Sweaty yoga, mmm lovely. I actually enjoyed this class a lot more than I thought I would. I hate humidity and my rubbish Celtic skin burns at the first sight of sun (good job I live in London, eh?) so I've never been particularly good with heat in general but I actually adored these classes. I have never felt so relaxed in all my life and was mesmerised by the fact that it is so hot in here you sweat from places you never knew you could sweat from..."oh look at that my hand is sweating!" This studio, however, has lost out on two of my beautiful stars for one BIG reason: the changing facilities. Seeing as they fit about 75 people into a class - predominantly women - they really should be looking into larger changing facilities to accommodate everyone. At £13 a class (it may have even gone up by now) it's really not on to then cram all of us into the cupboard-sized changing room, all lovely and sweaty from our class, clambering over one another to find our belongings and get showered and changed...this is all starting to sound a bit wrong. I don't want to get all zenned-out and calm only to then have someone's sweaty armpit (or worse) in my face while I try and dig my belongings out and get changed in a room that is perhaps hotter than the one I have just done a Bikram class in. It does nothing for my relaxation and I may as well have just got on the baking Victoria Line during rush hour - just as hot and just as stressful! I actually took these classes on a £10 for 10 days offer but was reluctant to sign up afterwards for the full whack because of the changing situation. Perhaps if I was able to go during the day when it might be less busy I may be inclined to join as a full paying member. Such a shame. read more

I'd heard about the new craze of doing yoga in sauna like settings being even better for you than normal yoga, so I decided to sign up to their offer of 10 days for £10 and give it a go. Anything that doesn't involve going to the gym sounds good to me. I went to the 7pm class after work and it was packed. We were literally lying like sardines on mats in the studio, a bit odd as they don't seem to have a numbers policy, instead just packing in as many people as possible which is very un-Zen. I was told to lie a few rows back so that I could see what other people were doing and after feeling quite happy about finding a good spot I nervously began to settle down, until CRINGE, the hottest guy in the whole of the room walks in and puts his towel right behind mine, where he was going to get a very good view of my big fat ass for 90 minutes. Oh well, it was too late to move as there wasn't any room to move, ANYWHERE. Our teacher, "Bridgette Ann, that's BA!" from the U.S was a very upbeat woman (who doesn't believe in shaving) from Chicago. Their website makes a point of saying that you can be new to yoga, but most of the people in this class were amazing, bending about like Stretch Armstrong and BA wasn't going to take no for an answer to any of her instructions so the pressure was on... The room is kept at 40°C so as you move through the 26 positions you sweat tremendously. Some people were actually dripping. I did my best and it felt surprisingly good, the more moves I did, the more my whole body seemed to ease up and before I knew it I was stretching into positions that I didn't even know existed. I did see stars at one point, but BA! assured me that this was "just fine!". Afterwards I felt serene, probably because I was completely lightheaded and dehydrated, but I do think my worries had sweated away along with half my body weight. My skin also felt wonderfully soft so at least you get your moneys worth with a sauna and a work out in one. Disappointingly, the single changing room is a minute box and we all had to change in embarrassingly close proximity. The 4 showers are also communal so I gave those a miss after seeing BA! and her organic armpits disappearing into the steam. The whole thing was far too reminiscent of school games lessons. The 90 minute classes are fantastic, but this studio really needs to sort out it's space issues both in class and the changing room by cutting down the numbers. Try going in the morning instead to avoid the crush. read more

Amazing little Hot Bikram Yoag studio that offers a range of classes and an introductory offer (20 days for £35). Tucked away in the center of Balham the studio is also very easy to get to. I've been coming to this studio for about three years and haven't found another that beats it! They've recently had a refurbishment so the changing rooms/toilets/reception area now look very modern and fresh. They have a lot of great teachers and the staff are always friendly. The room is pretty well ventilated but the heat/humidity will vary depending on how many people are in the class. You might get a bit of fresh air if the teacher decides to open the back door for a few seconds! There are mirrors at the front and right hand side of the class so that everyone can work on their posture - which is also pretty useful for newcomers as they can easily follow the more experienced students. If you haven't tried it before - give it a go! The hardest part is staying in the room for the first time but an enjoyable challenge - enjoy! read more

