Very clean, well-managed studio with empathetic instructors. I've practiced hot yoga for nearly 30 years and began taking classes here when I moved to Olympia 3 years ago. Reading some of the reviews, I think it's important to make the distinction between the studio and the instructors VS the style of yoga. I've already reviewed the studio, though you should know it's an intimate setting with changing rooms. There are no showers, and you will sweat so plan accordingly. Most of us do the quick change and head home for a shower. The style of yoga is hot yoga or "Bikram" yoga, a 26-posture hatha yoga series done in 95-105 degree heat. This studio trends toward the 100 degree level, I'd say. It's definitely not the hottest studio I've ever been in, and for my taste, I welcome that. I have a love/hate with the heat, but it definitely contributes toward your well-being. This style of yoga has largely alleviated an arthritic condition that I've deal with for 30 years. It's also been great for my energy and mood. I should note that hot yoga is not instruction-heavy, though the instructors will answer any questions particularly after the class. If it's your first time, you will simply follow others and the teacher, but that's not a bad thing. We've all been there, and after a couple classes, you'll loosen up and get into it. All hot yoga studios offer first-time specials, so you have nothing to lose. Enjoy! read more

PSA This is not a traditional yoga studio. This is BIKRAM YOGA. I went on the website before the class, and it did not really grant any insights toward this info. Also could not book online. For those that are unfamiliar: Bikram is all heaters all the time; no music; no flow; 26 postures without the conventional yoga pose names. Hydrate more than usual before class. If you're into Bikram this is probably a great studio. Not what I was looking for, but I did sweat a lot and burned a ton of cals. Good luck! read more

I had a really good leaning class with instructor Kelly this afternoon. Every instructor has an own specialty I think. I was practicing yoga for a few month and also English is foreign language to me still. So I am missing a lots of instruction probably.. However her language was clear and easy to understand to me and some specific in breathing instructions at the end of yoga! I really had a good class today. I highly recommend this yoga place to beginner and advancers ... all the teachers are very friendly and funny I had a good visit in Lacey, Washington. read more

As a fit individual this was a fun experience to push me mentally and physically. I also think that traditional yoga can be pretty boring so I appreciated the aerobic aspect of hot yoga. That being said, I don't think this particular studio was beginner friendly. For my first time I was not guided at all and had to watch the regulars to get the hang of the movement. I felt not very welcome as a beginner, the instructor gave me a laundry list of rules in a very condescending way so I started the whole experience feeling stressed and talked down to. I might give this place another try, but the instructor I got did not float my boat. read more

I just had my first two lessons here and they were amazing! I have never done any sort of yoga like this before, but the instructor (Anatole) was excellent in providing guidance and instruction. He is also super encouraging and supportive throughout the entire session, which helps you keep pushing yourself even when you want to give up. I definitely recommend Hot Yoga Olympia for anyone looking to get into Bikram! read more

My friend invited me to go and WOW! I LOVED IT. The instructor, Anatole, was very friendly and his specific instructions helped a lot. He makes it tough with the slightest tips, but lets you go at your own pace. There were some expert people (you can tell they've been doing it for a long time by their swift movements and lean bodies) who I could just follow if I didn't understand the verbal instructions. There are seasoned yogis there during peak sessions, but they welcome beginners and you can do modified exercises so as not to overwhelm yourself. The price is fair - $20 for an unlimited week for first-timers and $15 for a drop-in. *Tips: Hydrate from the day before and leading up to the session! I was concerned that I would have to use the restroom during the session because I drank water and coffee, but you sweat all the liquids out so no worries there. That's how much you'll sweat, which leads me to my next tip. Bring a yoga mat and huge towel to put on your mat. Otherwise, it'll turn into a slip and slide real quick. They sell yoga mats and rent it for a $1. Bring water. If you want cool water, make sure it's in a thermos. My plastic water bottle turned lukewarm. Bring an extra towel to wipe your face. And your arms. And your legs. And everything else. Dress light and bring an extra change of clothes. You'll need it! read more

