Santa Cruz Sentinel

CAPITOLA -- For some, the term "hot power yoga" may sound like an oxymoron. But for Jeanette Lehouillier, it's a way of life.

"Power yoga is not about force," she explained. "That doesn't mean we don't work hard, and it doesn't mean we don't challenge ourselves -- but it's about coming from a place of being, and creating a sense of possibility in your life."

After practicing and teaching yoga in the Santa Cruz area for the past 12 years, Lehouillier is set to open her own local studio, PurePower Yoga, on 41st Avenue in Capitola. PurePower Yoga will open Monday, offering all-hot, all-power yoga and pilates every day.

The studio will be the first in the area to offer hot power vinyansa flow classes, inspired by the Baptiste Power Vinyasa method -- a dynamic, energizing type of yoga where practitioners move fluidly through various poses in a heated environment. PurePower will also offer its version of the latest workout in the high-temperature exercise trend, Pure Hot Pilates.

Classes will be taught at varying levels, from a foundation series for those who are new to power yoga to mixed-levels classes all the way up to Power Yoga Plus for more experienced practitioners and Power Yoga Core -- an all-levels class with an emphasis on core muscle strengthening and stability.

PurePower Yoga is also the first yoga studio in Santa Cruz to offer open studio hours, where experienced yogis can enjoy the heated

Warm and humid

Equipped with a state-of-the-art heating and humidifying system, the studio will be kept at a toasty 95 degrees, evoking a sense of the tropics with a steamy 50 to 60 percent humidity.

"You should come out of here like you just got out of a pool -- really hot, wet and soupy," said Lehouillier, adding that yogis can take advantage of the studio's locker rooms and showers if they want to freshen up before they leave.

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The power of heat: PurePower Yoga studio opening in Capitola