As someone who doesn't normally enjoy being hot I have always given this place a wide berth. The super special deal of 10 consecutive days for £10 actually made me give it a go. The staff are so accommodating and help ease any nerves. The studio is fantastic and not like any yoga studio I have ever been to before. It's clean and well organised. Right now the classes are pretty full due to the special offer, but don't let that put you off as amazingly it still works. read more

I discovered Bikram yoga 2 months ago and have attended classes at this Balham studio almost every day since. The heat is a lot to take in at first and some days will feel hotter than others depending on the instructor, class population and outside weather factors. Once I attended a few classes, however, my mind started to move beyond the heat and focused instead on my increasing flexibility and strength. I think after 6 classes I was hooked. Pros: great introductory £15 10-day-unlimited deal, the instructors (Paul and Simi are my favorites), frequency of classes offered Cons: evening classes can be a bit crowded, the ladies changing room is overcrowded I definitely recommend trying Bikram at this studio to see if it's for you! read more

A fantastic Bikram studio located in the middle of the backstreet Balham. Located in an alleyway in beside the smelly fish shop in the market this is an excellent studio built in 2008 and opened in the July of that year I beleive. The reception is small, but welcoming with about 5 seating places. The changing rooms are adequate and I have found mostly a 50/50 male female split for classes here in the evening, but the majority female basis is kept for early morning and daytime classes from my month long membership expereince recently. Everything here is sparkling clean as you would expect as the staff are not just friendly and polite, but take pride in their job or keeping this centre are fresh and new as they can. I like this studio because it has good teachers, clean facilities, warm showers and importantly a window above part of the roof which gives me something to focus on as dark early mornings turn light. It is a unique feature that I appreactiate. It is about £13 a session, which lasts 90 minutes, but I paid for a unlimited monthly membership of which I found it good to go to a session every other day. So one might be at 8:45pm followed by 36 hours later by a 6:30am session. Others are available but these are unsuitable if you are working. If you havent tried it, give it a go at £10 for 10 days unlimited, the hardest part at first is staying in the 100+F room for the whole session. Good luck! read more

Hot Bikram Yoga offers a great range of classes in clean, friendly and spacious studios. All of the teachers I have practiced with have been good, with some of them clearly very experienced and offering their own (very slight) variations on the usual Bikram patter. The room is well ventilated and the air rarely feels too oppressively hot, though I did make the mistake of taking a mat near the picture of Bikram himself and it was incredibly hot, although you do sometimes get a breeze of air when the instructors open the door a little. The introductory deal at £35 for 20 days is good, though I would appreciate the £30/£35 for 30 days that lots of places did used to offer (grrr inflation). That said, if you're new to Bikram, 20 days will usually be enough to test out whether you can make it a regular part of your life or not. They reccomend going at least 3 times a week to really see a change in your body and practice and I'd agree with that. Chances are you'll get hooked once you do. I'm a regular yoga practitioner, but tend to stick to Vinyasa styles as I far prefer the flowing, variety of those classes, BUT Bikram does play a part in my routine. I also run 3 times a week and am prone to injury, so I use Bikram to keep me supple and relatively injury free. I do honestly believe that a twice weekly practice has helped me on that front. Only reason I am giving 4 stars is because the changing rooms are just too small to make the morning classes viable. I would love to be able to go to a class, shower and then go straight to work, but I think I'd end up sweatier from hustling around the changing room than I would from the actual class... read more

I discovered Bikram Yoga in June and became instantly hooked, and after my trial period at Wimbledon ran out and finances not being too clever, I thought I'd try the very reasonable introductory offer at Balham. What a contrast. The reception staff are at best disinterested. The waiting area is tiny, and to queue for classes you're shoe-horned into a tiny corridor whilst the (very sweaty) yogis from the previous class have to squeeze past you to get out. The mats are laid out literally side by side and you can't help but touch your neighbours during peak classes, because the room is filled to beyond capacity. I'm not claustrophobic but I certainly felt it, in the middle of ?56 people in 40 degree heat. (Only marginally less so when I and the same number of people all attempted to retrieve our shoes at the same time at the end of class in the tiny waiting area). The teachers however are excellent. The changing facilities are clean and adequate. But if you like more than a few centimetres of personal space, and friendly staff throughout, I can thoroughly recommend the Wimbledon centre. read more

