005 after retirement.

Don began his yoga journey in Los Angeles, studying with Diane Gilbert for several years. He had been working in the banking industry for many years, and was under substantial stress. He had read about the positive effects a regular yoga practice had on health, and how it had been known to reduce stress and its accompanying illnesses. "Yoga was a choice that I made to keep me healthy, physically and mentally." He has since studied with Donna Farhi, Ramaswami, Gary Kraftsow, Gurucharan Singh and many of the wonderful teachers at Yoga Yoga.

In Augus, 2006, Don graduated from Yoga Yoga's 200-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training, and went on to complete Hatha Level 2 training in May 2008. His classes are unique, drawing together elements from the Hatha and Viniyoga traditions. Students of all ages are welcome and will enjoy Don's classes, but his focus is on more mature students. Seeing him practice, Don has heard students remark, "if he can do yoga, I surely can." He teaches a class that is accessible to beginning students, and interesting to more experienced yoga practitioners. The mood of the class is relaxed and taught with a sense of humor.

Years into his practice, Don continues to practice often. He is continuing his teaching training with Yoga Yoga's Hatha Level Two course, to learn about the aspects of yoga beyond the postures. His personal practice is different every day, depending on how he feels and what he needs. Yoga is adaptable to all physical and mental states, and is always a grounding experience, emotionally and physically.

Don enjoys hiking, kayaking, long walks and of course, yoga. In addition to teaching at Yoga Yoga, Don also teaches several volunteer classes with local community organizations.