Hot Yoga Baltimore — Local services in Arbutus

I had never taken Bikram Yoga before but have done several other types of yoga. I had heard Bikram is very hard but I chose to check this place out anyway when I saw they had opened one in Catonsville. I was a little hesitant at first and am always sluggish and somewhat confused when trying new, unfamiliar things, but Lynn was so welcoming, nice, understanding, and not at all pushy (and she even gave me a tour!) so I gave it a try.

My first class was really difficult because it is SO HOT in there but everyone was very nice and encouraging and I love things that challenge me so I stuck it out. I have gone 3 days in a row now and am starting to get the hang of things. One nice thing is that the instructor is always giving directions and there are plenty of people there to follow if you're not sure what to do. It can be difficult though when the instructor talks too fast :)

The instructors are very nice and have given me some advice on accommodations for me because I have some pretty severe medical issues that limit my ability to do all the poses the way they are meant to be done. The instructors do not make me feel bad that I can't do all the poses and they don't make a spectacle of me or anything like that, thankfully.

The studio is VERY clean, the facilities are brand new, and it does not smell sweaty, moldy, dirty or otherwise badly here, despite the fact that it is a high humidity environment with sweating people everywhere :) They have equipment for sale and for rent so if you don't have the necessary gear, there's no need to worry. They are all such kind and caring people that they will probably just let you borrow stuff for your first time or two. They are running a really good introductory special, a very discounted first month. Also, bring stuff to take a shower because you will really sweat.

There are many people who take classes here who have obviously been doing so for a very long time because let me tell you, these girls are in REALLY GOOD SHAPE! Don't let that turn you away though, because it's meant to convince you to give this a try because it makes you see what is possible with this type of exercise! There are also several men who regularly take classes here, more than I normally see at non-Bikram yoga.

I have not experienced any body shaming or people giving me any kind of looks here, and it seems to be a good, supportive, healthy environment. Everyone I have met here so far has been very nice and friendly. Between classes everyone hangs out while cooling down, and chats, which is nice because I am pretty shy in groups like this but I have not felt at all...

UPDATE: 7 years after I posted this review and I can honestly say that I would still give a 5 star rating. They’ve recently rebranded as Hot Yoga Baltimore, and also offer some great hot Pilates class options now too! The teachers and community are unmatched. We are lucky to have many yoga options in Baltimore, but after 15 years of consistently practicing, this is the studio I choose and will continue to choose to help me safely progress in my practice ❤️

I've known Lynne for a number of years as a teacher through several other Bikram studios in the Baltimore area, and have always enjoyed taking her classes (though she but small, she is mighty!). I learn something new everyday to help with form and technique, but also, always know that she is looking out for my best interests and unique injuries/quirks/needs in any class i take. Needless to say I was excited to learn she and her husband would be opening a studio close to the city. The Catonsville location is conveniently located right off of 695, there is plenty of parking and the studio itself is wonderful. Clean, bright, welcoming, nicely decorated with fun motivational quotes and tons of great retail items for those who like to shop haha. Most importantly though, the hot room is HOT, the teachers are AMAZING, and the community of students that Lynne and Frank are building there is diverse, positive, and just feels good. Whether you've never taken a Bikram class before or you've been going for years, this is a great...

Hot Yoga Baltimore (formerly Bikram Yoga Catonsville) is conveniently located right off of 695 in Catonsville with plenty of free parking. Inside the studio is clean and bright, the heat is consistently hot, and they have everything you need to rent or buy in their cute retail area.

The community that Lynne has built is diverse, supportive, and truly one of the reasons I keep coming back week after week, year after year. The locker room here is a friendly and supportive.

The other reason I keep coming back is the teachers. While we are truly lucky to have so many options for yoga in and around Baltimore, the depth of knowledge, the focus on form and technique, and the personalized guidance that all the teachers give here is exceptional. I have no doubt that they have the student’s best interest at heart.

I have been practicing yoga for over a decade and can’t recommend this studio enough. They don’t do a lot of advertising or promotions or try to be the coolest thing out there but they are consistently there when you need them as a place for healing and...