I've never tried Bikram Yoga as I tend to do more pilates for my marathon running - however, I do buy most of my builder bars here. I've always found the staff really friendly and helpful here. Special mention to Dino who has helped me out in the past. read more

After practising bikram in a number of different studios I was expecting great things from Hot Bikram Yoga after hearing and reading reviews. But when they pack 50+ into one class, then I wonder who really is getting the benefit out of this? The students or the owners bank accounts. I mean, seriously, if you can't stretch out in the exercises or even see the mirror in front of you, then it's time to question the studio's priorities. I did the 10 day pass at the start (a great introduction and great price), but didn't go back. I bought up the large amount of students in class but the staff didn't seem too fussed. Having said that, the teachers did a good job with the numbers, but don't expect too much help or advice in the class - the teachers just probably can't see you through the crowd. read more

I usually practise Ashtanga and Vinyasa yoga but I thought I'd give Bikram a go. Its quite different from the other yoga practises and didn't seem to folw as much but that may be because I'm not used to it. There were too many students in the class (42) so it does feel quite cramped. I was a new student (2nd class) and the teacher (Paul) stopped the class to demonstrate what I was doing wrong in the posture. He made an example of me a few times and I felt quite embarrassed. I would be unlikely to return after this experience. read more

Great place to try Bikram for the first time. The teacher was very patient and it wasn't nearly as smelly in there as I had anticipated!

Having suffered some major injuries from a R T A a few years ago, my body movements were limited. Since joining Hot yoga Balham I can honestly say that with the help of the staff especially Paul I have gained more control and flexibility, The heat was almost unbearable for the first few weeks ,but it was this heat that also helped in putting my body into poses I believed it could not go to. A great find and all the staff are 100% helpful I highly recommend HOT YOGA SOUTH read more

I hate this studio. My reasons are the same as other people's here, but I'll list them anyway. I went there for several months, because it's nearby and because I paid for a chunk of sessions. I'm not even sure I ever used them all up, but I can't bear going again. Here's why - 1. The wait before the class. We all have to wait outside in the corridor while the staff lay out the yoga mats on the floor. At other Bikram studios I've been to, we were allowed to acclimatise by sitting in the hot room for a while before class began. We laid our own mats out (the Balham staff lay them out practically touching, so you have no choice but to be stuffed in there like sardines). It really helps, in Bikram, to sit in the studio for 10 or so minutes before class to adjust to the heat. But you can't do that at Balham: you have to cram into the tiny, tiny, tiny corridor, then get a few minutes to adjust to the heat before class starts. Rubbish. 2. Too! many! people! The classes are RAMMED. Seriously unpleasant. You can't fully relax into the sequence when you're trying not to poke your neighbour up the bum. 3. They open the DOOR. In the studio. During the class. The door that opens onto the alleyway. Outside. They open the door to cool the class down a bit. IT'S HOT YOGA. WTF? If you're standing by the door, you get cold, fast. So on one occasion I shut it, because I was by the door and I was bloody cold, and the instructor was really rude. He said "If you don't like the cold draught, you shouldn't come here." Seriously. I filed a complaint, and the manager said that yes, they open the door to cool the studio down to correct temperature when it gets too hot. Unbelievable. The temperature is key, and they shouldn't be operating with a heating/cooling system that doesn't work. I give them one star for the showers and the overall decor, which would all be thoroughly enjoyable if they cut the number of people in there. read more

