The Hot Yoga Center

This place was horrible! The owner not sure her name but based on other Unilocal reviews it may be Nikki. She has a strong foreign accent. I have practiced at other studios for about a year now and decided to try out this studio. I tried the HOT 90 class. First there is NO music which I found very ODD! Throughout class the instructor/​owner kept making rude remarks about how I needed to follow along with HER instructions. After class, she decided to ridicule me even more by saying she «noticed I wasn’t doing postures correctly». I explained to her everyone practices Yoga at there own skill level and I make adjustments according to my skill level and body’s needs. I’ve never been to a Yoga studio where I was treated so poorly and left with a negative experience. I wish Unilocal allowed me to rate 0 stars. I DO NOT recommend this studio. DO NOT waste your time.

I just started at this studio recently and was not sure if I’d like hot yoga but my back has been in pain and I am tired of it. I was very hesitant to go since I have never done yoga or workout regularly and being in the heat, well that is probably what kept me from avoiding it for so long. So with a friends recommendation, I tried it. The first class was hard but the teacher was really good and helped me out throughout the class. I wasn’t sore like I expected, the next day I felt pretty good. So I went for a second class within a week. Second class, balance was still off, hope to improve this in the next few classes (or months) but again, the following day I felt good and slept better than I have in a while. In one week, I took 4 classes and it was hard and I didn’t know I could sweat so much. My back pain will be around for a while since I have had it for years but I do feel better at work sitting in front of my computer all day. Once I got over the heat (which took 3 classes) I can focus more and I really like how I feel more balanced overall. I also like all the information that is given with each posture and what it’s doing for our bodies. What I also like is almost everyone here is over 30−60+ years old and I wasn’t the only one who can’t touch my toes. It was intimidating to walk in but that passes quick. They have showers here and classes from early am to late pm 7 days a week. The shower area and restrooms are clean ~wasn’t sure what to expect with a bunch of sweaty people there. I too have been sweating like a maniac here and really starting to enjoy it. They have a one week special ~take advantage of it.

this little spot is awesome… i finally started going back after being absent for a few years… and its great… the classes are hardly ever packed… the instructors are all super nice and knowledgeable… plus the owners are super cool… check it out!

After a long hiatus practicing yoga I started again at The Hot Yoga Center. I’ve tried most of the classes here, but I’ve found that my day flows nicely if i can wake up early enough to catch the 5:30am class. All the instructors are pro and do a great job of helping you get the most out of each pose without making you feel like an inflexible 2×4. I love this place and would recommend it to beginners and accomplished yogis alike.

I love this place. Every time I go I am impressed with the staff who are very helpful. The space is always clean.
They have a beginner package that is awesome so that you can try it out.

This is a welcoming and all around great yoga studio.
For background, I am not a hardcore yoga practitioner … nothing against them, and in fact, I’m somewhat in awe of them. But, I’m just a beginner. The first time I stepped foot into a yoga studio was at The Hot Yoga Center. I was relatively (okay, completely) inflexible and somewhat overweight … and very intimidated. However, the people at The Hot Yoga Center were friendly, welcoming, non-​judgmental, and made the experience comfortable and (more importantly) enjoyable.
FACILITIES: Clean, clean, clean.
INSTRUCTORS: Friendly, knowledgeable, and patient.
PRICING: Reasonable, with a variety of options (e.g., drop-​in, group of sessions, monthly, etc.)

The staff is very knowledgeable and the classes are rhythmic and well taught.

Just trying hot yoga for the first time. Nice facility and teachers have been very helpful suggesting alternative poses for my old knee injuries. So far 4 – 5 stars! Try the one month $ 50 unlimited deal, or $ 25 two week unlimited. Classes are $ 25 each without a package so it’s a great deal!

My fabulous girlfriend suggested we try something different. Why not Hot Yoga! Actually I thought we were headed out for yogurt, but then ended up at Yoga! I play full court basketball 2 – 3 time s a week. I have found Yoga to be challenging and helpful with my flexibility and strength. We started off with the Hot 60 classes and have recently tried the Nova Sculpt class. Trust me that you need to start with the 1 lb. weights! While I had hoped to shed some pounds, I think I have traded some fat for muscle. Overall the studio and trainers are great. Kim really pushes you to get the most out of the class. Someone just did some interior decorating which really adds nicely to the studios atmosphere.

