Hot Asana Founder/Owner of Hot Asana Southern Pines, E-RYT 500, RCYT, YACEP, Certified Yin Yoga Instructor, Hot Asana Yoga University Founder/Owner, Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher

We are all on our own personal journey. I would like to share a little bit about my yoga journey with you…

I attended my first Hot Yoga Class in this very studio on August 12, 2007 and fell in love with the mental and physical connection I felt. I began practicing 3 – 6 times a week, shed 40 pounds in 4 months, and was able to discontinue the use of all of my prescription medications. I began to feel healthier and stronger than ever. Convinced of the benefits of yoga, I continued my daily practice and began to deepen my dedication to and knowledge of yoga.

I began my teacher training in 2008 and since then have completed multiple 200 and 500 hour certifications, Yin Yoga training and Mindfulness Meditation Vipasana. My trainings have been diverse but my teaching style has been primarily influenced by Grace and MyLinda Morales, Jimmy Barkan, Rolf Gates, Chris & John Yax , Deepak Chopra, Bryan Kest and Paul Grilley. I fundamentally believe that anyone can change their body and their life. I believe we can in fact, grow younger and stronger. I would love to show you how Hot Asana can be a part of that change. It doesn’t matter when or in what condition you start…JUST START. Your best YOU may very well be yet to come.

ERYT 500, Yin Certified, Hot Asana University Faculty

“The past has no power over the present moment. Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.” —Eckhart Tolle

The mat becomes a sacred space to explore our bodies, to quiet our minds, to experience our souls. Through the years, loss, grief, and many challenges have entered my life, but the healing power of moving on my mat and knowing my inner self has become my abiding partner in this lifetime.

I was among the first Southern Pines yogis to climb the stairs into the first Hot Yoga Studio in 2007. After training and competing in running events and triathlons for many years, my body was aging, breaking down and begging for change. I was immediately mesmerized by a practice that allowed me to move every limb, muscle and joint and sweat to music in a NON-COMPETITIVE, SAFE WAY. I fell in love with hot yoga and never looked back.

I became a yoga teacher in 2013 completing my 200 hr. Certification, followed by a 500 hr. Certification from Yax Yoga Concepts. I continue to learn and take modules from Hot Asana University including a Yin Certification, Meditation Teacher Training, Lower Body Anatomy, Advanced Sequencing, LSD and more. Additionally, I joined the Hot Asana University Faculty in 2020 as a Hot Holds Teacher Trainer.

Teaching at Hot Asana for the past 9 years has afforded the opportunity to create wonderful connections with students and impart valuable information, and skills to others! It is my honor and privilege to engage with others as a teacher in the practice of yoga.

Mercedes Ani

Mercedes is a Advanced Reiki Master Teacher, an Experienced Yoga Teacher (500hr ERYT), Continuing Education Provider for Yoga Alliance (YACEP), a Certified AcroYoga Teacher, Meditation Teacher, Thai Massage and Bodywork Certified, PED Yoga Instructor, International Wellness Retreats & Yoga Teacher Training Facilitator, Certified Crystal and Chakra Healer and Owner of Healing Arts with Mercedes LLC

My passion is to help others heal through yoga, reiki, AcroYoga, Thai Yoga, meditation and educational wellness workshops and retreats. My own journey with yoga inspired me to deepen my practice and to then share my passion for this practice with others on their journey. As a teacher, I encourage students to turn inward during their practice to experience self inquiry, getting comfortable outside of their comfort zone, and to be an observer of their bodies and minds. My mission is to create a safe space for creative exploration. I aim to cater to the physical needs of the students while making sure to deliver a practice that intends to unify the mind, body, and soul in a safe and supportive environment. My intention is to inspire learning and growth in the practice and for students to leave feeling better than when they arrived.

Hampstead, NH and Newburyport, MA Studio Owner,

RYT 500 , Certified Yin Yoga Instructor, Hot Asana Online Instructor, Hot Asana Yoga University Faculty

This yoga journey has been quite an amazing ride for me. I started taking classes in 2006 because it was a good “workout.” I did not know what was in store for me. Yoga has woven its way into all aspects of my life, and I don’t know what I would do without it. Although the physical piece is what lured me into the hot room, it is the spiritual, mind, body connection that keeps me there. Since 2006 life has been a crazy roller coaster for me, as it is for everyone. The great thing about yoga is it gives you the tools to make it through those ups and downs a little more gracefully. Every time you practice you learn something about yourself that you take with you and use out in the world, in your life. Yoga guru BKS Iyengar said, “Yoga uses the body as a tool to touch the soul.” This, to me, is the bottom line of yoga. This is what drives me, what motivates me to teach. One of the biggest lessons I have learned through yoga is to trust the process, have faith in yourself, have faith in God, have faith in the Universe, breathe through the fear, trust your intuition, connect to your voice. These are not just words, or thoughts. They are actions that you have to have the courage to follow through with. Life is not easy. Do the work.

