A Stockport couple have opened their ‘dream’ yoga and Pilates studio after converting space in an old mill.
Heidi Sanderson and Hugh Ayerst from Heaton Moor have invested a ‘six-figure sum’ into creating the Hot Lotus Well-Being Hub at Pear Mill in Bredbury.
They spent six months building the studio that includes a ‘hot box’ studio, changing rooms, showers and treatment rooms.
Heidi has now quit her job as a director of a furniture importer to run the business.
She said: “It was a scary thing to do but we have created something amazing.
“We wanted to provide a place – whether you are new to yoga and Pilates or already have a regular practice – where everyone can belong.
“We feel so passionately about it and can see the risk is starting to pay off.
“Running the studio is more than a full-time job and is physically and mentally demanding, but I always finish a class feeling better than when I started.”
Heidi took up yoga in 2012 as a way of dealing with stress and completed a 10-week teaching course in Thailand.
Hot Lotus launched in May 2017 teaching classes in a heated inflatable dome, but after a year it became obvious they couldn’t grow the membership so started looking for new premises.
Hot Lotus, which opened in October 2018, now offers over 35 classes a week and membership has grown from 250 people to over 600.
Classes run every day from 6.30am-9.30pm, and include Hot Yoga, Inferno Hot Pilates, Barre and Aerial Yoga, as well as Pregnancy Yoga, classes for new mums and yoga for children.
The ‘hot box’ can reach temperatures of 40 degrees and up to 50% humidity.
Heidi adds: “As soon as we saw Pear Mill we knew it was perfect – it’s in a great location and gave us a blank canvas to create something special.
“We have people coming who are new to yoga and Pilates, as well triathletes and runners, and offer a range of heated and unheated classes.
“Inferno Hot Pilates is low impact and weight bearing so is a good workout but kind to the joints – it’s also great for improving core stability and posture.
“Hot Yoga can help with depression and lower stress as well as the great physical benefits of improving muscle tone, stamina and getting a cardio workout.
“The heated classes also give you a good detox as you will sweat.”
Hot Lotus will be launching extra classes in January to accommodate high demand in the evenings.
There are also plans to introduce reflexology, massage and Reiki in 2019, as well as ‘corporate’ memberships.