CAN YOU TAKE THE HEAT? Hot Yoga coming to Destin (PHOTOS)

Rather than sinking into the couch with the clicker to decompress after a long day of work, Stephanie Penhollow recommends a 90-minute workout in a room set around 100 degrees — a little hot yoga, if you will.

Penhollow is opening Destin Hot Yoga at 12605 Emerald Coast Parkway, with classes starting on Sept. 11 and she swears by the ancient practice.

“It’s so good for you and it’s the only exercise in the universe that gives you more energy when you’re done,” she said.

Bikram yoga, or hot yoga, is exactly what it sounds like — yoga practiced in a room, which is between 95 and 105 degrees with ample humidity. Penhollow said the heat helps muscles be more malleable and prevents injury. The heat is easier on joints and the sweating helps the body rid itself of toxins.

“It’s about purifying and balance, both for your body and your mind,” she said.

Penhollow, who is certified under the Yoga Alliance, has been practicing yoga for five years now and says it has dramatically changed her life. She is excited to share the experience with the people here and will be instructing three classes opening day at 10 a.m., 1 and 4 p.m. Single classes are $14.

Though her current studio is small — only fitting nine mats aside from hers — she wants everyone to at least give it a try. She said she will make her classes available for all levels making sure everyone, from the person who can put their feet behind their head to the person who can’t touch their toes, gets the same out of it.

“I’m not running a boot camp,” she said.

It’s about people pushing themselves on whatever level to reap the rewards.

Penhollow is certified by Jimmy Barkan, a senior teacher with Bikram Choudhury, who is famous for bringing hot yoga to the United States.

She started taking yoga classes as a way to find peace of mind after working long days on Wall Street in New York City. She knows a lot of people don’t work out because they can’t find the time but Penhollow thinks it’s all about making the time.

“I took two trains to get to yoga after work in Manhattan, and then two trains to get home,” she explained.

She was laid off from her job in 2007 and said “it’s the best thing that’s ever happened” to her. She continued her yoga and began managing one of the bigger studios in New York City. After reconnecting with an old friend from college who was living here in Destin, she made the move and decided to open her studio at 12605 Emerald Coast Parkway West #5, it’s behind the turquoise building.

Space is limited so call Stephanie at 888-778-YOGA (9642).

Stephanie will be able to provide mats for beginners but insists people bring a towel and lots of water.