Opening the first studio in Hampstead could not have happened without the gracious assistance of my dear friend Virginia Gallagher, the creator of Hot Asana Yoga Studios. She has forged the path for studio owners to be successful. Hampstead was a great surprise to me. Newburyport is a dream come true for me. Derry is on the way, and is something I have been working on for YEARS!! Please join me and my dynamic teachers on this amazing journey. We never could have grown this much if it wasn’t for this amazing community! It is with a grateful heart that I thank you all, and look forward to what is to come!!

COS Studio Owner, ERYT-200, RYT 500, Hot Asana Certified Hands On Assist, Certified Restorative & Meditation Instructor, Reiki Master Practitioner, Hot Asana Yoga University Faculty

I began practicing yoga at home in 2012. I quickly became hooked on the movement, breath, and the way I felt after my practice. Since taking my first in-studio class in 2014, my practice grew exponentially and I fell in love with the shared breath and energy of practicing yoga in a hot room. It was then that I knew I wanted to embark on the journey of becoming a yoga teacher. I trained for my 200 hour certification under Virginia Gallagher and Angela Hsu in Danville, Virginia and am currently working towards my 500 hour certification through Hot Asana Yoga University. It’s a privilege to lead others through yoga and I love what I do! It’s my hope that through this practice, I can help others in the way it’s helped me with my journey of freedom, healing, and self-discovery.

When I’m not teaching yoga, I’m taking reiki and tarot clients, reading, roller skating or biking around town, hiking, or studying to become a certified astrologist. I’m also the mom of two fur babies and more plants than I can count.

C-IAYT Certified iRest® teacher, E-RYT 500, YACEP

Annie is a Certified iRest® teacher and uses this modality in a military setting with active duty & Veteran service members on a daily basis. As a Human Performance expert for 02x she presents yoga, resiliency & iRest meditation to tactical athletes & first responders nationwide. Annie leads teacher trainings, workshops & retreats worldwide for everyone!

CYT 200, Certified Yin Yoga Instructor, Certified Hot Asana Assist

It was over 25 years ago that I walked into my very first yoga class and fell in love. Since then, yoga has been a big part of my life. My practice has helped me through some of the most difficult and challenging times in my life. The thought of deepening my practice and then sharing that knowledge started to become a constant thought in my mind a few years ago but like most things it just never seemed to be the right time. I continued to practice and kept the dream of one day teaching with me.

In 2015 I decided I needed to make a change and I left the corporate world behind. I continued my yoga practice and in 2017 enrolled for my 200 hour teacher training in Hot Asana Yoga University and finally made my dream of one day teaching a reality. While at HAYU I trained with Virginia Gallagher and Angela Tsu. I also recently trained once again with Virginia Gallagher at HAYU and received my certification to teach Yin Yoga. Through my teaching, I hope to be able to give to others what Yoga has given to me.

Chloe is a 500hr RYT, Certified Hot Asana Assist, a Certified Massage Therapist, and Hot Asana Hampstead Manager.

I have been diligently practicing yoga since 2018, yoga found me when I needed it the most, and I truly cannot imagine my life without yoga in it. I have been working at Hot Asana since 2018, and this amazing studio has lovingly held me while I grew through many changes in life! From front desk worker, to teacher, to manager and massage therapist. I love the practice of yoga, it is a core part of who I am, and I LOVE sharing that with all of you. I believe we have an infinite power to heal ourselves, physically & mentally, and I am honored to be a part of that healing journey.

ERYT200, RYT 500, Certified Hot Asana Assist, Hot Asana Yoga University Faculty

Serving others through teaching yoga is a passion of mine. It is fulfilling on many levels to help others connect with the calm, authentic, peaceful outlet that lies within each of us. I am so grateful for my incredible partner and two children, but being a mother is simultaneously the most rewarding and most challenging thing in life; with that being said, I often need my own practice of yoga, meditation, and self care. To be connected to my own practice of yoga and to teach yoga, go hand in hand. Life is a beautiful whirlwind of change and challenge, and to practice yoga and meditation is to walk through life with a clearer mindset, present moment awareness and a grateful heart. I hope to share space with you on the mat!

CYT 500, Certified Hot Asana Assist

Julie completed her first yoga training in 2012, but she feels she has been studying yoga her whole life. She has always found movement to be a nurturing, powerful force in her life. Always up for a new experience, she went to her first yoga class on a whim and fell in love with the expansive feeling that asana practice gave her. The encouraging and nurturing community that yoga creates has inspired her to grow and expand in ways she never imagined. It is this experience she hopes to share with her students. She aims to inspire students to deepen their practice and realize their potential through all yoga has to offer.

Julie trained with Siva Power Yoga in Wichita, KS where she earned her 200 hour certification and has continued her education through Corepower Yoga. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science at Wichita State University and Associates Degree in Physical Therapy from Kansas City Kansas Community College. She has been working in the field of health and fitness for 10 years with experience in personal and group training, yoga, athletic performance, and rehabilitation.

