About Us

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When Nikki Kourpias took her first hot yoga class, she

ran out of it. The intense heat coupled with a feeling

of total insecurity—downward-facing what, now?—added up to way too much pressure.

But her instructor didn’t let her get far. She grabbed

Nikki by the hand and asked her to return to class—not to participate, but just to sit still on the mat and be present.

That moment was the turning point that would eventually lead to Aware Hot Yoga. Eight years and 26 poses later, Nikki would eventually open her own practice, designed to meet practitioners where they are, at their own level.

For Nikki, Aware Hot Yoga is pay it forward—to return

the faith her instructor showed in her so long ago, and

to embrace newcomers who feel as nervous as she

once did.  Aware classes focus on movement and breath, on presence and circulation—not on becoming, but being.

As the name implies, it’s a practice designed to help

people become aware of themselves and their stressors, so they are empowered to rediscover their voices, grow, and thrive.

Nikki is thrilled to be opening Aware Hot Yoga in

Winston-Salem and can’t wait to help yogis of all

levels achieve focus, healing, and strength, both on

and off the mat.

“You’re completely aware of where you need to go,

you just need to take the steps to get there, and I’m

here to help you.” - Nikki