A hot new take on yoga

Hotpod Yoga is a relatively new kind of yoga whereby participants stretch and exercise in a humid environment of 37° C.

“It’s about challenging yourself,” said Laraleigh Ruzicka, administrator for Hotpod Yoga in Midrand. She said they gave free classes to residents on 2 April to promote their new premises at Carlswald Décor Centre as well as to give Midrand residents an experience unlike any other.

“We moved from our previous premises because we wanted a permanent home that residents can recognise us by,” Ruzicka added.

The founder and instructor of Hotpod Yoga in Midrand, Talitha Grobler, said the free classes included five one-hour classes that were filled to the brim.

“We had 90 to 100 people come and try it out,” said Ruzicka. She added that she had always been a yoga fanatic, however, since she joined Hotpod she found that it enhanced her experience.

“It’s like you’re in your own world. Every pose is aided by the humidity and you can feel it in your joints.” Ruzicka said yoga helped to release toxins from the body and revitalizes the skin.

A participant, Lee Bras said, “My experience with Hotpod Yoga has only been a positive one. In my first class, I was totally out of my depth and had no idea what to expect. I couldn’t believe what a challenge it was or what a workout it is.” Bras added that she developed self-awareness, mental calmness and the confidence to step out of her comfort zone through the exercise regime.

“I would definitely encourage anybody and everybody to try at least one class and take up the free class offer. Anybody trying it for the first time will come out with a positive experience, be it mentally, physically or emotionally,” she said.

Bras added that those who might be nervous to attend their first class will be made to feel welcome and not out of their depth. “Talitha is an amazing instructor and the classes are designed for beginners, the support you receive is amazing,” she said.

Residents can still take advantage of a free class. Ruzicka said, “Come and try it out.”

Details: talitha.grobler@hotpodyoga.com; laraleighruzicka@gmail.com