Imagine a yoga class held in a tent, surrounded by strangers, and with the heat turned up to 40 degrees. Sounds unusual, right? For many, it’s exactly what they’d expect in a trendy city like Ancoats, where a new yoga studio has just opened its doors. But I was determined to give it a try before writing it off as just another fad.
Hotpod yoga, the brainchild of studio owner Gabrielle Fuller, has been making waves in the UK since its launch in London in 2013. With over 500,000 customers to its name, the company has clearly got something right. And when I visited the Ancoats studio last month, I was eager to find out for myself.
Gabrielle, a former Manchester University student, was inspired to start Hotpod yoga after a transformative experience with the brand during a visit to Jersey. She describes it as “so much more than just a yoga class,” claiming that the warmth, ambient lighting, and inviting atmosphere of the pod allow you to disconnect from the outside world.
“The company has worked with world-leading inflatable experts, top architects and heating consultants to create patented pods which sit inside its permanent studios,” Gabrielle explains. “Our tents are designed to immerse you in a yoga environment and deepen the effects of a typical yoga class.”
So, what can you expect from a Hotpod yoga class? For starters, the tent is zipped up behind you once the lesson begins, trapping you in a sauna-like environment. At first, it can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to the heat. But as you acclimatize, you’ll start to relax into the atmosphere and can take breaks or leave the tent whenever you like.
The classes are designed to cater to all experience levels, and you can choose from a variety of sessions to suit your mood and energy levels. And even the most relaxing, low-intensity classes are like a full-on workout. Every movement results in buckets of sweat, and you’ll be left feeling like you’ve just finished a good session – even if it was a gentle one.
The benefits of Hotpod yoga are said to be numerous, including improved endurance and stamina, increased strength and balance, aided recovery, and better sleep. And when I left the tent, I was left feeling like I’d undergone a detox, thanks to the copious amount of sweat I’d lost.
Despite the heat, I felt chilly when I emerged from the tent, and I ended up drinking buckets of water in the hours that followed. It was a great experience, and my preconceptions about Hotpod yoga were washed away like the sweat on my skin.
I went into the session with a sense of curiosity and a dash of trepidation, but I left feeling invigorated and eager to return. It’s clear that Hotpod yoga is more than just a trendy Ancoats fad – it’s a unique and effective way to challenge yourself and your body.
| Benefits of Hotpod Yoga |
|---|
| Improved endurance and stamina |
| Increased strength and balance |
| Aided recovery |
| Better sleep |
- Unique and immersive environment
- Traps you in a yoga environment and deepens the effects of a typical yoga class
- Caters to all experience levels
- Trains you to sweat buckets
- Leaves you feeling detoxed and refreshed
In conclusion, Hotpod yoga is a truly one-of-a-kind experience that will challenge you and your body in ways you never thought possible.