Coming from a more traditional yoga background, I wasn't sure what to make of this same-routine-every-time sweatbox approach. Let me tell you the pros and cons; you make up your mind. I'll probably go back now and then when I get to feeling stiff. Pros: - Great flexibility and mental buzz afterwords. Seriously. Like the process or not, it works. - Instructors have good attention to detail and know your name. Cons: - It's hot. Really, really hot. If you are in back by the heaters, you will have a transcendent experience. It will push your limits. - Hot = a little moist and funky. I worry that things are growing in there, and avoid floor contact as much as possible. I'm a fomite-ophobe. Deal. Mixed: - It's the same routine every time. This is kinda cool as you can see yourself making some progress, but you may also be thinking, "Oh maaaaan. Not this again!" at parts. - It is not a meditative practice; it is more of a gym routine. There are no words of wisdom dispensed, which I miss. Sometimes. read more

This business is owned by Margot and Anatole who are an integral part of the school and the community. Their studio is a bit different than many hot yoga studios I have been to -- mostly because Olympia is a more intimate community. Anatole is by far the BEST yoga teacher I have ever had. It is inspiring to attend his classes. read more

I love hot yoga here. I have been going for about a year now. I look forward to coming and have had no bad experiences. Yes, it is hot and can get very humid. But it's called hot yoga. The staff is extremely knowledgable about the positions and paying attention to your form to correct you. They also encourage you to listen to your body, if you need to lay down, do it! The studio is owned by Anatole who is also an instructor. He is by far the best instructor there. He pushes you and encourages you in a way that is positive! All of the staff is great though. They all make a great deal of effort to learn your name and learn about you. They greet me by name and ask how I am doing when I come in. There are yoga mats, water, and towels to purchase/rent if you don't have them too. There are two changing rooms, one male and one female. They do get crowded at times but that's okay. Everyone who attends is nice and helps you out! There are a wide variety of ages you do hot yoga which is nice to see. I will be going for years to come. read more

We just started going to this studio and love it! The teachers are friendly and clearly have a passion for this style of yoga. Thank you for being here! read more

I drove by this studio while trying to find a yoga studio in Olympia. It sounded ok, so I went in the next day for a class. As I went in to the class and I noticed carpet on the floor. If you have ever done a hot yoga class, you will know that you sweat a TON. Therefor the carpet was smelly. It is true that they know your name, but it suck that they go ahead and say "(insert name) you are doing it wrong". I rather not be called out that way. I have plenty of experience doing yoga, and I know what's right for my body and what is not. Another thing, the teacher said at one point "use you lower back to go down". Ummm. Well yes, if you want to hurt. You need to use your abs to protect the lower back which is the less flexible part of the back. There were several instances that way. Overall, I would never go back. read more

I had never tried Hot Yoga before and frankly only went because a friend encouraged it. I am a guy who doesn't typically like classes and am into weightlifting,trail running and competitive type sports. However I will say this is a FANTASTIC addition to my fitness. Both instructors are FANTASTIC at helping you along as a "rookie" without making you feel "singled out". They are VERY clear about the necessary hydration and how to adjust to the heat. They are also extremely supportive to someone (like me) that has virtually zero experience both before and after class discussing weak points and injuries. The heat does take some adjustment but it significantly helps with mobility during the class. I would highly recommend this to any athlete as part of a program--it will take you to a higher level. read more

I have been going to classes her about four days a week for three weeks. I bought the unlimited month package initially on an impulse, thinking it would be something I "should" be doing more and if I buy a package it'll force me to use it... I am so happy I did. I am so, so happy I have continued to go. This is by far the best place I have been to in Olympia to practice yoga. I feel accomplished and invigorated after every class. I don't feel judged or pressured or unwelcome. I feel that my body is welcome and I am encouraged to listen to my body-if I can push through that's great, but if I need to lie in svasana in the heat for most of the class, that's okay too. Five stars for hot yoga olympia! read more

Great teachers, helpful, friendly and clean place. I was addicted from the first time I went there. Teachers are very helpful. Must try. Best in the area read more

Absolutely love! Great instructors, convenient class times & a cleansing mind and body workout!

I used to attend a bikram yoga studio in Kirkland many years ago and loved it. This is a very different experience. I agree with John that there is very little in the way of a traditional "words of wisdom" approach but to each their own. I have lived in Phoenix, AZ on-again, off-again the last couple of years and exercising in 100 degree heat is nothing to me anymore. It might be a bit rough for Olympians though. It's the same program which is great because you do get better about keeping the forms. The only drawbacks I can think of is the price and the fact that you have to wash your exercise clothes more or less every day. If someone is into yoga though I would recommend they give this place a shot. read more

First experience. Total novice but never felt out of place. The instructor Emily was extremely helpful and we were able to follow along with all of her directions. read more

Love this studio. The instructors are great and I always get very useful feedback in a positive and uplifting way. I love the encouragement of the instructors as well as the other students. They also offer private classes at reasonable prices. I love that it is locally husband and wife owned. True it's not the fanciest studio but that isn't what yoga is about. I will continue to practice here for a long time to come. read more

Very run down, not many people yet, crowded, on dirty carpet not wood!