I was being nice when I wrote my previous review, I even waited over month to let my emotions calm down because of my bad experience here. Unilocal is a place for customers/​patrons to review the business based on how they FEEL about the place. So for the owner to tell me to put my feelings in check before writing a review is rude.

Love this studio. Been practicing over five years now and feel great so glad I found yoga helped me calm down slow down and stay healthy. After torn rotator cup and ripped meniscus surgery in 2011 my recovery was within 30 days all due to yoga and the heat is good for you internally and your skin! Clean, great teachers. Thank u Paulo!

I love this studio! I really like each of the instructors I have had. They are all really friendly and do a good job of both correcting your posture and complimenting a job well done. I’m also a huge fan of the classes; It’s nice to have such a variety. Even though the intensity varies a bit depending on the class or instructor, I always leave feeling like I’ve had a good workout. Overall, I would highly recommend this studio!

I’m addicted! This place is so clean it’s unreal! The instructors are fun and knowledgeable. I love the feeling I have when I leave. If you haven’t tried hot yoga you’re missing out! This is by far the best yoga studio I’ve ever been to.

I have been coming to this studio (which is in the best spot! a small, intimate place with great yoga threads, a rad floor, and clean showers) for almost a year so it’s about time I posted something about it!
The experience:
I remember the first hot yoga class I walked into, I was so nervous but immediately invigorated (my first class was with Paola, the co-​owner of the studio) after the initial breathing and have been coming back for more ever since. I feel rad! If you are scared of the heat, don’t be! Heat is your friend here and the instructors pay super close attention to the temperature in the studio and to every person in the room.
The instructors:
KIM– if you are crawling into this place at 5 in the morning to squeeze a practice in before your day begins, Kim is the best instructor to wake you up and bring your mind and body into a positive place. She is spunky, kind, funny, and in tune with everyone’s needs in the class. Not only does she have this teaching thing down, but after and before class she is there to talk to you and make you laugh. She rules! I remember the first time I saw Kim, she was trying on some sort of cute hippy denim belt in the dressing room that a student had made and brought her, simply because she (like I said before) RULES!!! When I see her sitting behind the desk when I walk in for practice, I get all stoked inside because I know my body is in for it.
PAOLA– Paola teaches an elegant class, that is the right word I think to describe her. She certainly has an extreme amount of knowledge and is more than willing to share it with all of her students! Every detail of the Asana’s are gracefully executed, every movement has meaning, and working with her can really polish your practice. She is full of tips for health and vitality too, she is always grinning, and she isn’t scared to tell you what she thinks might help your practice improve. She is excellent! And just so you know, that is sooooo her in the website photo!
John– This guy. If you want to know EXACTLY what every part of your body is doing during your practice, this is the best instructor to get stuck with. Stuck is not a bad thing! I always sweat so intensely in Johnathan’s classes. He is an intelligent, well-​spoken dude, with a degree in Human Physiology or some nerdy thing like that. He is also always practicing himself, I love seeing my instructors in class. Johnathan has to be one of my favorite teachers of any subject, period. I have learned a lot about my anatomy and the benefits I am receiving from hot yoga from him.
Ami– I know I am going to get my money’s worth when I walk into these next two ladies classes. AmI have had the most transcendental experiences in Ami’s class, there is just something about her, an all around zen that really seeps into the room. She is so smooth, every posture she takes you though has a lullaby-​esque rhythm that makes you drenched but also makes you want to curl up and go to sleep after class. She also tells the best stories during Savasana that make you feel immense gratitude for the practice.
May– Ok, so Kim is spunky. So is May. She is a firecracker of an instructor and she is always cracking me up while she pushes me and all of the other students into postures that we never thought we could get into before. She herself is one rad yogini, freakish flexibility. She speaks Japanese to some of the students in the class and if I am lucky I am there and I get to pick up a few words. I am lying, I don’t pick up any but it is still beautiful to hear during your practice. She is super complimentary too which I KNOW makes me a little snobby sounding, but I love being complimented. Who doesn’t? May’s classes make me feel pretty.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST–
I have to save Haesook for last because she is my favorite instructor. I don’t want to get on anyone’s bad side, and I love all of these teachers equally, but there is just something about Haesook for me! Her voice is what does it, I get super into myself in her classes, I am neither sad or happy, neither frustrated or taking it easy, but in this calm present medium place. It is hard to describe in words. I think I could write an entire thesis on the way hot yoga makes me feel. Haesook has always been the teacher I feel connected to the most. I have to say that I have spilled my guts to her, Paola, and Kim! They all give me hugs and tell me everything will be okay!
The extras:
The price is right, the practices are varied (you can take 90 minute classic classes or 1 – 1.5 hour zone specific classes like NovoCore and NovoSculpt)
They have KOMBUCHA… which rules (and not marked up too much either!)
IT’S HOT!
I started practicing hot yoga because my heart was broken and I just needed something to connect me with myself, and I have found that in this studio. I couldn’t imagine practicing anywhere else, and I wouldn’t want to. Every place is different and offers something special, but there is a vibe at The Hot Yoga Center that can not be topped

