Wellness Hot Yoga
Teri Almquist
Owner and Director of WHY, Author, Bikram Yoga Instructor
Meet Teri - Bikram Yoga Teacher
Teri discovered yoga after a year of living with chronic pain and limited mobility. Having worked in a locked psychiatric facility, she faced a life-altering injury that left her with seven herniated discs in her neck and torn ligaments. After a decade of trying countless treatments to improve her range of motion and relieve pain, she was resigned to the idea of spine surgery. However, her doctor advised her to wait as long as possible before undergoing the procedure.
Discovering Bikram Yoga
That’s when Teri’s sister took her to her first Bikram yoga class—under the guise of helping her neck. In reality, her sister just wanted her to quit smoking, which she did three months into her practice. Unlike previous attempts at yoga that had felt impossible with her injuries, this class was different. The teacher encouraged her to take each posture step by step, making the practice accessible in a way she had never experienced before. By the end of that first class, Teri knew this practice would help her heal, and she knew she would one day become a teacher.
A Journey to Teaching and Healing
She began practicing regularly, witnessing incredible improvements—not just in her mobility but in every aspect of her life. She felt better, interacted with others more positively, and developed a deep sense of calm and presence. One year into her practice, in 2005, she attended Bikram Choudhury’s intensive 600-hour, nine-week teacher training in Los Angeles. From that moment on, she dedicated herself to teaching full-time, determined to share the healing power of this practice with others.
Building a Community and Expanding Wellness
In 2008, Teri opened her own studio in North Andover, later expanding in 2021 to incorporate additional wellness modalities that complement the yoga practice. She has focused her teaching on helping students heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Over the years, she has mentored hundreds of teachers worldwide, and in 2015, she published The Toolbox: Tools for Teaching Bikram Yoga, a resource guide for instructors. She is also the founder of Teach from Love, a continuing education program for Bikram and Hot yoga teachers.
A Leader in Therapeutic Yoga
Teri is recognized as a leading expert in creating a healing yoga practice for those with injuries and disabilities, proving that yoga is truly for everyone. She believes that healing comes not only from the practice itself but also from the community of people who share the journey. If you’re looking for healing and a place to connect, Wellness Hot Yoga is a great place to start. All you have to do is show up—we’ll help you with the rest.
Book a Yoga Class with Teri
First Month Of Yoga Membership (only $59).
Includes unlimited hot and yin yoga classes, red light therapy and sauna.
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