Still Hot Yoga

I have been practicing bikram/hot yoga for nearly 20 years in many different locations and this is by far my favorite studio - the staff, the classes and community are incredible. The studio has all new flooring (no longer carpet) that is fantastic for hot yoga and the owner/staff pay a lot of attention to keeping the studio really clean. It is such a welcoming, supportive community. I have had many sport-related injuries over the years and I attribute much of my recovery to practicing at this studio and the extra attention the teachers have given me during my practice to help me with healing from my injuries. Practicing hot yoga can take some time to get used to - but well worth the dedication. I cannot thank the staff at SHY for all they have done for me over the years - definitely a life changer!

At one point in time, I considered trying what this business offers. I have several chronic conditions for which I know yoga is incredibly beneficial, and how convenient: I receive regular therapeutic massage and healing acupuncture with Josh one door down at Ascendant Therapy. When I arrived for my first ever appointment with him years ago, nothing looked out of the ordinary upon pulling up to the office building. Over time though, what has become the norm is to arrive and see and smell a bunch of sweaty yoga patrons in various states of lounge on the landing, sometimes even shirtless and laying out on the bare cement. Time it right (or, really, WRONG) and you're going to ascend the stairs into the shared walk area to a sour smell, pungent sweat mixed with all that exhaled hot breath because the doors seem to be perpetually open. I can only imagine what it's like inside. Is this normal? Why would anyone do yoga in steamy BO heat? I don't want to know what kind of curry you had because it's vaporizing out of your pores. It reminds me of a quote I read once about how when you smell something, you are essentially tasting microdroplets of whatever it is you "smell". While this ongoing experience has generally turned me off from my early curiosity about hot yoga, I would probably be willing to try it somewhere known for better hygiene and circulation offerings, maybe in California or even just a little further down the road in Midtown. And maybe the owner of this location is working on getting a better air filtration system. If you plan to check them out, maybe inquire to see if they've installed their upgrade yet.

How I love this studio! I’ve been practicing Bikram yoga for nearly 20 years - this is far and away the best hot room in Atlanta. The community these incredible group of teachers have built over the years is really something special. We’re so lucky to have such a great space to sweat… and heal.

I actually came by to check this place out since I am new to the area. I stopped by after one of the class sessions this past weekend and decided to not even go inside. People looked happy enough leaving but the smell of the studio was not something I was looking for. I have done hot yoga other places and yes there can be a smell but this was something else. Guess I will keep looking for a place in Atlanta.

The disgusting smell alone made me want to vomit. Then to find underwear laying about everywhere. Extremely unprofessional and unhygienic. I would recommend doing yoga in a literal dump before going here. Highly do not recommend this studio.