Some Like It Hot Yoga & Wellness

Nicole’s passion and commitment to the Bikram Yoga Method is apparent from the moment you meet her. She relates well with students, offering them the confidence and motivation needed to break through any barrier faced during class while helping them achieve the results they desire.

In the winter of 2009, Nicole walked into her first Bikram class in Bay Ridge. She was a little intimidated at first and unsure of what to expect. The lights came on, the instructor walked in, and within minutes she was hooked! “It was definitely one of the most challenging things I have ever experienced, and on some days it still is. Not one to respond well to discipline and known to get bored with anything repetitive, I was pretty surprised how dedicated I became to the practice. In five years, I have not once become wearied with any aspect of it.

Those challenges, the countless benefits I have received and the feeling of ‘walking on the clouds’ that follows each class is what brings me back daily. After a couple of classes I was relieved of chronic back pain, slept better than I had in years, and most importantly my mind was quieted. I found a great deal of mental strength, focus and inner peace, which was buried by day-to-day stresses.”

After two years of a daily practice, Nicole attended and graduated from the Spring 2011 Bikram Yoga College of India’s intense 9 week teacher training in Los Angeles, and has been teaching full time throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan , NY, and Naples, Fl.

In 2016 Nicole was trained and began offering Ignite classes to Staten Island. "adding this class was a perfect compliment to the work we have done in our yoga practice. “As a student, I know some days you might want to give up, you may have personal things going on that are hard to let go of, maybe even an old injury creeping back that prevents you from achieving your normal expression of a posture. But I also whole-heartedly believe, as both a teacher and student, if you try your best, the benefits received are unlimited.

Nicole is a graduate of St. John’s University with a Bachelors degree in Communications and Business. She has also completed a graduate Certificate in Event Management from George Washington University. Prior to teaching Bikram Yoga, Nicole worked as the Event Management and Hospitality Liaison for Nets Basketball and is the founder of A Tailored Event.

When SLIH Studio first opened in 2014, it took me about a month to consider taking a class after learning about the intense 105 degree heat that I would have to bear for an entire 90 minutes.

When I finally decided to take my first class, I wondered - what took me so long to discover such an invigorating and euphoric experience? Although it was extremely tough, I couldn't wait to go back. After practicing for 3 years, Hot 26 Yoga has taught me patience and endurance during the most toughest moments, not only in class but also in my everyday life. I've learned to accept my imperfections as I fall out of my poses in class and just let it go. It gives me something to work towards the next time I enter the room.

I am completely addicted to Hot 26 Yoga because it is a challenging workout and at the same time, it makes me feel calm and serene. I've grown to love the practice so much that I've decided to enroll in the SLIH Teacher Training program so I can share my practice with others in the community.

I am so thrilled to be a part of the SLIH family and have the honor of being trained under Nicole Stuckey, my inspirational instructor and dear friend. Having the opportunity to teach others is the most rewarding experience and has taught me that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. Every day I look forward to sharing my passion with others through teaching in the hot room!

Winnie is a graduate of Fashion Institute of Technology with a Bachelors Degree in Marketing and Merchandise Management. She is Fashion Industry professional working as a Senior Merchandise Manager.

I can honestly say that Bikram yoga has changed my life.” That was what I wrote in my first testimonial back in March, 2014. I am still overcome with the benefits I experience from regularly practicing but I never imagined that I would eventually be teaching Hot Inferno Pilates at the studio.

When Nicole first starting talking about Inferno Hot Pilates, I was definitely intimidated, but then again I was intimidated when I first started practicing Bikram, so I knew I wanted to take on the challenge. Hot Inferno Pilates is the perfect compliment to Bikram Yoga and when the opportunity came up that I could train to teach, through the encouragement of my Bikram family, I went for it, and I am so grateful I did. I look forward to leading classes and hopefully be able to encourage others the way I’ve been encouraged over the years. I am so excited for what is ahead… I can honestly say that Hot Inferno Pilates has changed my life!! Namaste, Lisa

I started my practice here at SLIH the summer of 2014. I was dragged by my best friend to try this crazy yoga in 105-degree heat for 90 minutes. I thought to myself, “This sounds insane,” but our best friends always push us to do great things for ourselves. Nicole and the studio community have all become that crazy yoga family that constantly pushes me to be the best version of myself.

