Hot yoga in Sydney

Embrace the sweatiest version of yourself.

Bikram Yoga Darlinghurst

Bikram Yoga is a form of Hatha Yoga involving 26 postures that are performed over 90 minutes in a heated room of 40 degrees. With its intense heat and long duration, Bikram Yoga is not for the faint of heart. As we sweat through the postures, our instructor is upbeat and encouraging. She praises individuals when they achieve a tricky pose, or calls them out when they need to adjust their alignment. She seems to know everyone by name, a testament to the number of loyal regulars. à Lvl 2, 256 Crown St, Darlinghurst 2010. 02 9356 4999. www.bikramyoga.net. au. Mon-Fri 6am-8.45pm; Sat, Sun 8am-7pm. $20-$25.

ÓModo Yoga

Modo Yoga is a hot yoga community with more than 70 studios worldwide. Classes are heated to a toasty 37 degrees; they say the heat detoxifies the skin, blood and tissues whilst strengthening muscle. We’re offered hot tea as we step in from the cold for the Karma class, a by-donation-only class which has the same structure as a traditional Modo series, but with all proceeds going to local charities. There are elements of calm and opportunities to rest, but first you must endure a 60-minute fullbody cardio workout. à 55 Mentmore Ave, Rosebery 2018. 02 8387 7167. sydney.modoyoga.com.au. Mon-Thu 6.30pm-8.30pm; Fri 6.30am-7pm; Sat 8am-4.35pm; Sun 8.30am-4.45pm. From $5 donation (Karma class) or $22.

The Space Studio

This brand-spanking new studio offers yoga, barre, pilates and meditation classes in the heart of Barangaroo’s business precinct. There are complimentary organic teas by the Rabbit Hole, and the change rooms and showers are stocked with hair and body products by Appelles Apothecary. We opt for a Vinyasa Flow class, which is heated to 27 degrees by infrared technology. The practice is energetic and refreshing, with a welcome balance between quick flows and slower pose holds. à Lvl 2, 400 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo 2000. 02 8117 2700. www.thespacestudio.com.au. Mon-Fri 6am-9pm; Sat 7am-7pm. From $30.

BodyMindLife Yoga

A stone’s throw from Central Station is a zen oasis in the otherwise hectic city surroundings. The studio offers yoga, pilates and meditation classes, as well as a wellness centre providing massage, reiki and kinesiology. We show up on a Saturday morning, eager to try the 75-minute Yoga Essentials class, which is heated to 28 degrees. The large changing room is decked out with organic shampoo, conditioner and body wash as well as hairdryers, straighteners and full-length mirrors. à Lvl 1, 84 Mary St, Surry Hills 2010. 02 9211 0480. www.bodymindlife.com. Mon-Thu 6am-9pm; Fri 6am-7.30pm; Sat 7am-7pm; Sun 8am-7pm. From $16.

Hom Yoga

Hom Yoga offers heated and non-heated vinyasa, yin, ashtanga and hatha classes. It has a fridge stocked with Fiji water, kombucha and coconut water, as well as a lounge area with free fruit and magazines. Time Out tested the Hot Flow class in a room heated between 38 and 40 degrees. We begin slowly, but within minutes the sweat starts dripping from our shirts and even the most simple yoga moves are made challenging by the intense heat. The class is suitable for all abilities, but some prior yoga knowledge would help. à Lvl 2, 20 Hargrave St, Darlinghurst 2010. 02 9360 7007. www.homyoga.com.au. Mon-Fri 6am-8.30pm; Sat, Sun 8am-5.45pm. From $25.

Power Living Yoga Bondi Junction

Right near the train station in Oxford Street Mall, the space is cosy and inviting, and they have colourful cushions and yoga gear for sale as well as books, candles and vegan nail polish. We tried a 75-minute Heated Vinyasa Yoga class in a room heated to 32 degrees. The heat makes the practice sweaty as we flow through traditional Vinyasa poses at a steady pace. There’s a focus on building strength and power, in tandem with the freedom to play around and make the practice our own. à Lvl 1, 420-422 Oxford St, Bondi Junction 2022. 02 8065 7315. www.powerliving. com.au. Mon-Thu 6.15am-8.30pm; Fri 6.15am-7.15pm; Sat, Sun 7.30am-6.30pm. From $24.