by Alexis Cornachio
[Photo courtesy of Fierce Grace]
In 2008, the highly accredited yogi Michele Pernetta developed a new yoga style and class system that would become Fierce Grace. The name is a nod to the yin-yang – “fierce,” emphasizing strength and power, and “grace,” representing the elegance and refinement of movement. Combining these elements, the Fierce Grace yoga system develops both energies equally, giving rise to vibrant health, emotional balance, and mental clarity.
The studio offers a range of classes that fall on a spectrum of unique yoga styles, blending HIIT, Pilates, and slow strength. This variety of movement accommodates students of all levels, from those recovering from injuries to the most advanced practitioners.
Fierce Grace yoga studio is the chicest and, quite literally, the hottest yoga spot in East Hampton town. What makes Fierce Grace yoga unique is its modern approach while maintaining the purity of yoga. They strive to provide quality teaching and promote inclusivity in the studio – at Fierce Grace, it’s all about authenticity.
[Photo by Alexis Cornachio]
If you know Fierce Grace, you know senior instructor Kelly Isaac. Isaac describes her style of teaching as engaging and fast-paced. “I like to keep it moving, and I also like to engage with clients,” she says.
She believes that every teacher has their own style that evolves over time, but for her, what is most important is “the community feel to what we do here.” Fierce Grace community outreach and involvement are central to their mission.
“What’s unique about our studios and our community is the level of excellence that we really focus on in terms of teaching quality, but also just the feel, the inclusiveness,” says Isaac.
Fierce Gracee’s East Hamptons studio opened in January 2024 and plans to remain a year-round business. This summer, they were able to work with the local high school, and through the internship program, some older students were able to work at the head of the studio. It is important for Fierce Grace to get to know the community around them – they did a collaboration with ARF this summer and continue to grow their local network.
[Photo by Alexis Cornachio]
What inspires Isaac is helping people take care of not only their physical well-being but their mental health as well. “Just knowing that everything we do contributes to people’s wellness. People think a lot of what we do is all about movement or fitness, but it’s really about health. For me, yoga is like healthcare.”
The studio culture focuses on “quality yoga, inclusivity, and just having a good time,” says Isaac, noting that there is not the usual accompanying spiritual aspect to their yoga style. Additionally, what makes them stand out is their large male population and their work with a wide range of levels.
On her love of working with Hamptons’ clientele, Isaac says, “They’re very, very smart, very polite, very respectful – just really good vibes. If you’re going to be in the Hamptons in the summertime, what’s not to love, right? So I think the energy is always pretty good.”
Fierce Grace; 3 Railroad Ave, East Hampton
[Photo by Alexis Cornachio]
[Photo by Alexis Cornachio]
