New to BHYW or Yoga? Start Here!

1. New around here? Please create your user profile (and snag your intro offer) right here. Or, download the BHYW app.

2. Are you managing an illness or injury and not sure which class is for you? See class descriptions, or email Debbie.

3. Answers to FAQs are below.

For everyone’s safety and peace of mind, phones are not permitted in either of the yoga rooms and the outside doors are locked at the start of class!

(Please arrive early.)

Frequently Asked Questions

[/fusion_text]Congratulations on your decision to begin a yoga practice! We recommend that nearly everyone start with the Classic 26&2 hot yoga. This practice is designed for both beginners and experienced students. The heat helps aid flexibility and the postures are accessible to everyone – even people recovering from injuries – with very few modifications. This practice is balanced, moves at a moderate pace, and will leave you feeling terrific!

The only people for whom we do not recommend starting with the 26&2 are people who are pregnant, people with medical conditions that are triggered or worsened by heat, and people with un-medicated high blood pressure or untreated heart conditions.

If the 26&2 is not accessible to you because of one of the conditions listed above, or you are seeking non-heated yoga specifically, we recommend that you begin with Gentle Yoga. Full class descriptions are here.

Please follow your physician’s guidance with regard to any form of exercise, and be sure to let your instructor know about any injuries or conditions that may affect your practice.

No, but we do recommend it! If you’ve never been to our studio before, please create a profile before you come in. You can do that here or via the app.

We offer both hot and non-heated classes. Classes on the schedule in the Hot Room vary from 95 to 105 degrees, depending on the practice. Classes on the schedule in the Blue Room are typically between 72 and 74 degrees.

Hot classes include the Classic 26&2, 26&2 Express, 26&2 60, Yoga Beats, Core and Cardio HIIT classes, Hot Vinyasa, and BOSS yoga. Non-heated classes are Yin Yoga, Roll Stretch Strengthen (RSS), Gentle Yoga and Yoga Nidra. Learn more about the classes here.

The heat in a hot yoga class enhances circulation, making muscles pliable and less susceptible to injury. Warmer temperatures in a hot yoga class produce a more fluid stretch, allowing for greater range of motion. Cold muscles don’t absorb shock and impact as well and do not stretch as easily.

ALL 26&2 classes are heated to 105 degrees with 40% + humidity. Hot Vinyasa, Core and Cardio HIIT, and BOSS Yoga are typically between 96 and 98 degrees with slightly higher humidity.

Daily practice is recommended. Practicing your first 30 days as close together as possible is encouraged. That said, every class brings great benefits!

Every one of our classes – even hot yoga! – is suitable for people of any age, any shape. You come to yoga practice to gain flexibility!

Please arrive early and inform the instructor of any injuries, illnesses, or other issues so that we can do our best to let your practice serve you.

The practice of 26&2 during the first trimester is not recommended unless you’ve had a strong, regular 26&2 practice before pregnancy. Please discuss this exercise with your physician before attending class. Please inform the instructor if you are pregnant; we will guide you through the modified postures.

Wear light, comfortable clothing that feels good to stretch and sweat in. Tank tops and shorts are recommended for hot classes. Additionally, for hot classes, be sure to bring a change of clothes for after class. Showers are available.

The use of music varies depending on the style of the class. 26&2 classes do not include music, except for Yoga Beats. Other yoga classes may include ambient music at the instructor’s discretion.

That said, we love music and a party atmosphere, Core and Cardio HIIT classes are loud and fun, with a strong beat to keep you going.

Drink plenty of water and avoid eating for 2-3 hours before class.

Please bring a yoga mat and a large towel to place over the mat, and water to drink. Mats and towels are available to rent at the studio and water is available for purchase. But, most important, bring an open mind and your sense of humor!

In the 26&2, the majority of students have everything they need without any external props. However, we do occasionally recommend the short-term use of props during recovery from certain injuries. Please speak with your instructor before class about the use of props.

We have props available for our other yoga classes (which traditionally make use of them), however you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

Teenagers 17 and under may attend with permission from a parent or guardian. Teenagers 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Please contact the studio for more information.

A Practice with Benefits

Get Happy!

Yoga isn’t just an exercise system. It has many mental health benefits. Research suggests that yoga improves happiness levels, thereby promoting quality of life. (1)

Conquer Insomnia

Studies indicate that practicing yoga improves sleep quality across several measures (such as waking up throughout the night), and sleep efficiency. (2)

Balance

You will have more energy throughout your day and be better able to accomplish your daily responsibilities.

Supercharge Your Libido.

(if that’s your thing.) Need we say more?

Glow

Remember, your skin is the largest organ of elimination! Your body uses sweating to detoxify, and it makes your skin glow.

Focus

You may experience decreased stress, be more efficient with your time, and notice increased clarity and ability to focus on tasks.

Confidence

When you commit to a regular hot yoga practice with our series, you experience an empowerment that comes from knowing you are more in control of your health and overall well-being.