Have been going here almost seven years now and have been to many other studios locally and while out of town. This is STILL one of my favorite places. Yes there are other options around but this place is special. I’d much rather go to an independently owned studio versus a franchise, the training of the instructors, to me, is more intense and the attention is more personal. Kim is awesome — I know each time I get to go to one of her classes, I am going to be pushed– which I really appreciate. That’s the reason I go here– my mind and body like to be pushed. She always goes above and beyond to be helpful, she’s the BEST with a great positive attitude, and funny too!
The results are also phenomenal too, an extra bonus. I have NEVER had a bad experience here. The place is still clean and each and every teacher really cares about each and every student. Plus its SUPER clean. The flooring in the room sure makes a difference. It’s the best I’ve experienced in a studio.
The new Sculpt class is really FUN too– heat and fun? YES!!! Great music, good energy and good for the abs. Another bonus from all the types of yoga they offer here, good abs.
If you are afraid of the heat, everyone seems to be at first, I was. Took a year to get the courage to walk in here. That fades quickly and the body thrives from the heat. Could go on and on all day about this place but Unilocal doesn’t have enough space :)
Take any of their classes here, any instructor, you will be back for more.

This place was a very negative experience. When I signed up with Kim, who I believe is the owner, questioned whether or not I belonged there. When I told her I have been practicing for about a year at Core Power, and I asked how it compared to that studio… Kim said «I don’t know, I don’t work there» in a very snotty, arrogant, negative tone. For no reason really. First of all, you can simply say «I don’t know» in kindness. Why be rude? Secondly, why do you not know about one of the best Hot Yoga studios within a mile of your studio? It’s not really a dumb question.
Secondly, this instructor kim is very rude in class. Yelling at people and telling them they are doing poses wrong. I love a good yoga instructor who can come adjust your position or point out how you can improve. One simple adjustment can make a pose feel completely different and I love those types of instructors who want to help you grow and your practice. But this lady does not have an intention of love and helping you grow. There is an arrogance and negative Energy about her which fills the entire studio. I have never experienced a yoga instructor with such negative energy.
I did take a class with Haesook and she was a great instructor! You would be able to go to other classes with kind people who have good energy, if they published who the instructor is but they don’t have they type of advanced technology. You don’t really know whose teaching from the website. Other studios do publish each class and instructor.
Finally there is carpet in the studio… Yuck!
And no water fountains. When I asked for where the water fountain was located, the negative lady said «we don’t have one but you can buy a bottle of water»
That’s absurd to me. Seriously no water fountain at a HOT yoga studio?
Just drive a mile down the road to Core power yoga… It’s a way better experience, free water, amazing facilities and instructors.
Wish I could give it ZERO stars!
Ps… I’ve never given a 1 star before. It has to be very bad for me to even give 4 stars. But I really can’t let anyone think this place is good.
Please take a look at the response I received from the Paolo. It just exemplifies what I’m trying to express in my review.
Check out my other reviews… I never write a poor review as I am excited about almost every experience I have. I have a positive outlook on life and people… And it’s seen by all the 5 stars I give as an elite Unilocaler in this community. And my reviews are completely fair. So grateful that the response could completely back up my review.
No reply on the carpet or lack of water. Read Paolo’s responses to anyone who give a negative review. Just personal attacks.

