Phoenix Studio

Who's up for a Sunday Session?
Come see us today for a detoxifying sweat and stretch with Bikram 90 .
Then we have the deep release of Sunday Candlelight Yin.
Bliss awaits!
See you on the mat.

P.S. If you're new to the studio, you can get set up with an Intro Pass at the studio - just come 10-15 minutes early. Bring a mat, towel and water bottle, and wear clothes you can comfortably sweat in. For Yin, wear whatever you like (no lycra required!), and if you have your own bolster and eye mask bring those too.

Our beautiful Jaya is an adored member of our community. She regularly teaches at the studio, both Bikram and Yin classes, and her 4.30pm fast Bikram class is a studio favourite - all 26 postures, done twice, plus the breathing exercises, in 60 minutes! What a workout!

I recently asked her these three questions:

1. What's your favourite class to teach, and why?

"I love teaching all of the classes. Bikram 60 minutes, 90 minutes and Yin all bring something unique and challenging in their own ways. What I love most about these classes is not just the physical aspect but how it transforms everyone that comes."

2. What benefits can people expect by coming to these classes?

"People can come in not feeling so good and leave feeling completely different and I love that I can help change that in only a short period of time. My job is to create a space for people to come to heal so they feel comfortable and safe enough to move their bodies and restore balance within themselves. There’s a lot of sweating and intense moments with the Bikram classes but it is absolutely healing for your spine. As we age this is soo important for longevity. Yin is incredibly restorative and hydrating for the body as it builds collagen and complements any practice."

3. There are so many yoga & pilates studios on the Sunshine Coast. Why should people choose Phoenix above all the rest?

"What I love the most about Phoenix is the warm community. People from all walks of life no matter what age, come together to uplift and support each other. It’s like my second home and I love that feeling. And I love that Phoenix offers a diverse range of classes that goes far beyond fitness routines. It’s the whole package, mind, body and spirit!"

And here's a picture of Jaya, practising what I find to be one of THE MOST CHALLENGING Bikram poses, with such grace and ease. This is what years of disclipline, dedication, consistency and patience can do! Amazing Jaya. Thanks for everything you bring to Phoenix.

THE BIKRAM REVIVAL 🔥

Nearly 30 years ago, I went to my first Bikram yoga class.

I didn't know it was Bikram.
I didn't really even know there were different kinds of yoga.

I was a uni student from suburban Brisbane, raised by blue-collar parents, and a friend was teaching yoga in a cheap, non-heated classroom.

Because Bikram was supposed to be hot, she'd shut every window and encourage us to generate as much body heat as humanly possible.

😂

And strangely enough, I loved it.

I loved learning the same sequence.
I loved knowing what was coming next.
I loved noticing the micro progress, week to week.

About a year later, a proper Bikram studio opened in Brisbane. I went to their open day and finally experienced the practice as intended:

🔥 Hot.
💦 Humid.
🥵 Sweaty.

And WOW. Bam!

The heat allowed me to explore the postures differently. The repetition quietened my brain. The whole thing became a kind of moving meditation. And I REALLY loved how my body felt afterwards.

Afterwards they put out a giant fruit platter and I swear fruit has never tasted so good in my life (even during my other brief dalliance with the fruitarian lifestyle). 😂

Life then took me away from Bikram, into snowboarding, surfing, Ashtanga yoga, Hot Pilates, weights, a brief dalliance with trail running, Latin dance, and all sorts of other movement.

I've loved them all. But somehow, I kept coming back to Bikram. Because nothing else hits me quite the same.

The sweat.
The stretch.
The strength.
The breath.
The discipline.
The progression.
The impact.
The stillness.

And somehow, nearly 30 years after that first makeshift class... I now find myself owner-operator of the longest-running Bikram studio on the Sunshine Coast?! The Grandfather Studio ❤️ of Bikram. How... I'm not quite sure.

I'm not a Bikram Yoga teacher, and currently have no plans to become one. But I LOVE what Bikram can do for people. And that's why I'm here - to facilitate those transformations.

There are deep roots here. Incredible instructors. Decades of experience. A humble, grounded community.

Warmth. Laughter. Sweat. Connection. Joy.

And guess what. It DOESN'T SMELL! (More on that later.)

Bikram has had its controversies over the years. But the practice itself? I think it's time we talked about it again.

Over the coming weeks I'm going to share why this strange, sweaty sequence has survived for so long — and what it can offer bodies in their 20s, 40s, 60s and beyond.

🔥 The Bikram Revival is here.

Come get sweaty with us.

P.S. If you're keen to try it out for the first time, our Spring Challenge could be for you. It's simple, and anyone can participate. PM me for details. 🪷

One of our longest studio attendees, Ross, has this to say about his experience of Phoenix:

Your favourite class? "My favourite class is Pilates."
What you have experienced by attending class consistently? "My biggest improvement is strong core."
What do you love about Phoenix? "I love the kindness of everybody at Phoenix."

Ross has been coming to the studio for many years, and has barely aged in all that time. It must be all the hot pilates and yoga keeping him fit, strong, healthy and remarkably ageless! That, together with his faith, keeps his body, mind and spirit as remarkable as his personality. Ross, you are so loved!

(Disclaimer: I didn't have a close-up of Ross's abs, but this shot is a pretty solid match!)

PHOENIX SOCIAL CLUB!
Social opportunities coming up in August:

THIS FRIDAY 21/8 after 9.30am Bikram 90, Instructor Tanya has organised a private group seating at Love Camellia cafe - RSVP required.

