Hot yoga has taken the UK fitness scene by storm, gaining popularity for its unique blend of intense physical workout and mental relaxation. Whether you're a complete beginner or someone seeking a deeper stretch, hot yoga offers something powerful for every body type and fitness level.
In this detailed article, we’ll explore what hot yoga really is, its key benefits, and where you can find the best hot yoga classes in the UK. Get ready to sweat, stretch, and transform.
What is Hot Yoga?
Hot yoga is a style of yoga practiced in a heated room, typically ranging between 35°C to 40°C (95°F to 105°F). The purpose of the heat is to increase flexibility, encourage detoxification through sweat, and elevate your heart rate, making the session feel more intense.
There are two main types of hot yoga:
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Bikram Yoga – A strict series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises performed in the same order in every class.
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Hot Vinyasa or Power Yoga – A more dynamic and creative flow of poses, often synchronized with breath, set in a heated room.
Hot yoga doesn’t just turn up the heat—it turns up the benefits.
Key Benefits of Hot Yoga
1. Improved Flexibility
The heated environment allows muscles to loosen faster, enabling deeper stretches without injury. You may find you can touch your toes or sink into lunges far easier than in a non-heated class.
2. Detoxification
Sweating profusely in hot yoga helps flush toxins from the skin. Many practitioners report feeling cleansed, both physically and emotionally, after class.
3. Enhanced Cardiovascular Fitness
The combination of heat and movement elevates your heart rate. Though you're not sprinting, your body works hard to cool itself, which boosts cardiovascular endurance over time.
4. Stress Relief and Mental Clarity
Hot yoga encourages deep breathing, focus, and presence. The warmth of the room can feel like a therapeutic cocoon, helping melt away anxiety and improve sleep quality.
5. Weight Management and Calorie Burn
You can burn between 300–600+ calories in a single 60-minute session depending on the intensity and your body type. Hot yoga supports weight loss goals when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
6. Better Lung Capacity and Breathing Techniques
Because heat can make breathing feel more difficult, hot yoga challenges your respiratory system. Over time, it strengthens lung function and breath control.
Is Hot Yoga Suitable for Everyone?
Hot yoga can be intense, so it's not ideal for everyone, especially:
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People with heart conditions
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Pregnant women (unless advised by a doctor and attending prenatal hot yoga)
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Those prone to dehydration
Beginners should start slowly, drink plenty of water, and listen to their bodies. Most hot yoga studios welcome all levels and encourage rest when needed.
Tips for First-Timers
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Hydrate well before and after.
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Bring a towel and water bottle.
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Use a yoga mat with grip—you’ll sweat a lot!
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Arrive early to adjust to the heat.
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Take breaks when needed.
Consistency is key. Don’t be discouraged by your first class—it gets easier and more rewarding over time.
Best Hot Yoga Classes in the UK
Whether you're in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh, there’s a growing number of studios offering excellent hot yoga sessions.
1. Fierce Grace – London
Fierce Grace blends power, flow, and deep stretching in heated rooms. Known for creating a variety of class formats for all levels, it’s one of the UK’s most respected names in hot yoga.
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Locations: Central London, North, East, and West
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Classes: Classic Fierce Grace, Primal, Core, and Deep Stretch
2. Hotpod Yoga – Nationwide
Hotpod Yoga has over 50 locations across the UK and offers a welcoming space inside an inflatable, pod-like studio heated to 37°C. Their sessions combine vinyasa flow with a sensory experience.
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Unique: Uses aromatherapy, calming music, and glowing lights
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Classes: 60-minute immersive sessions
3. Frame – London
A trendy studio offering a mix of yoga, dance, and strength classes. Their Hot Power Yoga classes are energetic and modern, perfect for those who want both a sweat and a challenge.
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Locations: Shoreditch, King’s Cross, Victoria
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Great for: Busy professionals and beginners
4. The Life Centre – Manchester & London
Offering hot vinyasa and other heated styles in a more spiritual setting, The Life Centre is perfect for those who want a deeper yoga experience.
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Teachers: Highly experienced
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Extras: Workshops and retreats available
5. Hot Yoga Glasgow – Glasgow
This community-focused studio is ideal for both newcomers and experienced yogis. They offer traditional Bikram classes and hot vinyasa flows.
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Environment: Friendly and inclusive
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Focus: Alignment and breath awareness
6. Yogafurie – Bristol
Bristol’s top spot for hot yoga and hot Pilates. They offer classes in a room heated to 42°C and use infrared panels for natural warmth.
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Added benefit: Teacher training programs and workshops
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Type of heat: Infrared, not blown air—feels more natural
Hot Yoga vs Regular Yoga
Who Should Try Hot Yoga?
You should definitely consider hot yoga if:
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You want a deep stretch and detox.
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You're looking to manage stress and improve mental clarity.
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You enjoy sweating it out and want visible fitness results.
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You live in a city and want to escape into a heated bubble of calm.
Even if you’ve only tried traditional yoga, adding one or two hot yoga classes per week can take your practice—and your fitness—to the next level.
Safety and Precautions
Hot yoga is intense. Follow these safety guidelines to get the most from your practice:
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Stay hydrated: Drink at least 1 litre before class and more after.
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Don’t eat a heavy meal 1–2 hours before practice.
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Inform the teacher if you’re new, injured, or pregnant.
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Leave the room if dizzy or nauseous.
Is Hot Yoga Just a Trend?
Far from being a passing fitness fad, hot yoga has cemented its place in the wellness world. As more people prioritize mental health, flexibility, and mindfulness, hot yoga offers a well-rounded solution. Plus, the immediate endorphin boost post-class keeps people coming back for more.
Its rise in popularity across the UK’s best yoga studios — from London to Glasgow—proves it's here to stay.
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