Lu O'Rourke heads to Jesmond for her first taste of hotpod yoga where heady aromas, ambient lighting and a challenging workout await.
The ancient practice has attracted a large following in recent times, with the active and passive flow of postures effective for toning the muscles, enhancing flexibility and relaxing the mind.
Having received an invitation, my friend Dianne and I arrived for our first taste of Hotpod Yoga in Jesmond on a cold but sunny spring evening. As we were shown into the large, cocoon-like inflatable pod, the 37 degree heat welcomed us. The pod glowed with a relaxing purple, quietening my mind and shutting out the outside world.
After checking in with our friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable instructor Rae for a 60 minute class, we were shown to our places and provided with a yoga mat each. Now both of us were Yoga Virgins, so being unfamiliar with any of the poses, Rae was extremely patient with us and guided us through the correct positions in a confident, hands-on manner. Within only seconds of the workout commencing, the sweat started dripping!
The real benefit of the beautifully scented space was that we felt we could better twist and stretch into unfamiliar body positions. Through Rae’s gentle encouragement, we were happily sweating, stretching and twisting in no time at all.
Not knowing what to expect, it took me a while to properly relax into the session and I know that next time I will be able to better exert myself earlier in the class. I was offered variations on a couple of poses, and was encouraged to rest during part of the class inside the pod and take on plenty of water. With the experience of this taster session, I now know that I’ll be able to better manage my breathing and fully engage with the experience from the very beginning of the next session.
The heated atmosphere provided a unique, immersive experience and we both agreed that we felt fully invigorated and cleansed by the process. The darkness of the deep purple lighting within the enclosed pod and the soothing background music added to the sense of relaxation and calm. The music played was chilled and relaxed but with a modern edge.
As we moved through the session, we were encouraged to drink plenty of liquids and also supported in finding the level best matched to our degree of expertise. It is recommended to use your own towels so we may need to bring extras next time! Although the obvious newcomers to the class, we felt included from the very beginning and both felt far less self-conscious than we had feared.
I must admit, I felt invigorated and energised for the rest of the evening after the session. Perhaps this would better suit me as part of a morning routine to improve my posture and help me attack the day in a positive and relaxed state of mind.
To book your place online, visit www.hotpodyoga.com