Alameda CA USA
Written by Sason Bishope Parry
Wellness is having a moment and it’s more than a trend. People everywhere are rethinking how they move, breathe, and take care of their bodies and minds. Yoga, a practice thousands of years old, continues to evolve, while Pilates has surged as one of the fastest-growing fitness movements in the world. Both have earned loyal followings for good reason. Yoga builds flexibility, balance, and inner calm. Pilates strengthens the core, improves posture, and sharpens functional movement.
Many people assume these practices live in separate corners of the wellness world, or that you need to choose one or the other. But they are actual allies and when combined, yoga and Pilates unlock powerful benefits that go far beyond what either can offer alone. Studies now show that integrating yoga and Pilates into a regular wellness routine can significantly improve core strength, dynamic balance, functional movement, flexibility, mental focus, intentional breathing, and overall physical performance. Breath, after all, is life. Moving with awareness while breathing with intention sharpens the mind, strengthens the body, and brings the nervous system back into balance. And yes, if you’re chasing strong abs and more flexibility, this combination delivers fast.
Now add heat to the equation. Hot yoga, including Bikram, has been popular for decades. Heated Pilates, however, is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing fitness trends. The heat allows muscles to warm up faster, increasing flexibility, deepening stretches, and reducing the risk of injury. It also boosts cardiovascular conditioning, increases calorie burn by up to 25 percent, enhances circulation, and supports muscle recovery. Just as important, it helps flush stress, detox the body, and leave you feeling strong, grounded, and energized.
One of the newest studios bringing all of this together is Island Inferno, an exciting new wellness destination launching in February 2026 in Alameda, California. Island Inferno blends hot yoga, hot Pilates, sculpt, HIIT fusion, and full-body training into one dynamic space. The studio is led by founder Kay Fisher, a passionate, colorful, and deeply experienced hot Pilates and yoga instructor.
Kay’s journey to wellness began early in life, growing up in Fairfield, where a chaotic childhood eventually led her into addiction, drug abuse, depression, and a lack of purpose. After years of struggling, she discovered Bikram yoga, and that moment became a turning point. The practice lit a spark that changed everything. Through consistent movement, discipline, and breath, Kay found clarity, got clean and sober, and began rebuilding her life from the inside out.
As her love for the practice deepened, a new question emerged: Why not turn my passion into purpose and help others who are struggling too? That calling led Kay to Funky Door Yoga’s teacher training program in Berkeley, where her fire for teaching continued to grow. In 2023,
she began teaching Inferno Hot Pilates and hasn’t looked back since. Opening a studio in Alameda, the small island city she had been drawn to for years, had long been a dream. Now that vision is becoming reality. Kay sees Island Inferno as a place to connect, inspire, and discover the true self through movement, breath, and community. While the studio welcomes both beginners and experienced practitioners, members should expect to be challenged, to push past their limits, and to have fun doing it. Consistency is encouraged because that’s where the magic happens.
“At Island Inferno, be prepared to be challenged,” Kay says. “Through those challenges, you discover the real you. This isn’t just a workout. It’s a celebration of life through movement. I’ve had so many people tell me these practices helped them get off medications, avoid surgeries, and finally feel good in their bodies again. That’s what makes this work so rewarding.”
Kay believes fitness should feel like a celebration, not an obligation. She lives her teachings, fueling her body with healthy foods, dancing often, and inspiring others to move with intention and confidence. Her mission is simple: help people feel stronger, happier, and more aligned in their bodies and lives. Island Inferno’s classes are designed to challenge, energize, and empower, focusing on form, breath, mindful movement, and functional strength. Whether you’re new to HIIT or a seasoned Pilates lover, each class supports growth from the inside out.
Through sweating, breathing, smiling, and reconnecting with yourself, Island Inferno invites you to look and feel your best, not just for now, but for the long run. Alameda, get ready. The heat is coming!
I recently had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Kay Fisher about life, wellness, and her exciting new studio, Island Inferno…
Sason Bishope Parry: How is life treating you these days? Kay Fisher: Busy! But great. I’m loving the new routine I have and connecting with new folks.
SBP: When did you first start practicing yoga, and what initially drew you to the practice?
KF: First started practicing Bikram Yoga regularly in 2008. I took my first class in 2004.
SBP: How has your yoga journey evolved over the years?
KF: At first, I really wanted to be super flexible and skinny and bendy like all those champions. But then I really began to value the level my body could work at, and especially now, I encourage folks to move with their body rather than push too hard. When we become adaptable to change and accept our bodies as “perfect today,” this is where we experience the greatest benefit.
SBP: What inspired you to open Island Inferno in Alameda?
KF: Oh, so many things! The fact that I was already teaching 15 classes a week, why not do it for myself and have all the creative freedom, so logistically, if I’m going to keep teaching, I must open the studio. I was tired of working in jobs I felt meh about, but perhaps more importantly, I believe people in the world right now are suffering from a lack of self-love, and when we don’t love ourselves, we don’t have love to give others around us. And I believe that if we had a place where we could come together, sweat out the day, and connect with ourselves through our shared sweat and suffering, we could all work together to create more love in this world.
SBP: Is this your first studio?
KF: Yes
SBP: What can students and the community expect from your new studio?
KF: Oh my gosh, so much FUN!!! We have a lot of laughs, good workouts, core work, glutes, cardio, and, of course, meditation. You will definitely find yourself and leave the studio feeling absolutely amazing every time.
SBP: For someone new to the space, how would you describe your vision for Island Inferno?
KF: I imagine Island Inferno to be a place of connection and fun. When you walk in, you will feel a sense of light, cleanliness, and order, and while you’re practicing, you will feel a deep connection to yourself. I also want to eventually have classes going all day, with a rotating variety.
SBP: Tell us about your instructors and class offerings. Are classes beginner-friendly? KF: All of my classes are beginner-friendly and low-impact at the moment. Eventually, I plan to add some medium-impact classes once or twice a week.
SBP: Alameda has its own unique energy. How does the island influence your teaching style and the overall vibe of the studio?
KF: We have a wonderful community here, not just at the studio but in Alameda as well. Having a lot of supportive people around me has made a big difference. We all know each other’s names and are involved in the larger community. Having this creates a very inclusive energy during the class.
SBP: Are you offering any specials or promotions for newbies or early sign-ups?
KF: Currently, our Champion (Autopay monthly) is $150. I’m offering specials on the long-term memberships, as well as guest passes for recurring memberships.
SBP: What do you most hope students take away from your classes mentally, physically, and spiritually?
KF: That there is something magical about you, the individual, and all the stress of daily lives and everything we go through can wear on us, but I want to show people that there is a way to let go of that, and it is a daily practice. Learning to love ourselves takes time and practice. When we get on our mats, we start to discover ways to do all this, and then one day, you will realize that whatever you are seeking is already within you.
SBP: What’s next for you and Island Inferno? Any exciting projects or goals on the horizon?
KF: The heat! I’ve been having such a headache with the heat. I would love to get to a place where the heat and ventilation are well managed and streamlined. After that, endless possibilities. Once this is completed, I will be able to have more Bikram classes and find new instructors. The sky’s the limit.
For more info on Island Inferno and to become a member go to: www.islandinferno.com
