The hottest new yoga workouts
Didn’t qualify for the Winter Olympics? Neither did we. Between sweating — and sweating yoga — here are a few ways to stay in shape in and around Koreatown.
Hot 8 Yoga
Hot 8 Yoga in the heart of Koreatown, which opened in late 2017, offers some 100 classes a week to local yoga lovers. All classes in the boutique yoga chain — there are five other studios around Los Angeles — are done in its two heated rooms. Signature sessions include Yoga Vibe, which uses rhythmic music in the background as inspiration and offers shorter pose holds with more flow.
Info: First week free to all new members. Subsequent single classes are $26 each with discounts for packages. Membership is $149 a month, with access to all locations. In Koreatown at 3150 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 200. hot8yoga.com
HotBox
The popular infrared sauna trend landed in downtown Los Angeles eight months ago, meaning that locals no longer have to head over to the Westside to get their sweat on. HotBox owner Jessica Mortarotti said she wanted to bring “an elevated infrared experience” to the area with her 1,400-square-foot space, which has eight Sunlighten sauna suites.
“Many people find infrared much more comfortable than a traditional sauna because you get a deeper, penetrating sweat
from the inside out and the air doesn’t become hot and uncomfortable,” said Mortarotti. Although most of the suites are designed to hold up to two people, one of them can fit six — and is often used for bridal parties. There is also a vitamin C-infused rain shower as well as a tablet in each suite so users can stream Netflix and sweat.
Info: $35 for new clients per 45-minute session. Subsequent visits are $45, with discounts on packages and groups. Memberships start at $39 a month. From March to May, every member gets a free mini massage or facial after each sweat. 835 S. Hill St. hotboxsaunastudio.com
Art and yoga
Yoga amid the sculptures of visual artist Senga Nengudi is an alternative take on the practice. Through April 14, Los Angeles yoga teacher Keisha Bolden runs a free class every Friday at downtown’s USC Fisher Museum of Art, where the works of Nengudi are currently on show as part of his exhibit, “Improvisational Gestures,” in which pieces are fittingly made of stretchy nylon mesh. The free classes are open to all levels and include the loan of yoga mats and blocks.
Info: Fridays at 10 a.m.; arrive by 9:50 a.m. USC Fisher Museum of Art, 823 W. Exposition Blvd. RSVP at fisher.usc.edu/events or call (213) 740-4561.