THIS FRIDAY EVENING 21/8 - Salsa party is on at the Buderim Distillery on Ocean St from 7pm until late, with our very own Barrantes and his wife Stefi taking the salsa class. Highly recommended for high vibe social outing, the dance community on the coast here is fabulous and welcoming.
You can buy tickets for under $20 here:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/la-salsa-party-tickets-1994811348

THURSDAY evening 27/8 - 7pm at the studio for a Spanglish language exchange and fun dance session. All are welcome if you have an interest in developing your Spanish speaking skills, but please reply to this post so we know you're coming.

NEXT WEEKEND Friday evening 28/8 - Sound Healing @ Phoenix with Vic
6.15pm - 8.15pm
Tickets available here:
https://book.stripe.com/eVq8wP6a0fnJeps0Gt4ko08
If anyone would like to stay on after for a cosy hot cacao upstairs reply below and I will organise a pot.

NEXT WEEKEND Saturday evening 29/8 7pm - 10.30pm:
Our community member Dana has organised a fundraising event for her baby cousin Milan who was recently diagnosed with leukemia.
With cabaret, burlesque, circus and more performances, this will be a spectacular night, being held at the Woombye Pub. There will also be a Mega Auction on the night where you can bid on fabulous prizes like a tour of Cambodia, and a buddy pass to the Mitchell Creek Festival.
You can buy tickets here:
https://events.humanitix.com/milan-rouge-cabaret-fundraiser?_gl=1*19n8s26*_gcl_au*NTQ1MTg5Mjk5LjE3ODQ3OTExODkuLS4tLjE3ODQ3OTI4MjguMjYxNjA0MjYxLjE3ODQ3OTI4MjkuMTc4NDc5MjgyOA..*_ga*MTg2NTYwNDQzOC4xNzU2ODA0ODk2*_ga_LHKW5FR9N6*czE3ODUzNzQ4MjAkbzE1JGcxJHQxNzg1Mzc3OTIzJGo0JGwwJGgw

Hope to see some of you at any of the above! 🥰

Hi Phoenix Community.

We are developing the Spring timetable and making a few minor adjustments based on member poll results so far.

We need one more question answered to be sure the new timetable meets our community's needs.

Please take a moment to respond to this poll by writing your response below.
If you attend the 4.30pm class time, would a 4pm start work for you?
A: Yes
B: No
C: 4pm works, but I prefer 4.30pm
D: I don't attend 4.30pm classes

Thank you!

If you haven't already met our incredible instructor Agata, you are missing out! Originally from Poland, Agata brings incredible energy, expertise and passion to every class she teaches. Her hot pilates classes are dynamite, and her yoga instruction so clear, calm and heartfelt.

Here's a little more insight into her teaching favourites, and why she loves to teach at Phoenix:
Favourite class to teach: "Yin aligns the most with me, love the effect it has on students."
What benefits will students experience from your favourite class?: "Restoration, relaxation, inner reflection while receiving physical benefits of deep stretch into muscles and facia."
What do you love about teaching at Phoenix?: "The homey, community vibe."

You will find Agata @ Phoenix teaching every friday morning from 7am. 💛

Another testimony from a long-term Phoenix member, Devon:

What's your favourite class at Phoenix, and what do you love about it?
"Picking a favourite class is hard to do. 🙂 Even if you do the same Hot Pilates or Bikram class, different instructors bring their own unique style to it. There is truly something for everyone. If you just want a gentle stretch, go for Yin Yoga, and if you feel like pushing yourself and trying a challenge, head to Vinyasa or Hatha Yoga Inversions."

What benefits have you personally experienced from attending that class?
"Whichever I choose to go, I always leave feeling completely refreshed and great!"

If a friend was looking for a yoga or pilates studio on the Sunshine Coast, what would you want them to know about Phoenix?
"I’ve been coming to Phoenix Yoga for almost two years now, and I’d recommend it to anyone – whether you are a guru or a total beginner. If you ask what I love about the studio, I would say the passionate and kind instructors, the friendly community and a massive variety of classes. It’s a space where you feel comfortable—whether you want to chat with people or just roll out your mat, keep to yourself, and vibe in your own zone."

Introducing our joyous instructor, Belén. Originally from Venezuela, Belén brings incredible energy and joy to every class she teaches. Here's a little more insight into her teaching favourites, and why she loves to teach at Phoenix:

1. What is your favourite class to teach, and why?
"I have two favourites, both rooted in the Ghosh lineage:
* Bikram Yoga (90 mins): This class builds the foundational framework of 26 postures from the Ghosh tradition. Practicing in a heated room offers incredible benefits—from boosting immune health to building deep mental resilience. Plus, learning to control your breath in a hot room is a true art form. It’s a complete body-mind discipline.
"* Progressive Hatha Yoga: This practice takes us deeper into the lineage with 55 postures. On a personal level, it has shown me what my body is capable of—even in my 50s! I’m doing things I never thought possible, like a half split with a backbend or holding a 3-second Crow Pose. It constantly reminds me that growth has no age limit."

2. What benefits can students expect when attending these classes?
"You can expect both physical transformation and deep mental reset. Physically, students improve posture, heal musculoskeletal issues, and boost their immune system (I honestly can’t remember the last time I had the flu!). Mentally, you learn to breathe through challenge, sweat out daily stress, and walk out with an incredible sense of mental clarity, resilience, and pure contentment."

3. There are so many yoga & pilates studios on the Sunshine Coast. Why choose Phoenix?
"Yoga is experimental, experiential, and existential. At Phoenix, we offer a rich variety of experienced teachers with unique perspectives. This diversity allows students to explore, experiment with their physical practice, and learn from different teaching styles—ultimately empowering them to find their own authentic path to self-realisation."

Belén can be found teaching some sunday afternoon Bikram classes, and at times filling in for our pilates classes as well!

🪷💛