Kelly Brown is the owner of a new, multi-sensory ‘hot yoga’ studio, which opens at Castle Quarter in Norwich at the end of June. Here, she explains why she and her partner Devon made the move from London during the pandemic
Partners Devon and Kelly discovered a mutual love for Hotpod Yoga in 2019 while living and working in London. During the pandemic, they decided it was time for a change of pace and lifestyle and moved to Norwich to pursue their dream business. ‘Living hectic lives in London, we tried Hotpod Yoga and both fell in love with how amazing the classes made us feel,’ says Kelly.
‘Our shoulders felt a little less tense and our minds calmer, and we soon realised that there was more to look forward to on a Monday night than being one step closer to the weekend. During lockdown, we had that realisation that we wanted a change in lifestyle and to pursue an exciting new opportunity.’
The result is a Hotpod Yoga studio in Norwich, due to open in Castle Quarter at the end of June. Kelly, who will own and operate the studio with Devon, says it will bring a one-of-a-kind experience that caters to all levels of yoga ability, from complete beginners to long time practitioners through its adaptable vinyasa-based flow.
She adds: ‘Norwich has such a relaxed, friendly vibe and Devon spent a lot of time here as a child, so we knew we wanted to launch it here. We can’t wait for everyone to try it and reap the many benefits of a hot yoga class.’
As the latest business to join Castle Quarter, Hotpod Yoga will add a multi-sensory yoga experience to the centre’s growing leisure and lifestyle offering, giving visitors another way to spend time relaxing, unwinding and meeting with friends.
Classes will run seven days a week, and while work is taking place behind the scenes to create the studio, the owners are busy searching for local yoga teachers to join their team.
So, what can Castle Quarter visitors expect when signing up for a class? Kelly explains: ‘On entering our patented inflatable pod, your senses are greeted by a low purple hue, rhythmic beats, aromatic scents and of course our pièce de resistance, the 37-degree heat.’
‘We’re really aiming to offer something for everyone, whether that’s an electrician struggling with back pain, best friends looking for an alternative way to get together on a Friday night, or people who have enjoyed yoga for years and want to take their practice further. We like to challenge you in our classes, but we also don’t take ourselves too seriously. The class is whatever you make of it, and our aim is to help you to feel your best. If you want, you can push yourself and work up a sweat, which you most definitely will in the 37-degree heat, or you can spend the hour relaxing and taking some time out for yourself, either is very welcome.’
Rob Bradley, centre manager for Castle Quarter adds: ‘We’re very excited to be welcoming Hotpod Yoga to Castle Quarter and the city. It offers a completely different way to exercise and socialise, giving people time and space to switch off, unwind and relax. Anyone who is curious about the benefits of hot yoga can try a free taster session during launch weekend to experience the studio’s lights, scents, and warmth of the hot pod, while helping to raise money for local mental health charity, Mind. We’re cannot wait to see it open and for the temperature gauge to go up a notch here at Castle Quarter.’
The new Hotpod Yoga studio will be based at Castle Quarter, on level two, next to Moya Bubble Tea just inside the Castle Meadow entrance. Hotpod Yoga free taster sessions will take place on June 25 and 26. Classes must be pre-booked and there is an optional charge of £5 – all money raised will be donated to Great Yarmouth and Waveney Mind. To find out more or to book a spot on the open weekend, visit Hotpod Yoga (bookings go live on June 1).
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