If you’ve walked through the Castle Quarter in Norwich and glanced at the old Thomson travel shop recently, you may have spotted something strange behind the window. Instead of brochures and desks, there’s a huge purple inflatable tent sitting in the middle of the unit.
That’s Hotpod Yoga Norwich. From the outside, it does look slightly strange. But once you step inside, it starts to make much more sense. What seems a bit odd at first quickly feels welcoming, well organised and calm.
If you’re thinking of giving it a try, everything starts online. You need to book and pay in advance through the Hotpod Yoga website, where you can browse the timetable and see which classes are available. Sessions are usually either 45 minutes or an hour long, and there are different levels to choose from depending on how confident you feel. When I first started, I booked a nurturing flow class, which was a lovely introduction. If you’re completely new, it’s worth mentioning that to the yogi before the class begins. They’ll make sure you have what you need and help you settle in.
Preparing for class
It’s a good idea to arrive around 15 minutes early so you have time to get changed, put your things away and find a space before the session starts. Shoes come off at the door, which helps keep the space clean, and there are changing areas and shelves for your belongings. The whole setup feels thought through. Although the studio looks unusual, it runs smoothly and never feels chaotic.
In terms of what to bring, mats and blocks are provided, which makes life easier. The website recommends bringing your own yoga towel, although you can hire one if you forget. Water is also a must, because the classes do get hot. Bottles are sold at the studio, but most people bring their own and refill them at the water fountain. As for clothes, light workout gear is the norm. Leggings, shorts and sports bras are all common, and breathable fabrics definitely help because you will sweat.
The Hotpod Yoga experience
The class itself takes place inside Hotpod’s signature inflatable pod, which is heated to 37°C. Yes, it’s warm, but I’ve found it helps my muscles loosen more quickly than they would in a regular class. When you go in, you choose a spot for your mat before the session starts. Over time, I’ve realised I prefer being in the middle of the pod, because the heaters are positioned around the edges and those spots can feel a little more intense.
Once everyone has arrived, the doors to the retail unit are locked, so your belongings are secure while you’re in class. Then the pod is zipped closed to keep the heat in, and the outside world fades away surprisingly quickly.
What I like about Hotpod Yoga is that the classes feel accessible, even when they’re physically challenging. There’s no pressure to keep up or push beyond what feels manageable. You can take things at your own pace, pause when you need to and ease back in when you’re ready.
The sessions I’ve attended tend to begin gently. You usually start low to the ground, in savasana or child’s pose, before gradually building into stronger stretches and more demanding movements. You come away feeling as though you’ve done something physically demanding, but also restorative.
One of my favourite parts is the moment you step outside afterwards. After a session in the pod, the cool air feels amazing. There’s a slightly buzzy, clear-headed feeling that kicks in and it’s one of the reasons I keep going back.
That post-class feeling is helped by the fact that the studio has showers and changing rooms on site. If you’re heading back to work or carrying on with the rest of your day, that makes a big difference. I’ve been to both lunchtime and evening classes, and having somewhere to cool down and reset afterwards is genuinely useful.
The practical stuff
Hot yoga is not the cheapest activity, which is understandable when you think about the cost of running a heated space like this. A single class costs £15, although the price drops if you buy bundles. There’s also a referral scheme, so if you use a referral code when you book your first class, you get a free session and the person who referred you receives credit towards a future class. If you’d like to use mine, the code is 7HL3CN.*
In terms of location, Hotpod Yoga Norwich is based on Level 2 of Castle Quarter, right in the middle of the city, so it’s easy to get to. You can park in the Castle Quarter car park, come in by bus or cycle and use the bike racks outside the shopping centre.
From the outside, the purple pod might look odd. But once you’re through the door, it quickly becomes clear why people keep coming back. The classes are welcoming, well run and easy to adapt to your own level, whether you’re completely new to yoga or already fairly confident.
If you’re curious about hot yoga, or simply fancy trying something a bit different, it’s well worth stepping inside and seeing what the fuss is about.
*I’ve paid for my own classes at Hotpod Yoga. This referral code simply gives new visitors a free session and helps support the blog.