Structural Stability

With practice, students become physically stronger, improve posture, and they carry themselves differently. You will become mentally stronger, confident, focused, and less stressed. Mind–body exercise, such as yoga, might be the optimal exercise type to increase the bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and femoral neck, and the practice of yoga has been shown to increase bone density and decrease the incidence of osteoporosis. (3)

Rid Yourself of Regular Backaches

Yoga is a healing and therapeutic practice when taught consciously and practiced correctly. The most recent American College of Physicians guidelines on the treatment of low back pain (LBP) included yoga as a treatment option. (4)

Body Awareness

As you begin to enhance the definition in your musculature and regulate healthy body weight, you will see your body take on a new, more toned shape that fits better in clothes and feels and functions better.

(1) Singh, V., Yaduvanshi, P., & Singh, K. (2021). A STUDY OF FACTORS AFFECTING THE LEVEL OF HAPPINESS AMONGST PRACTITIONERS OF YOGA, AEROBICS AND WALKING DURING CORONA LOCKDOWN. International Journal of Research -GRANTHAALAYAH, 9(3), 338–346. https://doi.org/10.29121/granthaalayah.v9.i3.2021.3829

(2) Verma, K., Singh Deepeshwar, & Srivastava, A. (2023). Comparative impact of yoga and ayurveda practice in insomnia: A randomized controlled trial. PubMed, 12, 160–160. https://doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jehp_1489_22

(3) Zhang, S., Huang, X., Zhao, X., Li, B., Cai, Y., Liang, X., & Wan, Q. (2021). Effect of exercise on bone mineral density among patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia: a systematic review and network meta‐analysis. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 31(15-16). https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.16101

(4) Chou, R., Deyo, R., Friedly, J., Skelly, A., Hashimoto, R., Weimer, M., Fu, R., Dana, T., Kraegel, P., Griffin, J., Grusing, S., & Brodt, E. D. (2017). Nonpharmacologic Therapies for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review for an American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline. Annals of Internal Medicine, 166(7), 493. https://doi.org/10.7326/m16-2459

Welcome to Baltimore Hot Yoga & Wellness!

You’ll find classes at BHYW for every body. We offer both hot and non-heated classes. Click here for detailed class descriptions.

We recommend that nearly everyone start with our Classic or Express 26&2 (Bikram Method) 90- or 75-minute Hot Yoga Series. This class is designed for true beginners and experienced yogis alike. It provides a balanced practice that builds strength, flexibility, and endurance.

Our hot yoga is HOT, so come to class well hydrated. You don’t have to be in shape to try your first hot yoga class. Come as you are and give our hot yoga series a chance to work – at least five to seven classes before you decide if it’s right for you. This is why we offer such a GREAT introductory deal: 20 days of unlimited yoga for just $49!

After the initial month, practicing three to four times weekly is the best way to get the most benefits. The more classes you take, the sooner the benefits come your way. So, what are you waiting for? Come in and take your first class – be prepared to sweat like crazy and see how this yoga can change your life, improve your health, and even be FUN!

Here are some things to keep in mind for your first hot classes:

  • As a beginner, it is normal to feel a bit intimidated. All classes are for all levels, so you will be surrounded by other beginners, as well as people who have been practicing for many years.
  • With consistent practice and patience your practice will improve.

  • It is normal to feel very challenged by the yoga. Some days you may feel a little dizzy, nauseated or even light-headed.
  • Take care of yourself, every day will be different.
  • Take your second class within 24 hours of your first class.
  • Come as many times as you can in the first 30 days and you will notice a change, we promise!
  • Drink plenty of water before your first class and between classes. Drink WAY more water than you think you should.
  • Do not eat for 2-3 hours before class.
  • Do your best to stay in the room. Take as many breaks as you need by sitting or laying down quietly on your mat.
  • Come a few minutes early to get acclimated to the hot room. Stay and relax after class to get all the wonderful healing benefits from the 90 minutes of hard work you put in.
  • All you have to do is try!
  • Practicing a minimum of three times a week is best, but one day a week is always better then none.
  • Thank yourself just for showing up and remember it is yoga practice not yoga perfection!

Yoga Etiquette: Respect for Yourself and Others

  • No phones in the yoga rooms! Yoga rooms are a phone-free zone, and instructors will ask you to remove your phone. (We recognize that occasionally there are urgent or on-call situations that necessitate having a phone nearby. Please inform the instructor prior to class.)
  • Arrive 15-20 minutes before your first class. Doors are LOCKED promptly at the start of class for everyone’s safety. Latecomers will not be admitted.
  • No shoes or socks in the hot room.
  • No perfume or cologne! During the practice, we breathe through the nose and those around you may be sensitive to fragrance. If you are wearing perfume or cologne, please rinse it off before class.
  • Practice your stillness and discipline between postures.
  • Do your best to stay in the room. This minimizes distractions. Take as many breaks as you need by sitting or laying down quietly on your mat.
  • Please observe silence at all times in the yoga room, before, during, and after class. Baltimore Hot Yoga & Wellness has a lounge where you can visit with your new yoga buddies.
  • Please do not bring extra items into the hot room. All you need is your mat, towel, and water. Collect all your belongings before you leave.
  • Respect yourself, respect others. Smile, have fun, and enjoy yourself!

More aware from the first breath, stronger from the first stretch!

Baltimore County’s friendliest yoga studio is Baltimore Hot Yoga & Wellness.