Summary: Breathe Degrees felt like an ancient bathhouse ritual reborn in modern form...moving…read morethrough heat, breath, and embodied ritual alongside others in a warm, communal flow. This studio is intentionally designed to help you adapt, expand, and feel more alive. One of my favorite studio experiences so far. I genuinely did not want to leave!
The Philosophy & First Impression: Before my first visit, I received a welcome video explaining the studio's philosophy: Using breath and hormetic stress (heat, cold, & movement) to grow stronger, healthier, and happier together. Their belief is simple & powerful, "When you take control of your breath, you take charge of your life."
When I pulled into the parking lot, I could hear a man inside calling out, "Breathe in... let it go. Breathe in... let it go." (It seriously felt like the building was breathing.)
The Space: I was warmly welcomed by staff who helped me check in, sign a waiver, and gave me a wristband and a full tour. The studio includes: a sauna; a cold plunge room; a yoga room; an AQUATru filtered water station; cubbies, dressing rooms, and a bathroom; and a lounge room with an educational video on their method
The Class (Vinyasa Flow & Breath 90): The yoga room was arranged in a circular formation, so we faced one another, creating a shared presence & community.
The class itself was an intermediate, heated power vinyasa with a smooth, steady breath-to-movement flow. Wendi cued in Sanskrit followed by English and layered in breath cues and gentle inward-turning suggestions in grounded poses.
After a steady standing series, we moved into deep stretching and incredible twisting and detoxifying poses on the ground.
The Breathwork Experience: After yoga, we were guided onto our backs with padded eye masks waiting for us. Wendi led us through three rounds of open-mouth inhales and exhales ("Breathe in, let it go"), followed by Mula Bandha and long-breath holds.
During one of the holds, I received a neck and shoulder massage with peppermint oil, and I could feel the cooling, soothing effect immediately.
The third round was the most powerful, with reminders that our bodies were fully oxygenated. After the final exhale, we were released into savasana.
Wendi closed with a beautiful reflection about looking back on our day, our week, our month, our life and saying, "It was a wild and wonderful ride," which perfectly described the whole experience.
The Teacher: Wendi was incredibly welcoming, thorough, and present. She took time one-on-one beforehand to explain and demonstrate the breathwork, which is essential for a sense of safety. After class, she stayed to connect personally and encouraged me to explore the sauna and cold plunge. She definitely holds a grounded, confident, and supportive container.
The Sauna & Community Vibe: (I forgot a bathing suit for the cold plunge, but I spent time in the sauna.) It was a warm, social gathering space where the energy of the class naturally flowed in. People were connecting, chatting, and relaxing together. It felt like a communal ritual space.
Overall Experience: This studio has so much to offer! The integration of breathwork, yoga, heat, cold, and education is genuinely thoughtful (not trendy).
It was such a pleasure to experience Breathe Degrees. This is a must for any yoga enthusiast!
Practical Note: First-timers must arrive 15 minutes early, no exceptions. This studio prioritizes safety and intentionality.