Within Bikram Yoga Tempe’s sprawling 3,800-square-foot facility, UV-sanitized steam curls around the outstretched hands of yogis bent in muscle-strengthening postures. Owners Elaina and Dr. Benjamin Zorensky spent two years perfecting this scene, bringing in waterproof and bacteria-resistant Flotex flooring and antimicrobial ductwork in order to best pay homage to the practice that they love so much. Their attention to detail seems to have paid off–Bikram Yoga Tempe is celebrating 12 years in business this fall, and their classes are going strong.

When Elaina took her first yoga class, chronic neck pain and TMJ were both part of her life. After three weeks of Bikram, the pain disappeared. From then on, she was determined to spread the healing benefits of Bikram to others, including Ben, who was a hardcore athlete with serious inflexibility. Once he felt the affects of Bikram on his own tight hamstrings, he found himself persuaded as well. Together, they opened Bikram Yoga Tempe in 2002 and surrounded themselves with seasoned instructors who now kick-start their own students’ superheated journeys during 42 classes per week.