Fireshaper Yoga Celebrating 10th Anniversary

Fireshaper, the Westwood-based yoga studio which specializes in heated classes, is celebrating its 10th anniversary next week and offering free classes as part of the occasion.

The studio was opened in 2002 by chiropractor John Surie and his wife, Natalie, who are both yoga teachers. The studio initially offered Bikram Yoga-style classes in their heated room, which is typically kept at a temperature between 100 and 105 degress with humidity ranging from 40 to 50 percent. They have since expanded the number of classes offered, including their unique "Ignite" series.

Hot yoga has several benefits over non-heated yoga, according to Jessica Lopez, the manager at Fireshaper. The studio's warmth helps loosen joints and muscles, makes practitioners sweat out toxins, increases the rate of blood flow and adds a cardiovascular element to the session, Lopez said.

Lopez has been practicing hot yoga at Fireshaper since 2004.

"I enjoyed the benefits that came with the heat and the endurance needed for the 90-minute class," Lopez said.

For their anniversary next week, the studio is offering "5 Days of Fireshaper," which will include free classes, prizes and the start of the "Fire Body Challenge," a new 12-week fitness program being offered by the studio.

The celebration starts with free classes for friends of members Wednesday, September 26. Then there will be more events each day, including free yoga classes Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Check out the full schedule of events here.

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