I went for the first time last week. My osteopath recommended a yoga class and I'd heard people talk of the Hot Bikram class. My first impression was two rather disinterested staff on reception who reeled off the "welcome" speech with as much empathy and interest as a Budget Airlines check-in desk. The on-line bumf had asked me to inform my class instructor of any injuries. I asked to speak to the instructor and explained that I had injured my pelivs 8 weeks ago so was simply told to "pace myself" and "not to do anything I couldn't manage". Not exactly rocket science, girls! The class was deemed to be a "small one" - at 5pm on a weekday. Once they had managed to cram approximately 35 of us into the room (56 being considered a large class) I began to feel that 56 in the same floorspace would have been a complete nightmare. As it was, I could touch my neighbouring classmate's arms and toes in all directions. I didn't have a problem with the heat - as I was towards the back of the class. The instructor suggested that it was better for beginners to place themselves way back (where we can't see the one person who should be showing us what to do???!!) and simply copy what the person in front of us was doing. Umm - what happens if she/he doesn't know what she is doing either? What happens if she/he is doing the movement WRONG!? I couldn't even see my own reflection in the mirrors to monitor how my movements looked. After the class we were advised to lie on the mats for a couple of minutes (so the instructor could get ahead of us in the showers!). On exiting the class, the tiny corridor was lined each side with those 56+ queueing for the next class and we had to squash and slime our way past them and into the horribly tiny weeny changing area where girls and women of all shapes and sizes were squelching around, skin to skin with each other, naked and semi-naked, trying to bend down to get clothes, bags, coats etc. and progress into the equally tiny showers (I never managed to get into them as I found the whole experience too repulsive for words!). It was disgusting, degrading and an utterly miserable end to the class. People were queueing out of the door and into the alley - luckily it wasn't raining. The area for shoes is also in the reception area which is bang inside the entrance door. Another 10 minute wait whilst people squashed around, tottering about trying to get shoes and sit down to put them on - difficult as the pathetically few seats in reception were occupied by yet more people queueing for the income class. I can only assume, Olga (owner) is more motivated by money than the benefits that the class is supposed to impart to its members. I have read the reviews above and can see that the Balham studio is no better. I will not be taking up Olga's miserable experience in either! I have lived in London for 26 years - travelled on the tube in 90 degree squashed up with another 30 sweating Londoners and found it a disgusting and stressful experience. Why would anyone have the audacity to charge people for a similar experience under the gentle name of Yoga. Unhygenic, unpleasant, humiliating, degrading and never to be repeated aftermath of a class. I have started lessons in a respectable class - small numbers and with sufficient changing areas for those members attending. read more

I've been to the Balham studio a fair few times and I have mixed reviews. I love Bikram yoga but not enough to be packed in like sardines and have someone else's foot in my face - the studio at 5:30/6pm is very overcrowded and I expect more for a £13 fee. After the class the changing room is also jam packed , you can hardly move for elbowing people as you get dressed. I had to leave the last class I went to...I know all the advice tells you not to but I was feeling ill and faint. After trying to stick it out for 10 minutes I requested to leave only to be reprimanded by the instructor in front of the rest of the class - I was embarrassed and definitely don't expect that as a customer. I complained via email to the studio but didn't hear back - for these reasons I would never go back. read more

The hot yoga is ok, as it can be, but the costumer service in this place is dreadful! If you call.. forget it! They won't pick up your call. If you email.. forget it.. they will get back to you, if they do, after 2 working days. I have paid for 15 days class, to try out the bikram yoga studios (I'm used to going to Firce Grace which is great!), and every time I try to sign up for a class (yep, you have to sign up, because it's packed with people) the website always asks me to pay again for the class, therefore I can't sign up.. end up loosing the opportunity. Ah.. other thing is.. if you don't like very busy places, or if you would like to have a proper yoga experience, meaning relaxing while at the same time hard work, this is not the place for you! The teachers have to deal witth small rooms packed with 70 - 90 people! I'm very used to hot yoga, but in this studio I felt really bad.. too many people = no air to breath! Terrible! read more

I used to go here. Loved the concept to help me prepare for a hip replacement plus given at the age of 38 I was diagnosed with arthritis. I was in a class and yelping for joy inside when I got into a position and the guy leading the class was yelling at me a lot of the time when I lent against the wall to help me balance. Class two when I did the same thing again and lent for balance to gain strength I decided to also lie down after the class in the heat with some others for a moment, had to then get up and leave the class. Tutor was abusive and shouted across the class of 40 plus, Whats your excuse, I said arthritis and walked out. read more

I think, Bikram yoga is amazing!!! balham studio is best studio in London!

