Heated Yoga Returned to Downtown Danville

community is sweating, stretching, and healing again. After years without a dedicated hot yoga space, Sweat and Soul Heated Yoga is not just bringing heat back to the River District – it’s bringing back a sense of connection, resilience, and community.

They say life comes full circle, and the message is true for Danville’s newest heated yoga studio, Sweat and Soul Yoga. Co-owners Carrie Morgan and Michelle P. Goad had different journeys to get to the point of yoga studio owners. Both women’s yoga journeys started in Danville. Carrie found yoga in 2015 at Hot Asana because she needed a different avenue after triathlon training made her pivot in her fitness routine. Michelle found yoga in 2018 at Firefly when she was seeking holistic and natural options for anxiety and mental health.

Meet the Owners: Two Paths to One Purpose

Carrie and Michelle didn’t plan to open a hot yoga studio together – but perhaps the universe did. While their reasons for falling in love with yoga are different, both women found that love in Danville.

Carrie has been teaching yoga since 2016. She completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training (200YTT) early on, and her 500-hour advanced training in 2023. She also holds a certification as an Integral Sound Healing Practitioner. In 2022, Carrie’s son, Morgan, passed away. During that painful season, she took time to grieve and reflect on what was next.

“I was close to stepping away from yoga,” she admits. “I even considered going back to school.”

Michelle, a lifelong swimmer and aquatics instructor, has always been deeply connected to movement. She taught lifeguarding to more than 140 students over the years (this author included) and recently managed the Danville Golf Club pool. After falling in love with yoga for its mental health benefits, she took a leap of faith and completed her 200YTT in 2021. She’s now working on her 500-hour certification. “It scared me,” Michelle admitted. “But I knew I had to do it.” Her husband Keith was her biggest cheerleader through the process.

Sweat, Soul, and Full Circle - How Heated Yoga Returned to Downtown Danville — At Sweat and Soul, yoga is for everyone with no exceptions. Pictured here are owners Michelle (left) and Carrie (right) on the ribbon cutting night.

Downtown Danville’s Own Yoga Journey

Danville has seen a few yoga waves come and go. Hot Asana, opened by Virginia Gallagher in 2014, brought heated yoga downtown for the first time – but was forced to close in 2018 after Hurricane Michael caused flooding. Firefly Yoga followed on Main Street, thanks to local teacher Lauren Mathena, but closed in 2021. That left a gap – until now.

The Beginnings

In the middle of a meditation training in 2023, Michelle received a curious message. Virginia had gotten an email – asking about interest in reopening a hot yoga studio in Danville.

“That email was meant for you and not me,” Virginia told her. The seed was planted.

Michelle couldn’t do it alone. Just as Carrie was ready to step back from teaching, Michelle called. “I just wanted her to cover my class,” Carrie laughs. “But then she asked me to co-own a studio.”

With some nerves and a lot of faith, they tossed their hats in the ring. To their surprise, everything started falling into place. They opened in November 2024.

Why Now and Why the River District?

Michelle’s answer: “the universe told them it was time.” Carrie cites her son as the reason why she is still in yoga. It has given her a healing art of some sort. Plus, she still has a lot of love to give.

Downtown Danville is a thriving and growing area. Michelle stated, “I see the change that’s happening and there is a pulse here.” Carrie added, “It’s the heart of the city. Plus, you have the historical aspect of this building.” When deciding on a location, Mark Hermann showed them this space and let them have their own input on the overall design and flow. What really drew them to this location? The windows inside the yoga studio and the proximity to the Riverwalk.

More Than Movement: What Yoga Really Means

Yoga offers a wealth of physical and mental benefits – from increased strength and flexibility to better posture, stress relief, and heart health. But its deeper power lies beyond the mat.

The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning to yoke or unite. At its core, yoga is about connection – between the mind, body, and spirit. While most people think of yoga as poses, called asanas, those movements are just one of eight limbs in a rich, holistic philosophy rooted in healing, reflection, and self-awareness.

At Sweat and Soul, the mission is clear: it’s not just about sweating – it’s about showing up as you are and finding space to reconnect, release, and rebuild. Carrie and Michelle have created a studio where every student feels seen, supported, and included. All bodies, backgrounds, and experience levels are welcome.

“If you walk through our doors,” Carrie says, “you have a place here.”

Classes run seven days a week and include flow, yin, restorative, hatha style, deep hips, and sound baths, all in a heated room (90-110°F) designed to deepen flexibility and mental release. They also offer warm classes for those not wanting a hot yoga experience. First-timer? The studio offers rental mats, welcoming instruction, and a come-as-you-are mindset. Carrie recommends trying yoga for at least three classes to feel a difference. Luckily, Sweat and Soul offers a ‘333 introductory special’ – three classes, three weeks to use, for only $30.

Can’t decide whose class to take? Carrie brings structure and grounding; Michelle leads from the heart. Carrie says sound gives her a way to express what Michelle so naturally puts into words. Together, their contrast creates balance – and a space that feels whole.

Full Circle Moments

It turns out the studio’s very name has history. Hot Asana’s original tagline was #sweatandsoul. Michelle felt drawn to it during a yoga retreat with Virginia, and after receiving Virginia’s blessing, the name lived on as Sweat and Soul Heated Yoga.

And the full-circle moments didn’t stop there. Val-Rae Lindenau, the owner of Elemental Arts, and Conner Finney, owner of The Little House Esthetics, both of whom trained at Hot Asana and who once taught yoga now house their wellness businesses within the same studio space. Sweat and Soul isn’t just a yoga studio; it’s a thriving hub for community wellness.

What’s Next

Carrie and Michelle were recently named River District Association IGNITE grant winners, receiving $25,000 to expand their vision. Their upcoming retail space features yoga apparel, mats, and specialty gear – just in time for the holidays. They also have gift cards for that yogi in your life. They’re planning donation-based outdoor classes to reach more people in the community as well. Whether through financial contributions or partnerships with local programs, they aim to give back to the city that helped them grow.

If you know of a group or organization that might benefit, reach out to Sweat and Soul to collaborate.

Last Words

Michelle and Carrie both say they have gratitude for the community, family, and friends for support through this space; specially after a year of business and for the years to come.

As someone who found yoga in 2018, I’ve experienced firsthand how powerful this practice – and this community – can be. Carrie often closes her classes with, “If you have questions, comments, concerns, or hugs… I’m here.”

And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need: a safe place to move, to breathe, and to just be.

Whether it’s your first class or your 500th, Carrie and Michelle encourage you to show up exactly as you are. You’ll find your place here.

Visit sweatandsoulyoga.com or find it on the MindBody app to book your next class.