I’ve done yoga on and off for about two years. Once I started coming here yoga has become a huge part of my life. The teachers are wonderful and very helpful. The yoga room is beautiful, calming and clean. It’s my happy plAce for sure. It is very reasonably priced and I love the challenges and monthly specials they do. It’s nice to go to a place where you know they care!
Thanks THYC!!!

Love this place, I tried the 7 days/​$ 20 intro package. I live 25 mins away but was always looking forward to coming here because it made me feel great and relaxed afterwards. Very knowledgeable and friendly instructors. They corrected my postures if Im not doing it right which is very important, I already injured my back and the last thing I wanted is to make it worse. I attended mostly the Hot ⁶⁰⁄₉₀ classes, the postures and the pace are just right, not too challenging, but not too easy either.
I tried other similar hot yoga classes in another studio only ½ the drive from my house but did not like it at all. I hated most of the postures feel like I was going to break my back doing it. I’m thinking to go back to THYC again, it’s a drive but totally worth it. Wish there’s another studio closer to the Gardena area I’d definitely be a super Yogi going there 7 days/​wk!
The price might seem a bit pricy at first (not the intro wk) but comparing to other studios in Torrance/​Manhattan/​Hermosa Bch it’s probably the cheapest I’ve seen so far.

2015 Update:
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you The Hot Yoga Center! I am loving the positive affects from the classes. Each teacher is a joy to work with and I am learning so much about life through yoga. What a cohesive group! Paola, Haesook, Kimberly, Mai, Jonathan, and Ami all take the time to explain any question I might have after class. They are supportive and respectful of the yoga process. Love supporting a local business that does so much for its community.
*******
Very Happy I am Practicing Yoga Here!
Quick Yoga Nitty Gritty from the eyes of someone new to hot yoga…
General Biz
*New Student special.
*Parking garage is convenient.
*Seasonal Specials pop up to help with $$.
*Lots of options for payment to suit your life style.
*Very clean!
*Showers available!
*Safe and secure.
*They give incentives and challenges to help motivate.
*Small business owner, so they take pride in all the small details.
*1^st Saturday of each month they have a seminar for new students.
Practice
*Every teacher is passionate about yoga and helping the students.
*Early morning classes available.
*Variety of classes available – Hot 90/​60, Novo Core, Yin, Power 1 & 2.
*This is a step you are taking for yourself. They understand that.
*They educate how each pose benefits your health and body. –Love learning that!
*Mindful of injuries and the breath.
*They are there for you. Each instructor is professional, respectful, gives you your space, and yet is receptive to help you in any way. All the teachers feel united in their teaching and approach.
*I am still new with yoga and feel as if they understand the process better than any other yoga place I checked out.
*No one offers me special Kool-​aid to drink – a plus!
Physical
*Changes are subtly drastic if you show up 3 to 5 times a week.
*First I dropped a quick 10 pounds– now I see my body reshaping itself.
*Muscles are toning.
*More conscious of food choices.
*My skin is much softer, no need for lotion.
Griping
*Wish each instructor would say their name at the beginning of class so I can show the same respect they show me when I arrive (helps me hear any unique names, that I may have trouble pronouncing)
*No air conditioning –Hey, I’m joking!
I am beyond content that I have been practicing at this studio and am jazzed with their knowledge and passion. Thank you for creating such a welcoming space!

To my surprise this place does not smell. Think about it, 105 degrees, sweat, and a workout. Why shouldn’t it smell? The owners really do know how to keep this place clean.
I have been going to this yoga studio for about a month and I really do enjoy the classes offered there. I would highly recommend this studio to anyone that is interested in hot yoga.
Only downside is that it is a little pricy. Be sure to check their website. They often post different specials on their website.