Meet Kelly Isaac, Co-Founder of ID Hot Yoga

For Kelly Isaac, yoga is more than movement. It is a practice of presence, resilience, and returning to self.

As the co-founder of ID Hot Yoga, New York’s largest independent hot yoga studio, Kelly has helped build a modern approach to the practice that brings together heat, strength, intentional sequencing, and mindful focus. Rooted in decades of experience, ID Hot Yoga encourages each student to develop a practice that feels personal to them while discovering what can unfold through consistency, curiosity, and time.

Now spanning seven locations across New York City and the Hamptons, ID has become a community where people from all walks of life can step away from the demands of the day, reconnect with their bodies, and leave feeling stronger and more grounded.

We spoke with Kelly about the journey behind ID Hot Yoga, what the practice continues to teach her, and the everyday rituals that help her stay energized, present, and connected.

Q&A

Can you take us back to the beginning of your relationship with yoga? What first drew you to the practice, and when did you realize it could become such a meaningful part of your life?

I was initially drawn to yoga through curiosity and the physical practice, but I quickly realized it gave me so much more. It became a way to feel grounded, present, and connected to myself—and that curiosity has never really left me.

The name ID speaks to the idea that each person’s practice is an expression of who they are. What does that philosophy mean to you personally?

ID is about your practice being your own—it’s your identity. There’s no one right way to practice; it should be personal and evolve with you. And, of course, ID also happens to be our initials, which our community has always had fun with.

ID brings together intentional movement, heat, strength, and breath. What do you believe the heat adds to the experience beyond the physical intensity?

The heat is intense and cathartic, but it also allows us to move more freely. There’s something about learning to breathe and stay present in that intensity that can be incredibly powerful.

What has building ID taught you about the relationship between physical strength and mental resilience?

It’s taught me resilience, but also acceptance of what is. I’m currently building our eighth studio, and when I compare my stress levels now to opening our first two or three, the difference is incredible. You learn to trust yourself and the process.

ID has grown into a community across New York City and the Hamptons. How have you protected the sense of personal connection at the heart of the brand as it has expanded?

It comes down to our connection with our team and our ability to look after our people as well as our community. As we grow, making sure people still feel seen and connected will always be a priority.

New York can encourage a very fast, outwardly focused way of living. What have you noticed people are seeking from their practice in response to that pace?

Connection—with themselves and with other people. I actually believe AI will support our industry rather than disrupt it in the way it will many others, because people will continue to crave real human connection and shared experiences.

You have spoken about meditation as an important part of your daily life. How does your meditation practice influence the way you move, teach, and lead?

A day without meditation for me is like a day without coffee—it’s just not right. It keeps me grounded and helps me respond rather than react, both personally and as a leader.

Has your understanding of wellness changed over the years? Are there any habits or beliefs you have learned to let go of along the way?

I’ve come to see wellness as healthcare. I think we often fail to recognize that without taking care of ourselves, the quality of everything else in our lives is affected.

Beyond yoga and meditation, what everyday rituals help you feel grounded and supported when life feels especially full?

Yoga, always. No matter how full life gets, it’s the thing I continually come back to.

What does living bravely mean to you at this stage of your life?

At this stage of my life? No fucks given—in the best possible way. It means trusting myself, taking risks, and caring a lot less about what other people think.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited to continue exploring, both personally and through the evolving ID Hot Yoga community?

We’ve just launched a series of new products within our sequences, and I’m really excited to share those and see how our community responds. I’m also excited to keep evolving ID while staying true to what makes it special