Hot Yoga Review: Studio Bamboo

I mentioned a while back that I had purchased a Groupon for 10 yoga classes for $40…and that it was a different studio than I usually go to. Well, after attempting to schedule a Hot Yoga class for the past month, I FINALLY went yesterday! I feel like I’ve put a lot into running this week, so I was feeling a little achy and sore. That’s always my sign to take a Hot Yoga class 😉

I’ve taken Hot Yoga classes at 4 different studios now, and I have to say, I still have a clear favorite. The first Hot Yoga class I went to back in December 2009 set the bar really high! It was an amazing class. When I went back to college for the Spring semester after that, I started going to the local studio. I was admittedly close-minded when I got there, and compared it to my previous experience. After a few classes though, I realized just how awesome my new studio was. Sure, some things were a little different, but I was challenged just the same and achieved great results.

Naturally, when I moved back home after college to go to law school, I started going back to the first studio I ever went to (and my favorite one!). Yep, its just as great as ever. I love the whole environment and the instructors really challenge you to find your edge during your practice.

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A few weeks after I started law school, I found a studio closer to campus that had a one-week pass for $20. I did one 60-minute session, and planned to go back later in the week. I attempted to sign up online, but this studio would not let you sign up for a 90-minute Hot Yoga class without having THREE 60-minute sessions completed (or you could contact the studio and ask to be added to the 90-min. class). As someone who regularly practices Hot Yoga, I am used to the 90-minute class, and thus I contacted the studio to ask to be signed up for the 90-minute class at the end of the week. Guess what…I never got a reply! So that $20 went to a single class. Oh well. I learned my lesson and went back to my favorite studio…that’s why I was nervous after I paid for the aforementioned Groupon deal. So, I thought I’d share a little bit of what I liked and didn’t like about this new studio…

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Photo Credit: https://studiobambooyoga.com/

Here is what I liked about this studio:

• The ambiance – Very tastefully decorated, light wood accents, very “Zen” like!
• Like many studios in the area, the studio offered free mat towels and hand towels for use
• Very nice showers and changing area
• Friendly staff
• Instructors were knowledgeable and friendly
• The prices were about average for this region (Drop in $16, One Month Unlimited $108-a steal for this area, actually)
• Offers a variety of types of yoga classes. It is not strictly a Hot Yoga studio. Examples: Ashtanga, Restorative, Yoga for Athletes, Vinyasa, Multi-Level

Here are a few of my dislikes:

• For me, the distance. Part of the northern-most part of Virginia Beach, its off the highway a little ways and takes a little extra time. However, this area of VB is lovely, and I would totally live there if I could!
• No mirrors in the studio. I know, some people may not like seeing their reflection during practice. I like the mirrors for one thing: to check my form during practice. I found that it really helps me make sure I’m doing the pose properly.
• While this studio is a great option for yogis who like a variety of types of classes, the Hot Yoga schedule is sparse and limited to only 60-minute classes.

Overall, I would rate this studio really high. If I lived closer to it, I would continue to go after I use my Groupon! If anyone is on the lookout for a studio in the area, I should not have a problem giving advice, seeing as how I keep trying new studios! haha 🙂 

-xoxo
Disclaimer: I was not paid nor asked to provide a review for this studio. This is strictly my personal opinion, which I hope may be helpful to others!