BECKA RODRIGUEZ

RYT500, CF-L1 & L2 Trainer, Clinical Weightlifting Coach, Precision Nutrition-L1, Mindset RXd Coach, FRC Mobility Specialist

My interest in how the body moves began when I stumbled my way into a Crossfit gym and Yoga studio. They both have been transformative for me in many ways. After trying several classes at a local studio and gym, I quickly fell in love with their diversity and how they ebb and flow. Every class challenged me both physically and mentally, something I had yet to find in any other fitness endeavor. During and after classes I felt strong, weak, graceful, uncoordinated and everything in between. In the midst of the chaos, I suddenly became curious about what my body and mind could do. Like many others, I had spent some of my life trying to make my body fit into a certain standard. Crossfit and Yoga have given me the tools to modify movements to fit MY body and skill set. I learned to move my body in celebration of the amazing things it's designed to do. My interests in fitness ultimately lead me to attend several seminars and obtain certifications along the way. With time, I have grown as a coach and teacher. I love sharing what I know and am grateful for any opportunity to learn and connect with others.

My hope is to bring the highest level of teaching and coaching I can to all of our students. The community that we have here at Hot Asana is really an extension of family for many of us. Your successes are our successes. I am amazed and humbled on a daily basis at our community and how we encourage one another. One of my favorite motivations as a teacher and coach is taking someone from a beginner's level and helping them discover anything is possible. I am grateful to witness how our classes empower, inspire and motivate those who come through our doors. I am dedicated to helping our students challenge their physical and mental limits, move safely, feel accomplished, proud and wanting more!

Hot Asana General Manager, Lead Teacher and Studio Ambassador, E-RYT 500, YACEP, Hot Asana Yoga University Faculty, Yin Yoga Certified, Hot Asana Certified Assist, Hot Asana Online Instructor, Hot Yoga Instructor, Aerial Yoga Instructor, BARRE instructor, Restorative Yoga Instructor, CPR/First Aid Certified and Reiki Certified

“Movement is the only way you have of affecting the world around you. The body will become better at whatever you do, or don't do. If you don't move, your body will make you better at not moving.”

ERYT-200, Certified Yin Yoga Instructor, Paddleboard Yoga Instructor, Aerial Yoga Instructor, Reiki Certified, Hot Asana Yoga University Faculty

No matter what each of us are going through , we have all suffered through similar obstacles in life. Yoga is commUNITY and for every single person no matter your age,flexibility, size, or life path!

I can definitely say that Yoga has drastically changed the way I walk through everyday life. I found patience, gratitude and self love ( to name a few) within my practice. I Love that Yoga is called a practice because it doesn’t ask that you show up perfect ( already strong, flexible or all knowing), it asks you to come to your mat exactly as you are.

The benefits of yoga showed up almost immediately, and it was apparent that this was more than just a normal workout, I wanted nothing more than to deepen my practice and teach others about the gift of yoga. I gratefully attained my 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training for the certification in Vinyasa flow through Hotasana University in Southern Pines with Virginia Gallagher and Lisa Tiffany March of 2016.

I then moved to Ocracoke Island to teach yoga on the beautiful beach of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. While I loved teaching classes outdoors the weather had a mind of its own and caused me to cancel many of my classes. I knew that an indoor space meant more classes for my community, so I opened Ocracoke Island Yoga Studio in 2018!

Yoga is meeting yourself on the mat each day, giving yourself love, compassion and kindness so that you can radiate it to the rest of the world ! Come flow with me and I promise you will soon find many reasons to love yoga and most importantly yourself!

-Namaste !

LOVE MORE Studio Manager, Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master, E-RYT200, RYT500, YACEP

I first tried yoga in 2012 and soon discovered how good I felt physically as well as mentally when practicing regularly. After a few years of regular practice, I started digging into the deeper meaning of yoga beyond the asanas (poses). My first yoga retreat to Costa Rica in 2016 was life-changing in the way I viewed my practice. Focusing more on alignment and stability, I give myself grace to let my practice be whatever that day brings.

After being a stay-at-home mom and dedicated school volunteer for twenty years, I decided to explore a deeper connection with myself by attending a 200 Hour Teacher Training. Going into the training, I was not intending to teach, and only wanted to discover more about myself. That quickly changed after I completed my training and felt that becoming a yoga teacher was the next step on my path.

I earned my 200HR certification from Hot Asana Yoga University in Southern Pines, NC in 2020 and completed a 500HR certification through Hot Asana in 2022. My certifications include Yin yoga, LSD-Long, Slow Deep, Hot Holds as well as a Reiki Master certification.

I am the Studio Manager at Love More in Covington, LA. I teach a variety of classes each week and also offer Reiki sessions at the studio.