Do you believe in coincidence? I’m beginning to wonder if coincidences are just coincidence, or if there’s a greater meaning attached. I’m swinging toward the Albert Einstein belief: “Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.” Which brings me to Hot Yoga University and Karin Ann Fellman, the founder and force behind the south Scottsdale yoga studio. It was sorta a happy mistake that brought me to Hot Yoga University, and a spontaneous decision that made me stay for Karin’s class – and I’m so glad for both.
Trained in Bikram, which she taught for 8+ years, Karin doesn’t follow the “tough love” teaching style; her instruction stems purely from positivity. She wants to help people, she wants every student to leave feeling better than when they arrived, she wants to change lives. And because of this, Karin’s prices aren’t jaw-dropping (the drop-in rate is $10!). “Yoga means union – it’s supposed to be for everyone,” explains Karin.
Not that you’re going to get a budget experience. The studio is swanky and cutting edge, from the bacteria-blasting UV lights and antibacterial PEM flooring (so much cleaner than carpet), to the super oxygenated air that’s pumped in. But above the setting and challenging series of postures, what I loved most was Karin’s instruction. The class was peppered with gems of wisdom from Karin (she’s a running quote book of inspiration), that pulled me out of my very sweaty body and into a state of mental makeover… which is what yoga’s all about, right? Yes, I got a great workout, but I also felt positively empowered – and that is no coincidence!
