Let me start with a confession. I’ve always imagined yoga studios as serene spaces full of bendy people gracefully folding themselves in half while I’d be wobbling at the back, wondering what on earth to do.
So when I first heard about Hotpod Yoga, I thought there was no way it would be for me. Yoga, but inside a heated, inflatable pod? As someone who doesn’t cope well in heat I wasn’t sure it was for me. But after hearing so many people rave about it, I decided to give it a try – and now I get the hype.
What Is Hotpod Yoga?
Hotpod Yoga is unlike any other yoga class you’ve tried. Sessions take place inside a large, inflatable pod heated to around 37 degrees. The lighting is soft and calming, the air is infused with a gentle scent, and the music instantly helps you switch off from the outside world.
Once inside, the pod is zipped up and you’re cocooned in warmth. As someone who can feel a bit claustrophobic, I wasn’t sure I’d like that part, but it actually feels incredibly calm and serene. There’s something about being enclosed in that gentle heat and soft purple light that makes it feel comforting, and completely immersive.
There are studios all over the UK, so chances are there’s one near you. Each class is designed to help you unwind, stretch and move more freely, while the warmth encourages deeper movement and relaxation.
Mats are provided at the studio, but you’ll need to take a towel and a water bottle with you to stay comfortable and hydrated.
Top tip: if you don’t love being too warm, avoid putting your mat near the edges of the pod – that’s where the heat tends to gather!
What to Expect in a Hotpod Yoga Class
As soon as you step into the pod it feels peaceful. The classes usually begin with breathing and grounding exercises to help you adjust to the temperature, before moving through a sequence of gentle, flowing poses.
You’ll sweat, but it feels detoxifying rather than exhausting. The pace is steady, the lighting is dim, and the instructors guide you through everything so you never feel out of your depth. Classes last around an hour, and you’ll leave feeling lighter, calmer, and far more flexible than when you walked in. I love the Sunday evening class, it’s the perfect way to wind down after a busy weekend and reset for the week ahead.
Hotpod Yoga offers a long list of benefits:
- Improved flexibility – the warmth helps your muscles loosen so you can move deeper into each pose.
- Reduced stress – the calming environment makes it easy to fully switch off.
- Better circulation – the heat encourages blood flow, helping you feel refreshed and energised.
- A stronger body – yoga helps to build core stability and balance.
- Mental clarity – that post-class glow is real, and it lingers long after you leave the pod.
Why Runners Will Love It Too
If you’re a runner, Hotpod Yoga is a brilliant complement to your training. The gentle heat helps stretch out tight calves and hamstrings, and the slower pace gives your body the recovery time it needs between runs. It’s also amazing for mental reset days when you need to move without chasing miles or pace. I’ve found it makes a noticeable difference in how my legs feel midweek, especially during marathon training blocks.
A Space to Breathe
Hotpod Yoga feels like an hour-long escape from the noise of daily life. Once zipped up inside the outside world fades away and you leave feeling zen and relaxed. If you’re looking for a way to relax, especially in these cold winter months, I can’t recommend it enough.
Fancy giving it a go? Find your nearest Hotpod Yoga studio and book a class – you won’t regret it!
Yoga Mat Towel 24″
Mats are provided at Hotpod Yoga, but you’ll need to take a towel with you to put on top of your mat.
This one is the size of most standard yoga mats