I love Bikram Yoga it is the best thing since sliced bread and I have since reduced the amount of bread I eat. My recent experience concerns the attitude of certain members of the reception staff at the London Bridge studio. Face to face Customer Service really matters when you spend a lot of money for services, paying your dues ensures employment for staff and I am happy to be a part of that. To say that a couple of the receptionists are stuck up is an understatement. They forget what their role actually is and how they deal with difficult customers is actually a mark of their professionalism and a marker of their humanity. I encountered such at my last visit and it was a shame. I arrived to find the receptionist talking rather loudly and shrilly to a prospective student (to whom English was a second language) in a rather patronising way. There also happened to be one woman, to the right of the prospective student, who seemed to have been waiting a little longer than she expected. There was also another woman behind the student in the queue, myself then a gentleman behind me. The receptionist refused to acknowledge that there were others in the queue, to whom a simple quick nod of acknowledgement would have sufficed. The woman to the right of the prospective student, then managed to get the attention of the receptionist by proffering her barcode, which the receptionist took, swiped and handed back. Quick and simple and that customer was happy. Ah I thought, what a good idea, as it seemed that the explanation to the new student would take some time. I noticed that the student in front of me had a card and I had my barcode. For some reason I thought I could just show my bar-code in the same manner as the other woman and that would be that. Not so. I understand that my impatience prompted my action, however, with no acknowledgement from the receptionist I thought that she was very rude in ignoring the growing queue. Because of my impatient action, I received a dirty look and a sniped response that she was helping this lady. She then finished, at last, her explanation, moved on to the next customer, then it was my turn. The receptionist snatched the bar-code from my hand, gave me another dirty look, swiped my card then slapped my bar-code onto the reception desk top. I apologised for my haste and then said to her that she needn't have snatched the code in the manner that she did. For my apology I received a sarcastic smile and a further dirty look. The bitterness and nastiness with which she dealt with me because I had made that mistake, left me feeling quite sick. I am in a Yoga studio with a bitter and nasty receptionist. Go figure that one out. Most companies know the benefits of teaching staff to deal with difficult people and those that have taken those steps see their profits rise and complaints reduced. read more

I have now been to Bikram Balham a few times, first making use of the 10 days for £10 offer and then last night, when I paid £13 (plus £1 for a towel and £1 for a bottle of water). Bikram sure ain't cheap. The studio is nice and the staff welcoming however there is something not quite right with the atmosphere of the place. It has always been packed.too packed, getting into the studio involves queing in a narrow corridor waiting for the previous class of sweaty bodies to vacate the studio and squeeze past you - covering you in their sweat before you've even started. The changing room is tiny and there are only two toilets situated down the short narrow corridor, it is constant grid lock. The vibe is quite competative. Every other yoga class I have been to over the past few years (ashtanga, hatha, iyenga) has always supported the 'no pain on the mat' theory of Ahimsa - Bikram seems more determined to see you reach the final position than any other I have encountered. Strangely the regulars are encouraged to take up position at the front of the class so that only they can get an unobstructed view of themselves in the mirrors. Everyone else is left huffing and puffing into a slither of their own reflection behind these experienced benders. The teachers all read from the same script so I don't really understand how one can be determined good or bad - they learn their instructions by rote Go back, way back, stay back, change. I belive the heat is the only thing that makes people become dedicated to this form of practise: of course you will lose weight if you sweat vigorously for an hour and a half however, I question the safety. Every sauna I have ever been in advises that you stay in it for no longer than 20 minutes, and that's without adding the pressure of rigorous excercise to the equation! Overall I find Bikram a load of hot air. I would rather attend a class given by a trustworthy practioner of yoga with a full understanding of the body and its potential and limitations, THEN go and sit in a sauna for a while! Finally I have to question the reliability of an institution which supports students going straight from 40 degree heat to standing outside barefoot with dripping wet hair in a 2 degree February evening wearing hot pants! Now I don't want to sound like my mother but? Seriously, they will catch their deaths! read more