With no past yoga experience this was a great first encounter. Emily the instructor made it very enjoyable.

I have practiced hot yoga in a couple of different studios for approximately 4 years now. This particular studio is a bit run down and could use some serious renovation. When I first came in, the instructors did not ask my about my experience level or about my body- injuries, etc. During the coarse of the intro week, I had three different instructors with varying levels of experience. They did not seem ready to trust me to know what's best for my body and guide me within the practice. It seemed that maybe they could benefit from taking classes outside their studio to get some insight on their own teaching practices. Won't be going back. read more

I don't know why my experience was so different than others' here but I had the guy at the reception desk be extremely rude on my first visit and never went back. I've done hot yoga on and off for five years and have been to quite a few studios around the country and have never had someone be so off-putting. I think the thing that bothered me worst was that he was rudest when I asked if they offered a military discount. I forgot his wording but I remember him giving a condescending remark instead of saying no prompting me to feel like I had to defend myself for even asking (most studios I've been to before have offered it). Bringing up military doesn't usually make people ruder. The worst part came though when the class started and he turned out to be the instructor. And he just wasn't very good. He didn't do anything wrong per se (all the positions were said); he was just kinda obnoxious when correcting some people and was nice to some others but it was inconsistent. And I think by then I was already done trying to like this studio as much as I wanted to since its location is convenient. I'm only on here on yelp today because I decided today to look for another studio to possibly try tomorrow, even if I have to drive all the way out to Tacoma or Puyallup for it. I commented just because I cringed when I saw this come up and remembered my disappointment. I hope someone opens an alternative... how is there just ONE Bikram Yoga studio in the Lacey/Tumwater area? read more

I have limited experience in hot yoga and yoga in general, therefore I am giving four stars because my experience with this studio was fine, courteous staff and very informal. The place needs some renovation, and I just don't know about the carpet. I will go back some day for the therapeutic results of yoga. read more

I love this studio! Great vibes, great community and nothing beats how you feel after a hot yoga class

I've been to several hot yoga studios, including one in Clarksville, TN. I have also been practicing yoga for 4 years. I have to say that this hot yoga studio is pretty gross. First of all there's carpet...... When you mix carpet with people POURING sweat it isn't good. The carpet STINKS. It's disgusting. First I thought it was because someone had B.O. but EVERY time I came it stunk. Secondly, they have heaters in the back of the room. With this being said. DO NOT stand at the back of the room if you go. It gets SOOOOO hot. TOOOOO HOT. And when I would stretch my arms up it felt like I was being burnt by a blow dryer. The instruction was ok but frustrating. The first time I went there was a brunette white woman instructor (i don't know their names) and she was pretty rude during instruction. Yoga is about doing what your body tells you to do. Well I wanted to take a break and lay in child's pose but this instructor said if I wanted a break I had to lay on my back and she insisted that everyone lay on their back if they wanted a break. Yes this is the best way to relax your body but I wanted to stretch out my back and relax how my body wanted to relax. Well the next time I came I had an asian instructor and she was awesome! Very nice and a good class! Another difference between this hot yoga studio and others is the way they end their class. Every studio I have been to (even regular yoga) they end with a short relaxation/meditation. I feel that this studio ends too abruptly. In conclusion this is the only hot yoga studio in Olympia and that sucks but I would save my money and do regular yoga. Hot Yoga Olympia is too run down. read more

So this review is about the experience. It's really expensive -- however for a place to pay for heating the rooms up all the way, it's probably appropriate. If you like getting hot and sweaty -- this is your place to go. I don't actually like or believe all the health claims these people make. I truly believe in the healing power of yoga -- just not in all the ways they claim them to be. No one really wanted to stand up and show me around... just pointed me in a few directions and said drink plenty of water.... do drink plenty of water. As far as yoga goes.... its the same exact 26 poses every single day and time... but thats the same for Bikram studios everywhere in the world. Review shouldn't really be based on the style of yoga -- but more on the teachers abilities and the studio staff. The staff was okay.... The teachers like to make it a point to remember your name and say it during class to "fix" your posture. Give it a try! read more