At Radiant Hot Yoga, we believe in celebrating the dedication, progress, and positivity of our community members. Each month, we shine a spotlight on a student who exemplifies the spirit of yoga through their practice, perseverance, and passion. Our Student of the Month section is a tribute to these inspiring individuals who not only embrace the physical challenges but also embody the mental and spiritual growth that yoga fosters. Join us as we honor their journeys, share their stories, and highlight their achievements both on and off the mat.
Amy is a special part of the Radiant family. Her yoga practice is beautiful and her heart is even more beautiful.
What motivated you to start yoga at Radiant Hot Yoga, and how did you discover our studio?
I’ve been practicing Bikram yoga since 2010, so when I moved to Newport in 2021, I asked my friend (and fellow yogi) Jenny where she practiced. Without hesitation, she told me Radiant and insisted I sign up for Savanna’s class. So I did—completely unaware that Savanna was about to try and burn me alive in my first-ever vinyasa-style class.
As someone who struggles with choreography, synchronicity, and basically any movement that isn’t in slow motion, I spent half the class wondering what the heck was going on. I was used to my slow, structured 26-and-2 practice! But once I finally learned the sequence (and stopped questioning my life choices mid-flow), I was hooked.
How has your yoga practice at Radiant Hot Yoga influenced your physical, mental, and emotional well-being?
Let’s just say, I may have been a bit of a high-strung perfectionist in my past life. Yoga at Radiant has helped me so much in grounding myself and finding balance—both on and off the mat.
Instead of driving myself crazy trying to control everything, I channel that energy into my practice. Every class is a new challenge, a chance to improve just a little more than the day before. And the best part? By the time I leave the studio, I’m a much calmer (and less uptight) version of myself, which makes the rest of my day a whole lot more enjoyable. Win-win!
Do you have a particularly meaningful yoga pose or sequence? What personal significance does it hold for you?
My answer to this is twofold.
First, a meaningful pose for me is chair pose—but only because I absolutely hate it. I would gladly choose awkward pose over chair any day! Every time I’m in it, my inner monologue goes something like: “Okay, Tiffany, stop talking and count us down already so we can get out of this misery!”
But that’s exactly why my most important takeaway from yoga is to smile. When I’m stuck in chair pose, I often think of the laughing Buddha—the one with the round belly and joyful, open-mouthed laugh. He exudes joy, even in the face of discomfort. His delight is contagious. And that’s the energy I want to send out into the universe as a yogi.
We can’t take ourselves too seriously all the time. And before I know it—just like that—the awful pose is over.
Can you share a memorable moment from a class at Radiant Hot Yoga that has stayed with you?
Actually, this moment happened before class even started. It was the day the most recent war between Israel and Palestine broke out—a heavy day for everyone, no matter where you stood politically. You could feel it in the air.
Darlene, in her infinite wisdom, picked up on the energy and had us all hold hands with the person next to us. Now, we’re used to fist bumps and high fives in class, but this was different. This was grounding. Intimate.
I remember grabbing Dennis’ hand—yes, that Dennis. If you know him, you know he’s the biggest badass at Radiant. In his 80s, still showing up to sweat it out almost every day. And when I first held his hand, his pulse was racing. But as Darlene spoke about love and unity, I literally felt it slow down. The whole room softened. The heaviness lifted.
What followed was one of the most powerful, transcendent yoga classes I’ve ever had. That’s the moment I knew—Radiant wasn’t just a studio. It was home.
How do you weave yoga into your daily life, and how has it impacted your personal and professional relationships?
A yogi is “one who does things in perfection.” And while I may chase that ideal to a fault, I wear the title proudly. I know perfection isn’t the goal—but the pursuit of growth, self-discipline, and mindfulness is.
At Radiant, I’m surrounded by people who embody that same spirit. Yogis who show up not just to sweat, but to evolve. People who push themselves, lift each other up, and inspire everyone around them to be just a little better each day—on and off the mat.
Some of my dearest friendships have come from this studio. Friends who challenge me, support me, and remind me that yoga isn’t just a practice—it’s a way of being. And I couldn’t be more grateful to share this journey with all of you.
What advice would you offer to someone contemplating starting their yoga journey at Radiant Hot Yoga?
Do it. I’ve practiced at dozens of studios over the last 15 years, learned from countless teachers, and experienced many different styles—but none hold a candle to Radiant.
Radiant isn’t just a studio; it’s a community. From the moment you walk in, you feel welcome, seen, and at home. The teachers don’t just guide you through class; they take the time to learn your name, correct your posture, and genuinely invest in your growth. They notice when you’ve been gone and check in on you. They push you, encourage you, and somehow always know exactly what you need—whether it’s a physical challenge or a mental reset.
And it’s not just the teachers. The students here cheer you on. They celebrate your progress, hold space for you, and take the time to truly connect. It’s the kind of place where a stranger becomes a friend, and a friend becomes family.
I was reminded of how special this place is when Radiant was closed for painting, and I tried another studio nearby. I was barely greeted. No one showed me where to go. No one asked my name. No one corrected my posture or checked in after class. It felt transactional.
Radiant is the opposite of that. It’s a home away from home. A place that fills your cup physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you’re even thinking about starting your yoga journey here, stop thinking and just show up. You won’t regret it.
What elements of the Radiant Hot Yoga community do you find most enriching?
The people. Hands down, the most enriching part of Radiant is the incredible community. It’s more than just a place to practice—it’s a place where you feel supported, encouraged, and truly connected.
The teachers don’t just lead classes; they uplift, inspire, and challenge you in ways that go beyond the mat. They see you, they believe in you, and they remind you of your own strength, even on days when you don’t feel it yourself.
And then there are the students—some of the most kind, driven, and genuine people I’ve ever met. We show up for each other, cheer each other on, share struggles and victories, and celebrate growth together. There’s something special about sweating next to someone in a 110-degree room, pushing through the same challenge, and knowing you’re not alone.
Radiant is a place where friendships are formed, where people lift each other up, and where you leave feeling better—stronger, lighter, and more grounded—than when you walked in. That’s what keeps me coming back.
Reflecting on your journey, how has Radiant Hot Yoga influenced changes in your personal life and outlook?
Radiant Hot Yoga has been more than just a workout for me—it’s been a place of transformation, both physically and mentally. It has taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of being present. I’ve learned to embrace challenges rather than avoid them, to find peace in the uncomfortable, and to carry that mindset into my everyday life.
On a personal level, it’s helped me become a calmer, more grounded version of myself. I’ve learned to let go of perfectionism (or at least try to), to be kinder to myself, and to show up with more intention in everything I do.
Most importantly, Radiant has given me a community—people who inspire me, challenge me, and remind me what it means to live fully. It’s not just about what happens on the mat; it’s about the energy, the mindset, and the love that carries into every aspect of life. And for that, I’m forever grateful.
