Our Team

Maria McBride

Founder & Studio Owner

I began practicing Original Hot Yoga during my senior year at Ithaca College in Upstate New York. I had just begun a training plan to run the Boston Marathon, but previous stress fractures in my legs had me nervous about taking on so many miles. When my roommate suggested we take a class at the local hot yoga studio telling me, "apparently you sweat like crazy and get the best workout of your life," I was intrigued. So we went, and sweat we did!! That class was the hardest thing I had ever done, but something about it made me want to go back for more and more. 

I practiced throughout my final semester of college and made not only made my way to the starting line of the Boston Marathon but also the finish line, completely injury-free. 

I knew very early on I needed to teach this healing yoga, and in June of 2008 I graduated from a rigorous 9-week teacher training program.. My goal was to bring this healing yoga to my hometown community, and I opened Hometown Sweat in September 2010. 

Over the past several years I have been blessed to witness incredible transformations in our hot room. People healing from depression, using our yoga classes to avoid surgery, women finally able to get pregnant, and every single day people living life in the highest quality because of the work they do in yoga class.

In April 2018, I attended the Inferno Hot Pilates Teacher Training in order to offer a complementary, one hour class to our healing yoga. After having three children in under four years, my core muscles were shot and non-existent. It didn't take long for the hot Pilates classes to help me develop the abdominal, glute, and arm muscles I knew were hiding somewhere.

When I’m not at Hometown Sweat, you can find me with my family. My husband Ben and my three kids - Joseph, Winna, and Theo - love being outside, spending time together, and enjoying life in our hometown.

For more of my thoughts on health, wellness, parenthood, and everything in between, follow along with my blog, Rather Be Sweating.

ALLYSA DONNELLY

Teacher

Bio & Photo Coming Soon!

Louise Giordani

Teacher

I started practicing Original Hot Yoga in Boston back in 2000 while recuperating from a knee surgery. As a life-long runner, I was left with weak knees and could no longer run like I once had. Like so many runners, I still craved the intensity of a hard, challenging workout, but I knew I needed to find something that helped my body feel better rather than beating it up. Original Hot Yoga was just what I was looking for.  

My yoga practice ramped up in 2003 when I started practicing nearly every day. Getting to class became part of my norm - part of my daily life really - because it made me feel so good both in my body and in mind. 

I became certified to teach Original Hot Yoga in the spring of 2007, and when I became a teacher, I made a commitment to continue my education about yoga so I could best serve others.

For more than a decade, I've taught tens of thousands of students all over New England. I'm heavily involved in the New England Regional Yoga Asana Championships, and I'm beyond humbled to teach the Classic 84 practice (also known as "Advanced Class") because it challenges yogis to reach for new levels.

Most recently I've jumped in with both feet to teaching Inferno Hot Pilates! This workout is hands down the best complement to Original Hot Yoga and the Classic 84. I continue to be blown away and impressed by how much strength I've built in my own body from IHP AND how much strength my students have from it as well!

Jordan Singer

ihp & Sculpt Teacher

Bio Coming Soon!

Larry Kovner

Teacher

I started practicing Original Hot Yoga in 2008 and quickly discovered its many benefits. Years of running took its toll on my lower back, and I suffered from herniated discs. I noticed in myself and others the amazing healing power of a regular yoga practice, and I knew I had to teach this yoga to help spread it to as many people as possible.

I attended teacher training in Las Vegas, Nev., in 2010. Being an Original Hot Yoga teacher is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life! I enjoy connecting and sharing this yoga with students. I’m honored to be able to share the knowledge I have gained from great teachers. The students continuously inspire me, and I’m dedicated to helping them reach their potential.

Laura Senst

Teacher

I was introduced to Original Hot Yoga in 2010 after completing my 4th marathon. Due to constant cross training and long runs, I was experiencing tight hips and hamstrings. After a couple of weeks of practicing this yoga, I found the it opened my shoulders and hip flexors as well as stretched my IT band. I went on to complete 2 more marathons with less pain, resulting in best personal records.

After a traumatic injury in fall of 2011, I was told I would never be able to run again. My right knee and tibia bone were damaged. Determined to prove my surgeon wrong, I went back into the hot room to heal my body. With time, patience, and practice, I was able to heal the body in 14 weeks. And in the summer of 2012 I completed multiple 5k road races.

I am a true believer that Original Hot Yoga is a healing yoga. I’ve seen and felt the tremendous benefits in my body, and I knew I had to teach this to others. In the spring of 2014 I went to teacher training in Los Angeles, CA and have been teaching since then. 

I love sharing my experience with yoga students and seeing their transformations in class!

Lysa Wilkins

Teacher

I took my first Original Hot Yoga class in the Fall of 2013, and I can honestly say that this yoga saved my life. 

In the 3 month span leading up to my first class, I had found out my marriage was in trouble and that I had a torn labrum in both hips with my right hip already bone-on-bone. Mentally, physically, and emotionally, I was spent.

I was using a Google search to help me find something to replace my go-to exercise that could get me out of my house and away from my troubles anytime, anywhere….running. I stumbled across a blog written by none other than Maria – our amazing studio owner – that talked about Original Hot Yoga and running (you can read that post here!). 

What I remember most about my first class was feeling like Maria was speaking directly and only to me. She wanted me to just breathe – take care of myself. I lay on my mat in a puddle of sweat and tears and I came right back the next day. My depression went away – and my head and heart got clear. I cried every class and every class the pain was less and less. It wasn’t until a month went by that I realized I wasn’t in physical pain anymore either. 

I am in absolute awe of the powerful benefits this yoga provides; physical, mental, spiritual. I was hooked completely after my first class. I. Felt. Better. 

When Maria asked me if I might consider Teacher Training I immediately felt like I had won the lottery…..you mean I could TEACH TO HEAL TOO?? I went to Teacher Training in May of 2018, and it was a powerful, life-changing experience. I’m humbled and grateful to now be able to guide others to healing, transformation and self-love through this incredible yoga.

I cannot imagine my life without this practice and certainly cannot imagine it without this amazing community at Hometown Sweat!

sammi fujita

IHP teacher

Bio Coming Soon!