I've been practicing hot yoga for six years at four studios in three states. Knowing that the original 26 & 2 sequence would always remain the same – no matter what my grades were or where I was or what was going on in the world – has always brought me a sense of comfort and control. 

I moved here from Massachusetts in August 2024 to begin my PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering at UW-Madison, already knowing I would eventually become a member here at Inner Fire Yoga. I nervously went to the Open House in September, having been out of practice for a while and knowing no one. But from the moment I walked in, I was welcomed like they had known me for years. I was greeted with that good old Midwestern kindness and warmth that I thought was only a stereotype. 

I immediately fell in love with the studio and its community, and I knew that I found a new home away from home. Instructors like Anne Morgan made me realize that I was exactly where I needed to be.

I was initially drawn to hot yoga to help manage my chronic pain associated with hypermobility. The instructors here are truly the best in how they go above and beyond in providing safe and creative modifications for me (shout out to Kara for absolutely transforming my Yin practice). 

While yoga certainly has been the key to keeping my symptoms at bay, it has brought me so much more. Having a physical manifestation of my mental wellbeing has allowed me to be better in tune with myself. I am more aware of how I perceive myself and how I treat others. It has taught me that it’s okay to not be perfect and that life, and my practice, is not black-and-white.

I always joke that bringing my friends to yoga is my love language, but I’m only half-joking. Sharing my practice is sharing a piece of myself. Becoming more involved at Inner Fire Yoga and forming connections within its community has brought me so much joy, and I can’t wait for many more years to come here. 

When I’m not at Inner Fire Yoga or in Engineering Hall, you can find me staring at the birds at my birdfeeder, shooting film photography, or making coffee (I used to be a barista so not to brag but I make really good coffee).