The Story Behind Tapasya Hot Yoga: From Pain to Alignment
What if the yoga practice you loved was causing more harm than healing? For Kristin Campbell, a passionate yoga teacher and studio owner, this realization marked the beginning of a transformative journey that would reshape not only her practice but also her entire approach to teaching yoga.
A Painful Realization
Kristin’s journey began in the world of Bikram yoga, a practice she loved for its intensity and transformative potential. For eight years, she taught Bikram and even owned a studio where it was the primary offering. Yet, over time, something wasn’t adding up. The "push, push, push" mentality, often encouraged in Bikram classes, led to discomfort and pain in her own body. Kristin recalls, “I thought, hang on a second, yoga shouldn’t hurt.”
This pivotal moment of reflection sent Kristin on a quest to explore alignment and anatomy. She immersed herself in the study of safer, more sustainable ways to practice yoga. Along the way, she discovered Anusara Yoga, which emphasized alignment and a tantric philosophy that brought deeper intention to the practice. This was a revelation. Combining intelligent biomechanics with spiritual grounding, Kristin found a balance between strength and ease. Her pain disappeared, and her practice evolved into something profoundly healing.
What Makes Tapasya Hot Yoga Unique
In 2012, Kristin took this newfound understanding and created Tapasya Hot Yoga, a style that blends alignment, introspection, and transformation. Tapasya means “to be with intensity for the sake of transformation,” and this philosophy lies at the heart of the practice. Tapasya Hot Yoga isn’t just about physical poses in a heated room; it’s about leaning into discomfort and turning inward to face the ego and inner critic. It’s about emerging stronger and more self-aware.
What sets Tapasya apart from other styles of hot yoga is its commitment to alignment-based principles and self-awareness. Rather than focusing solely on physical intensity, Tapasya invites practitioners to slow down, breathe, and connect with their bodies. The practice features static postures with longer holds, allowing for introspection and building both mental and physical endurance. Each pose is taught from the ground up, with modifications offered to meet individual needs. This inclusive approach makes the practice accessible for everyone, from beginners to experienced yogis.
Tapasya also incorporates set sequences that balance structure and creativity. These sequences are designed to move the body through all planes of motion, creating a sense of balance and consistency while leaving room for teachers to infuse their unique touch. Kristin likens this repetition to japa meditation: the mini-sequences within the larger sequence become like prayer beads, guiding practitioners into a meditative state.
Another defining feature of Tapasya is the use of mirrors (or the mat as a mirror) to encourage self-study (svadyaya). Practitioners are invited to observe their alignment and confront their own reflections, fostering introspection and transformation. Kristin explains, “We become more aware of our projections. They are literally mirrored back to us, giving us an opportunity for transformation.”
The Benefits of Tapasya Hot Yoga
The benefits of Tapasya Hot Yoga are transformative on many levels:
Physical Benefits: Emphasizes alignment, helps prevent injuries, and promotes a sustainable practice. Static postures, held for longer durations, improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Practicing in a heated environment ensures that muscles are warmed up, reducing the risk of injury and allowing for a greater range of motion.
Mental Benefits: Encourages self-acceptance and builds resilience. The stillness and repetition within set sequences foster mental clarity and a meditative state, similar to the effects of japa meditation. Tapasya teaches practitioners how to remain calm and composed even in intense situations, a skill that translates well beyond the yoga mat.
Spiritual Benefits: Invites practitioners to embark on a journey of self-discovery. By confronting the ego and inner critic, the practice creates space for personal growth and transformation. The introspection cultivated during classes encourages individuals to connect with their true selves, fostering deeper self-awareness and acceptance.
Kristin’s method has resonated with yoga teachers and practitioners worldwide. As one teacher shared, “This training changed my trajectory as a yoga teacher. Kristin brought to light some of the things I had been questioning about alignment, and it improved my confidence. Highly recommended!” Another participant reflected, “Kristin beautifully combines strength and ease, making the practice transformative for everyone.”
Join Kristin at Yoga Moves This April
Now, Kristin is bringing Tapasya Hot Yoga to Yoga Moves with two upcoming trainings: the Hot Yoga Teacher Intensive (April 1-5, 2025) and the Hot Vinyasa Mentoring Workshop (April 6, 2025). These programs are designed to deepen your understanding of alignment, enhance your teaching skills, and offer a fresh perspective on hot yoga.
Are you ready to explore the transformative power of Tapasya Hot Yoga? Join Kristin this April at Yoga Moves for an experience that will challenge and inspire you—on and off the mat. Learn more and sign up today to take your practice and teaching to the next level.