“I never promised it would be fun, I only promised it would be worthwhile…”
– Bikram Choudhury, founder of Bikram “Hot Yoga” movement.
Despite the above sentiment being espoused by the founder of the “Hot Yoga” fitness trend, Stephanie Anderson, the new owner of Coronado Yoga and Pilates (formerly Hot + Soul Yoga), has managed to do both.
Stephanie, a Coronado native, has been practicing Bikram yoga for 18 years and teaching for 8. She joined the studio at 1330 Orange Avenue as an instructor in 2016, and this month realized her dream of owning it.
After graduating from Coronado High School, Anderson went on to San Diego State University to study biology, then pursued a professional career in sales. Her experience in both science and sales poised her for creating a business within the health and wellness industry:
“I’ve always been fascinated by anatomy and how the human body works,” says Anderson. “Yoga is such an amazing tool. It increases mental focus, reduces anxiety, and cultivates a feeling of groundedness. Physically, it improves strength and flexibility which are the foundation of all physical activities and sports.”
True to its namesake, Coronado Yoga and Pilates also features the practice of Pilates, which Stephanie describes as a higher intensity strength workout. The Pilates mat classes offered at the studio often incorporate weights and are set to upbeat music. According to Stephanie, the addition of Pilates is a purposeful complement to the other classes in the weekly schedule.
“We offer the traditional 90-minute Bikram Yoga practice, as well as a 60-minute express version. Our Yin Yoga is an unheated class that focuses on deep stretching, and Pilates is a more cardio-driven class with rocking music and the most fun teachers around.”
Although Stephanie doesn’t have any immediate plans to change the schedule or courses on offer, she describes her outlook as flexible and ever-evolving:
“I want to make sure our schedule is responsive to what the community wants. Above all, that’s what we are – a community. So many friendships are formed here because it’s such a supportive environment. Regardless of age, fitness level, skill level, or experience — everyone is in the practice together. It creates a really powerful and positive collective energy.”
Anderson is deeply committed to the Coronado community. In addition to raising her three sons here, Anderson is on the board of the Islander Sports Foundation, she is the president of the Football Booster Club, and also volunteers at Juvenile Hall teaching yoga.
Coronado Yoga and Pilates features classes for all ages and skill levels throughout the day. Classes can be purchased individually, as a series, or as a monthly membership. Discounts are offered for active military and their spouses, full-time students, and full-time faculty within the Coronado Schools district.
The studio is located at 1330 Orange Avenue #210 in Coronado, CA 92118
