The CultureMap Interview

Yoga master Baron Baptiste talks balance, Lululemon and the radio

YogaSport/ Facebook
Photo by Anja Schlein
Yogasport is an affiliate Baptiste power yoga studio.
Photo by Anja Schlein

Baron Baptiste is known as the founder of power flow yoga. Because Baptiste grew up with yogi parents, we're not surprised that he lives a very zen life.

But its the "Baptiste" movement — a special practice combining meditation, intense movement and peace of mind — that makes him so remarkable. When Baptiste came to town for a sold-out all-day workshop, we sat down with him at Yogasport in Dallas, one of his affiliate studios, to learn how to find better balance and emulate his lifestyle.

CultureMap: When you created power flow yoga more than 20 years go, was it your intention to create a kind of brand?

Baron Baptiste: It wasn't the goal. I wanted to take the mysticism out of yoga and create a disciplined power yoga practice. It worked out: When I first practiced in Beverly Hills, people quickly saw physical, mental and emotional results.

CM: Does yoga always have to be incorporated with mediation?

BB: They don't have to go together, but they certainly lend to each other. Poses create health, strength and calmness in the mind; meditation creates stillness.

CM: How do you suggest staying balanced with a busy work/travel schedule?

BB: The good thing about yoga is that you can do it anywhere. But it's always better to get to a class and practice there, where you have a dedicated space with no distractions.

CM: Can anyone practice Baptiste power yoga?

BB: As long as they are healthy overall, one can jump right into it — at any age.

CM: How hot does a class get?

BB: Our studios vary, but I will say that this practice generates body heat of about 80 degrees. With contracting and extending you are heating and healing from the inside out. You're detoxing and cleansing.

CM: Do you follow a special diet?

BB: I try to eat as natural as possible — whole foods. I think it stems from a wholesome attitude.

CM: More and more men are practicing yoga, but it seems like they're still a minority. Why do you think that is?

BB: In our classes we see a lot of men, actually, because they are more athletic. You don't need to be flexible for this kind of yoga. Women are certainly more open than men, but I think there's definitely a breakthrough from the perception that yoga is only for women.

CM: Yoga clothing has become so prevalent. Do you think yogis need to wear special gear?

BB: The good thing about yoga is that you don't need much. You have to be comfortable, and you must be able to move in whatever you wear. Lululemon happens to be an amazing brand.

CM: In another life, what would you be doing?

BB: I'd be on the radio. I like to talk.

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Politics News

Dallas narrows down field for new city manager to 4 candidates

Photo by R K on Unsplash

This is an Dallasite's sign to launch that small business they've been dreaming of.

After six months without a city manager, the city of Dallas has narrowed down the field of replacements to four semifinalists including one serving as current interim city manager, plus candidates from Fort Worth, Michigan, and Georgia.

Dallas has been without a city manager since May, when previous city manager T.C. Broadnax left to take a job with the city of Austin. Since that time, Broadnax's former chief of staff Kimberly Bizor Tolbert has served as interim city manager.

The city retained Baker Tilly, a consulting firm, to recruit and compile candidates. (Baker Tilly famously erred in the brochure it created for the position by featuring a photo of the Houston skyline instead of Dallas; they've since replaced it with Dallas.)

A spokesperson for Baker Tilly did not respond to inquiries but according to D Magazine, an email listing the candidates has been sent to the Dallas City Council.

The semifinalists include:

Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, Dallas’ current interim city manager
William Johnson, an assistant city manager in Fort Worth
Mark Washington, the city manager of Grand Rapids, Michigan
Zachary Williams, a county chief operating officer in Georgia

All have more than 25 years' of public administration experience and have worked in similar capacities in their respective cities.

Before working in Fort Worth, Johnson was Baltimore’s transportation director and Atlanta’s deputy chief operating officer and public works commissioner.

Washington worked in Fort Worth and Austin before becoming Grand Rapids’ city manager.

Williams has mostly worked in Georgia at the county level, including serving as county manager in Fulton County and chief operating officer in DeKalb County.

Tolbert began working for the city in 1998, first as the city manager’s assistant and later in the aviation department. Broadnax hired her as his chief of staff in 2017.

Unlike the Mayor and the Dallas City Council, the city manager position in Dallas is not elected but is instead appointed by the city council, and is tasked with executing policies, overseeing the annual budget, and managing staff at city hall.

The council’s Ad Hoc Committee will choose finalists, introduce them to the public, and make an offer in early 2025.

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