Connie Wood

My name is Connie and I've been practicing yoga for a little over ten years, off and on. I started out of curiosity, but quickly found the challenge and meditative qualities of yoga to be incredibly satisfying and grounding. I found hot yoga during a time in my life when I was looking to expand my physical horizons. What began as a physical practice gradually became something much deeper — a moving meditation, a way to quiet the anxiety I severely underestimated, and a space to build resilience from the inside out.

"The heat isn't something to endure — it's something to work with."

Although I grew up in the Midwest, I am not a fan of the cold. Once I tried hot yoga, I was hooked! I feel especially drawn to the intensity of the heat because it creates clarity and asks for presence. Through my years of practice, I've noticed a slow but steady development of my own "ego death," which I believe has helped foster the forgiveness and grace I give to myself.

I believe my practice is less about performing and more about witnessing myself honestly — my patterns, my reactions, and my capacity. While I value focus and form, I am no longer striving for my best and am instead happy to accept whatever my mind and body are able to give on any particular day. Some days I surprise myself and other days I'm just proud of myself for showing up.

Although I grew up in central Wisconsin, I have lived in Madison for 17 years and consider it home. Outside the studio, I enjoy cooking plant-based meals, long bike rides, walks with music or podcasts, and spending time with my cats, Milosh and Gibs.