Feeling enticed by the neverending benefits of yoga, but not quite sure how to transition from a high-intensity HIIT workout to a slow, calming yoga practice? Us too. That’s why we’re digging hot yoga—a beautiful combination of stretching and lengthening your muscles in a warm, moist (some might say, sweaty) environment.
Whilst there's been a bit of debate over whether it’s better than the usual room temperature class, we think there are benefits to both, so why not try it out? Hot yoga is known to help curb your stress (the heat definitely makes you focus on your breath more), can stretch your muscles a little further than a cold room and is a bit more intense than a room-temperature class.
So, keen to give it a go? Check out our list of Auckland’s best hot yoga studios below.
Studio Red
Auckland CBD
Located in the bustling City Works Depot, Studio Red is by far one of the most beautiful studios we’ve been to. If you’re looking for a space that oozes luxury, we’ve found it. Designed by award-winning architects, you'll notice all the classy details, from the plush sofas on which to chill out and the fragrant cedarwood lining the yoga room to the marble and gold finishes in the bathroom. Studio Red is suitable for everyone, with a range of yoga styles on offer, however, we recommend checking what you’re in for before you launch into their Vinyasa class (their most challenging offering).
EastWest
Ponsonby
This hot yoga studio not only provides a workout but invites you to connect to your inner self. We’d say it’s a little more spiritual than you may find in other studios—but that’s why we love it. EastWest offers a mix of classic Bikram, Hatha Yoga, Power Vinyasa and Yin, providing a wide range of styles for you to find your favourite. We recommend checking out the events they have on offer to further your spiritual fix.
Om Yoga
Stonefields
If you’re in need of a local East Auckland Studio—this is it. Located in Stonefields, Om Yoga is the perfect studio for everyone. Yes, you heard us right, Om Yoga’s purpose is to make yoga accessible for everyone. With a variety of classes, from vinyasa to heated and slow flows, through to hatha styles and yin classes, we’re pretty sure you’re going to find a style you love.
Breathe Hot Yoga & Pilates
Albany
Modern and sophisticated are two words we would use to describe in a nutshell. Located in Albany on the North Shore, Breathe offers a range of different classes including hot yoga, hot Pilates and HIIT. Breathe welcomes everyone to their contemporary, heat-controlled studio, from beginners to the more advanced so get on it!
Sweat Yoga
Newmarket
It isn’t called for no reason as this studio will heat you up and get you perspiring! Located in Newmarket, Sweat Yoga is an absolute firehouse with its teachings of 26 different postures to channel every bit of strength in your body and somehow channel inner peace at the same time. Tighten those muscles, calm your mind and soul and walk out feeling squeaky clean from inside out. As well as the traditional 90-minute hot yoga Bikram class, Sweat Yoga also offers 1-hour versions for the time-poor amongst us. Try their pilates class too, set to pumping music your muscles will be screaming, but in a good way, we promise.
Hot Yoga Asylimb
Pukekohe
For those of you on the outskirts of Auckland, deserves to be your new go-to. With 95% of its students having never practised yoga before, there’s no need to be shy if you’re a newbie. Best of all, they teach four diverse styles of yoga, including Mukti, Yin, Flow and Yoga Nidra.
Hot Yoga Works
Britomart
If Bikram Yoga is your thing, then Hot Yoga Works will be your newfound favourite. Located in the best location for downtown worker bees, this Bikram studio is based in Britomart. Unsure of the difference between hot yoga and Bikram? Bikram is heated to 40 degrees instead of the usual 30 degrees and is a series of 26 hatha yoga postures and two pranayamas (breathing) techniques. Think there’s not much difference between the two temps? Try it and find out for yourself.
Room temperature yoga more your vibe? Check out Auckland's best yoga studios.
Image credit: Matt Cardy.