Limber up for Hot Yoga in Exeter

Sam and Andy have opened Hotpod Exeter, bringing hot yoga to the city, and it’s reignited my love for yoga.

As a Drum and Bass enthusiast, I’ve been following Goldie and DJ Ron on Instagram, watching their stories of connection, flexibility, and regeneration in London’s hot yoga studios with serious envy. I’d always wanted to try hot yoga, but it didn’t exist in Exeter. Then, seven months ago, Hotpod Exeter appeared on my social media feeds – and everything changed.

I’ve been practicing yoga since my mid-twenties and have explored pretty much every variety (I’m particularly drawn to Yin and Hatha – those slow movements and meditative breathing). But hot yoga in the pod? That’s a whole other world of meditative awesomeness.

The Hot Yoga Revolution in the UK

Hot yoga has interesting roots. It originated in the early 1970s through Indian yoga teacher Bikram Choudhury, who started with rooms heated to a modest 28°C to mirror his hometown temperature in Calcutta. As he noticed the enhanced physical benefits and increased sweating, he gradually cranked up the heat, eventually establishing the standard 40°C temperature used in traditional Bikram yoga today.

The practice arrived in the UK during the broader yoga expansion of the 1970s, initially dominated by the rigid 26-posture Bikram sequence. However, following various controversies (notably allegations that Bikram was sexually predatory), and a growing desire for innovation, the UK hot yoga scene evolved significantly after 2010. Studios began adapting and rebranding to offer diverse heated yoga styles while maintaining the core benefits of practising in elevated temperatures.

What Makes Hotpod Different?

Hotpod yoga creates an entirely immersive environment that goes far beyond simply heating a room. Classes are held in inflatable pods – imagine being held in a giant inflatable purple and pink womb. Unlike traditional Bikram’s intense 40-42°C heat, Hotpod operates at a more comfortable 37°C with higher humidity. It’s hot, but not uncomfortably so.

Rather than following a fixed sequence, Hotpod offers varied Vinyasa flows that change with each class and each teacher. The combination of soft lighting, calming scents, and curated playlists creates a multi-sensory experience – a relaxing space to disconnect from the outside world and focus entirely on your practice.

Meet the Hotpod Exeter Revolutionaries

Sam, a seasoned yoga teacher, and her husband Andy discovered the transformative power of hot yoga through their own post-pandemic journey. What started for Andy as online fitness classes during lockdown evolved into a passion that would eventually lead to opening Exeter’s newest hot yoga studio.

Andy’s initial scepticism about yoga changed dramatically after his first hot class in Norwich:

I did a hot class, and I was like, oh wow, this suddenly took me to a different place. It’s the music, it’s the darkness, the heat – it becomes a combination of all the senses taking you to a different yoga place.”

The couple emphasises that hot yoga offers something uniquely different from traditional practices. The heat allows participants to go deeper into poses while creating a more relaxed, pressure-free environment. As they tell first-timers, the heat puts “extra stress on your body, but in a good way.”

After practising regularly at a Norwich studio and recognising the franchise opportunity, Sam and Andy decided to bring this transformative experience to Exeter. They encourage newcomers to

Be prepared for something different.

Hotpod Exeter offers different level classes – flow and relaxation – with more advanced classes and guided meditation (possibly yoga nidra) coming in September.

My Personal Hot Yoga Transformation

After a significant break from yoga – having attended only a handful of classes over two years – I decided to give Hotpod a try three months ago. Combining these sessions with my regular gym workouts at Exeter Golf and Country Club has been a game-changer for my mental and physical fitness.

The physical changes have been amazing:

• My upper body strength has increased dramatically – I can now complete three full press-ups (might not seem like much but 3 months ago I couldn’t do one!), and my planks are noticeably longer and stronger
• My skin has become clearer and softer (the most surprising benefit!)
• My flexibility has improved beyond what I thought possible – for the first time in my life, my heels almost touch the floor in downward dog
• The chronic lower back pain that used to plague me has significantly reduced
• Combined with careful nutrition and strength training, the practice has helped keep me trim while creating more defined muscle tone

What makes hot yoga in Exeter uniquely effective is how the heated environment enhances every aspect of practice. The warmth allows me to sink deeper into stretches than ever before, while the immersive atmosphere creates a sanctuary where I can completely disconnect from external distractions and focus solely on movement and breath.

This mindful, heated practice hasn’t just made me stronger physically – it’s provided a mental reset that helps me carve out space for myself in a very busy life.

The Classes That’ll Get You Hooked

One of the brilliant things about Hotpod is that there’s something for everyone, no matter where you’re at in your yoga journey. I’ve been loving the Signature Hotpod Flow – it’s a gorgeous mix of strong and soothing that hits all the right spots. There are always options, so you can move however feels right for your body that day. Whether you’re a complete newbie or you’ve been flowing for years, this class welcomes everyone.

If you’re after something gentler, the Nurturing Flow is lush. It’s slower and deeper, with a restorative feel that’s mostly floor-based. Perfect if you’re just starting out, dealing with any niggles, or simply want to take things down a notch and really tune in.

They’re also introducing some exciting new classes too: Dynamic Flow takes the familiar Hotpod Flow postures and cranks up the heat (literally and figuratively!). Think more challenging poses mixed in for a strong, centring, and deliciously spicy practice – ideal if you’ve got some yoga experience and fancy pushing yourself a bit further.

And for those times when you just need to hit the pause button, Rest & Restore sounds like bliss. It’s all about slowing down with gentle movement, long supported poses, calming breathwork, and even some guided meditation. Perfect for anyone who struggles to switch off and just be present – which, let’s be honest, is most of us these days!

Ready to Try It Yourself?

Hotpod Exeter has an introductory offer of £20 for 14 days – excellent value and a great way to explore what hot yoga can offer. They also provide a mini membership for £39 per month or a full membership for £95.

Want to try it first? Head to the Hotpod site and use my free session code: YIP7AP

Trust me, if you’re curious about hot yoga, now’s the perfect time to discover what all the fuss is about. Exeter’s yoga scene just got a whole lot hotter – and I couldn’t be more thrilled.

Find Hotpod Exeter and book your first session today. Your body (and mind) will thank you.

---

Exploring Exeter is an independent blogzine that is passionate about showcasing the best of the South West. For more local events and adventures, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media.

Tags: Devon, Exeter, hot yoga, yoga