Still Hot Yoga — Attraction in Decatur

At one point in time, I considered trying what this business offers. I have several chronic conditions for which I know yoga is incredibly beneficial, and how convenient: I receive regular therapeutic massage and healing acupuncture with Josh one door down at Ascendant Therapy. When I arrived for my first ever appointment with him years ago, nothing looked out of the ordinary upon pulling up to the office building.

Over time though, what has become the norm is to arrive and see and smell a bunch of sweaty yoga patrons in various states of lounge on the landing, sometimes even shirtless and laying out on the bare cement. Time it right (or, really, WRONG) and you're going to ascend the stairs into the shared walk area to a sour smell, pungent sweat mixed with all that exhaled hot breath because the doors seem to be perpetually open. I can only imagine what it's like inside. Is this normal? Why would anyone do yoga in steamy BO heat? I don't want to know what kind of curry you had because it's vaporizing out of your pores. It reminds me of a quote I read once about how when you smell something, you are essentially tasting microdroplets of whatever it is you "smell".

While this ongoing experience has generally turned me off from my early curiosity about hot yoga, I would probably be willing to try it somewhere known for better hygiene and circulation offerings, maybe in California or even just a little further down the road in Midtown. And maybe the owner of this location is working on getting a better air filtration system. If you plan to check them out, maybe inquire to see if they've installed their...

I took the beginning Bikram class. The only reason I give three stars is due to the structure of the class. For example I like to pray/set an intention during Ujjayi Pranayama and I was told I could not close my eyes. I went to drink water and was told I could not until a water break was announced. I prefer a practice where listening to your body is more important than listening to the instructor. Another example is when I took too long to stand up from a forward fold and the instructor said if you're not moving with the class what's the point in coming to the class 😲. Hopefully on my next visit I can find a class that is a bit more liberal and respects yoga as a practice for listening to your own body above all else. The heat and humidity levels were perfect.

Update: I just saw a response from the owner that starts with "This wouldn't be the format you would want in yoga". I practiced 10 years before taking this class and many years since. This IS the format I AS AN INDIVIDUAL want in a yoga class. For all those that like the structure I described please enjoy. For all those that don't, please keep looking. You will find a good yoga home. I have found great places in pretty much every places...

All these years, I've never left a review. Hot yoga saved my life and my health when I started in 2018. My first class was with Cleve, who has an incredible story of his own and is a true inspiration. Since then, although I live far away, this has been the only hot yoga studio I trust and recommend to others. If you get the chance, take his class at least once and get to know him as well as the other instructors. Cleve even sent me videos so I can continue practice at home while pregnant.

This is the most authentic and hottest yoga studio in the state. Other "hot" yoga studios are warm. The pricing is reasonable even as the economy has changed. And if you're committed, they will work with you because it's about the practice and not the money. These are life-changing people.

Every class is my favorite class but the fun class they do like once a month where you can do all sort of different, elevated poses and learn from long-time yogis is a vibe. It's not super serious, but an opportunity for you to just chill for 2 hours in your practice.

This is a great studio and good people. I highly recommend you visit if you're local or from...