Every time I step into that hot room and onto my mat and towel, all my stress and worries instantly disappear as all my focus turns onto healing and strengthening my body with every posture in the Hot 26+2 yoga series and Inferno Pilates. Starting the practice and having faith in it is probably the most difficult thing beginners find with Bikram Yoga. When I first started practicing, I was very inconsistent, constantly going then missing a few weeks to only return feeling dizzier and hotter. However, after going through traumatic life experiences in 2015, my brain instantly reminded me of how clear it felt when in that hot room.

Since then, I have been practicing consistently and I have never felt better. The challenge and discipline of the yoga surely taught me how to heal my body and soul. I learned to love the heat, the sweat, my body, my mind, life and everything in between. After feeling these crazy roller coaster emotions and receiving support from the studio community, I decided to join the SLIH Teacher Training program. When hearing about it, I instantly had a gut feeling that told me, “You have to do this!” I felt a calling to share my amazing experiences and practice with the community on a deeper level and this program is satisfying all those desires. Learning the principles of communication and teaching along with the amazing anatomical and physiological benefits of each posture have been so rewarding and I am so excited to now share that with the studio community!

To beginners and veterans of SLIH Yoga and Wellness alike, the most important thing to note in life and in this practice, is that we are all human, perfectly imperfect; and through love, support, and some sweat, we can overcome and accomplish anything. Namaste! Francesca is a Pre-Medical Student at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, sharing her passion for science and health both in the laboratory and the hot room!

I was searching for something that I could enjoy alone. Feeling labeled as only a wife and mom, I was seeking a different type of challenge.  Three and a half years ago, I made up my mind to try hot yoga.  I was so nervous, but my first class was life changing and I loved every minute of it. Being somewhat a creature of habit, the fact that the classes are always the same was what hooked me in.  And after class, I loved how I felt, I started to sleep better, I had my anxiety under control and I fell in love with the challenge. I knew it was something that I would stick with...

THIS was the missing piece in my life.  

With all the things I juggle on a daily basis, this yoga made everything feel more manageable.  Even as I went through some of the hardest moments in my life, yoga remained a priority and gave me strength mentally and physically.  

Facing that mirror each class taught me self-acceptance, not getting every posture from the start, taught me patience, I’ve learned so much in that hot room and continue to learn.  

I signed up for teacher training with Nicole at “Some Like it Hot” in January 2018.  My love for the practice and the thought of spreading that to others in the community was my driving force.  Through her guidance, knowledge and patience I completed my training and I am humbled and honored to teach at the studio.  

The community Nicole has created at the studio is so special. everyone is so encouraging and respectful of one another.  Through her encouragement and advice from her and all the teachers, I’m truly grateful.  

Namaste <3

I am a life-long yogi, having started my Bikram practice in my hometown of Baltimore in 2001. I found my way into the hot room broken and battered after years of high school/college field hockey and track. I HATED my first class but couldn’t deny how great I felt after. So, I went back and although each class was torture, I kept going back and slowly but surely my acute scoliosis and tendonitis of the knees were gone! But more importantly, the discipline and rigidity of the hot yoga helped me to conquerdepression, anxiety and sleeplessness. 

For the first 5 years of my practice I only went to class a few times a week. However, when I moved to NYC and became a special education teacher I needed the yoga in my life daily. Without the yoga I never would’ve survived the demands of my job and adjusting to the hectic city lifestyle. So for the past 12 years I have practiced hot yoga 7 days a week. I have completed 30-, 60-, 90- and 360-day challenges and have practiced at over 20 different Bikram yoga studios.

I am happy to have found a home and a family at SLIH. I’ve been a member since its inception in 2014 and have practiced through both of my pregnancies. I thank the yoga for getting me through and bouncing back easily from pregnancy. 

In January of 2018 I had the opportunity to train with Nicole and become an Ignite hot pilates instructor. I use my fitness knowledge from running, yoga and sports to create a class that is challenging but achievable for all levels. By day I’m a special education teacher but my true passion is the hot yoga and pilates! Can’t wait for you to come sweat with me in the hot room! And remember… its never too late, you are never too old, its never too bad and you are never too sick to start again. Why not start today?! 

Namaste, Whitney