Y’all know that I’m a fan of hot yoga! I’ve tried all of the bigger studios in town, and have a new one to tell you about! Elements Hot Yoga only opened a few weeks ago.
I bought the Intro Week pass, which is $25 for a week of unlimited yoga, and have been to three classes so far. I’m totally loving this studio! Since falling in love with Y2 Yoga back in Charlotte, I’ve been craving what I can only think to call “modern, cool hot yoga.” Some people can get all the benefits from a mat and an empty room, but I like my yoga with all the bells and whistles. (I know that is not very yogi of me, but if I’m being honest, it’s the truth!)
Elements Hot Yoga has those bells and whistles to encourage the best practices possible, such as:
Heat: I don’t know the actual temperature, but my guess is in the mid-90s. It’s juicy warm in there, and nice and humid! They have a cool infrared heating system that keeps the temperature and humidity consistent and warm while killing pathogens and keeping oxygen levels ideal for exercise. It’s quite fancy, and the room temp has been perfect every time.
Lights and music: The lights are my favorite part of the studio! They change colors and dim according to the mood of the practice. The often start dim and multi-colored and switch to white and brighter during the flow, and dim and colored again for the final stretches and Savasana. So neat! The music is good too – lots of beats without words and some cool vocals and chants for the slower parts of the series.
Complimentary stuff: Yogi towels are included (YAY!) as are bath towels. Not having to wash two towels after a class is soooo nice. There is also a cool water system hooked to the water fountain that sends out alkaline water.
Nice owners: Monica and Kendall have been so welcoming and friendly. I also have taken both of their classes too!
Power Vinyasa Flow: And the classes! There are four styles:
Earth – Bikram-style, all levels
Water – Vinyasa-style, all levels
Fire – Advanced Bikram-style
Air – Advanced Vinyasa
The Bikram-like classes aren’t technically Bikram, but they are founded from similar poses. I accidentally went to a Fire class last weekend, and while I wasn’t thrilled when we started the series in the same way that Bikram does, I was glad there were some other poses (like Pigeon) involved too.
The Water class is obviously my favorite, and it’s offered all the time. It’s Power Vinyasa Flow and the juicy, sweaty, bendy yoga I love. I haven’t tried the advanced version, but I might do that soon when they are added to the schedule.
The studio also has a massage room, and I suggested a yoga class that is half flow, half massage and relaxation. Wouldn’t that be epic?!
Also, the locker rooms are really cool!! They’re spacious with cool showers, faux wood tiles and stone floors.
Did I mention that there’s a yoga dog too!?! This is Toto!
Elements is located up on Greenbriar Drive, so it’s not walkable for me, but it’s close enough for weekly visits to get in my yoga fix!
tracy says
Hi Kath – what are the benefits of alkaline water? I have never seen this in a gym or studio. Thanks!!1!
KathEats says
The thought is that it helps keep the body in a more alkaline state, which is thought to reduce disease risks, including cancer, and put less stress on the body to work toward its ideal pH. The research is limited though, so I wouldn’t go out of your way to buy alkaline water. But it’s nice to have it on tap for free! Here’s a nice overview.
Tracy says
Seems like they use a filter, which that article sounds like they advise against. I’ll stick to my regular tap for now, wonder if installing these filters in places like Flint, Michigan would make it better for them though.
Emily Hartzell says
Awww I LOVE Monica and Kendall – I know them well from the studio they were at in Richmond and I’m so happy to see a positive and awesome review of their new studio!!! I’m so excited and hoping to get to Cville to check it out at some point!
Kori says
I’ve only tried yoga a few times (it was offered for free at my former apartment 🙂 ), but I’ve never tried hot yoga. I really did feel incredibly relaxed afterwards, so I do believe in including this exercise. I need to look at our Y to see if/when classes are offered. I wish I could join you for one here, though!
polly says
YAY for yoga, Kath! you are so cute. Happy you enjoyed it, and how cool are the wood looking showers? Wow so pretty. And yay for complimentary towels. YESSSS 🙂
Come to my class someday in Indiana okay? I might even make you a smoothie after and if Abbi is home from college she can keep Maze entertained. Someday!!! haha how fun would that be?
Happy Wednesday sweet girl!
XOXO
KathEats says
I would love to!
Jenn says
Interesting to read what you look for in yoga. I’m the complete opposite. I use yoga as a chance to get away from the consumption/materialistic nature of our daily lives and have quiet reflection and mindfulness on a simple mat on the floor of a community center. My teacher is old school and from India and says that the only equipment you need to practice yoga is your mind and your breath. Interesting to see the ways yoga can differ from place to place.
KathEats says
Different strokes for different folks! I admire your style of practice very much but if that was the only option i wouldn’t do much yoga so as they say at Hot Yoga Charlottesville, “all yoga is good yoga!”
Angela says
Looks like a beautiful new studio! I love my corporate studio that has many of the same amenities 🙂
I love this quote from Rachel Brathen that reminds me of what my practice is all about: ” The yoga pose is not the goal. Becoming flexible is not the goal. Standing on your hands is not the goal. The goal is to create space where you were once stuck. To unveil the layers of protection you’ve built around your heart. To appreciate your body and become aware of the mind and the noise it creates. To make peace with who you are.”
KathEats says
LOVE that!!
Sally says
Reminds me a little of Corepower Yoga, which I love!! I’m with you, I have an appreciation for all the bells and whistles of a nice studio.
Sam @ Barrister's Beet says
If I lived near you, i would totally go there! It looks awesome.
Linda @ The Fitty says
Speaking of yoga, have you heard of yogaglo? It’s my favourite yoga site!
KathEats says
I think I have been before when I did more home yoga!
Sally says
Do they have non hot yoga too? Hot yoga scares me, but I’m a total fainter.
I’m with you on amenities! The place looks beautiful!
KathEats says
Only hot, but give it a try! You can always go down to child’s post any time you’re feeling too hot.
Cheryl says
I’m doing yoga also every weekend at the park near my condo since they open free for everyone to join every sunday morning
Linda @ The Fitty says
I despite heat and I don’t like hot yoga, but GOSH is that a beautiful studio! I’ll have to reconsider. .. 😉
Jennifer Elmore says
Hello Kath,
Just love your blog posts. You have excellent knowledge about the blogging and I found lot’s of useful information from your blog. Thanks for the such a good blog.