Denise Fernandez

      Hello! My name is Denise and I started practicing hot Yoga in 2010 after a knee injury from running. I was told to stop running by the doctor and one of my co-workers told me about this 90 min set sequence series known as the 26/2 today. I was hooked after my first class. The heat, the humidity , the mental challenge, the eagerness to get better at each posture and the adrenaline rush I felt during class were all the reasons why I kept going. 

      Eventually that studio closed down and I was introduced to Sumits Hot 60 - now known as Roots !!! Similar postures, add some music with a lil more heat and humidity ? - SIGN ME Up! 

      I did my 200 hr yoga teacher training in 2016 (or 2017?) thorough Sumits and my 300hr with Wise Owl Wellness in 2023 here in a Tucson. I love teaching the Hot60 and 26/2. I will take a set sequence class over a class where I don’t know what pose is next! 

      Outside of yoga I have 2 amazing kids with my husband Steve and the best stepson anyone could ask for. I am a professor at ASU and teach to incoming social work students.  Additionally, I like to bake for friends and families. Think cake pops, brownies, cookies and now cake pucks! Someday I’ll get back to running and hiking for fun. But for now - I get to snuggle my kids who have really cute chunky cheeks. 

      A few fun facts about me: I met my husband Steve in a yoga class at Sumits/Roots! I played one season of professional softball in my 20s and I completed my Doctorate in Behavioral Health through ASU. #gosundevils