If there was an award for the most tomato-faced person in a hot yoga class, I would win. But still I love it. When I was staying in New Zealand, I visited the best studio for hot yoga in Auckland, HIYOGA. Read on to find out more.
Arriving at HIYOGA
When you walk in the door and climb the stairs, you are greeted by the teacher leading your class. Fluffy towels and nice thick mats are available for hire.
The space is thoughtfully decorated, with exposed brickwork, polished floorboards and stools to make yourself comfortable. It is modern, chic and informal.
There are lovely touches through the two-floor studio building. Painted symbols decorate the walls, along with roses and lit candle pots. There are also noticeboards and a selection of yoga clothing and accessories for sale.
The changing rooms
The changing facilities are immaculately clean and equally stylish. There are fresh hand towels laying in baskets, hair-dryers, lockers and eco-friendly toiletries.
The only minor issue is a feeling of lack of space occasionally. If you are changing just as the next classload of people arrives, it can be hard to find room for your belongings.
Overall though, it is a pleasurable experience. The spotless contemporary tiled wet room and powerful showers leave you feeling contented and squeaky clean after your intense workout.
The studios
There are two studios offering classes.
Both are attractive, light and clean, without that tell-tale musty carpet smell which penetrates other hot yoga studios. Nor do they feel like re-purposed office or warehouse space. These studios have the feeling of somewhere special to practice your half moon pose and eagle pose.
The downstairs studio has a fairytale feel, as intricately decorated blue wooden doors open to invite you inside.
The studios are kept wonderfully hot, to maximise the benefits of this practice. Thankfully fans are introduced every now and then if it starts getting too much.
The classes
The classes themselves are well run, with teachers holding the space and giving it their own flavour. The best ones remember your name and will guide you if your postures need tweaking.
As is common with hot yoga, you will often find teachers attending each other’s classes. New attendees are given extra attention.
After the class
After the class, the teachers are available if you want to talk about anything you experienced in class. This studio makes you feel welcome and looked after. Though if you just want to hop straight into their fantastic showers and cool off, that is perfectly fine too.
New attendees will also receive an email and phone call after their first couple of classes. This is to see how they are getting on and to answer any questions they may have.
My experience at HIYOGA
It had been a while since my last Bikram yoga session in Australia. But after just a few at this hot yoga studio in Auckland, I started to feel the benefits.
I coped with the heat much more successfully and turned slightly less scarlet-faced. (I even went on a hot yoga date and the guy didn’t seem put off. Perhaps he had a thing for sweaty tomatoes…)
Final thoughts on the best hot yoga studio in Auckland
This hot yoga studio in the centre of Auckland’s Central Business District is a little gem.
Beautifully styled, thoughtfully maintained, its attentive teachers truly care about the practice and their classes.
lf you are looking for hot yoga in Auckland you will want to return here again and again.
Next, read about the world’s most wonderful yoga centres for when you’re travelling, here.
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