Exercising in a studio set to 105 degrees hardly sounds ideal. But Jtown Hot Yoga, which is opening a studio in Manayunk on June 1, is embracing the heat. This will mark the company’s third location.
The concept comes from owner Stephanie Weinstein, who was diagnosed with high blood pressure and anxiety at the age of 33. She turned to Bikram yoga to help her health. Committing to 30 classes, Weinstein became a believer after six months of practice. She no longer needed medication to regulate her health.
While Bikram proved an initial success, hot yoga wasn’t love at first pose. “I walked out of my first five classes and thought everyone was crazy, but I was intrigued. My challenges have always made me more curious,” Weinstein says. While the chanting and Chakras were both confusing and intimidating, she was determined to learn how to incorporate the practice both on and off the matt. She found the studio’s environment challenged the body and mind in ways that prepared her for the chaos of the real world.
After two months of devoting herself to the practice, she wanted to share the experience with others. Weinstein opened her first Jtown Hot Yoga in Jenkintown. Finding success and a welcoming community, she’s now expanding to Manayunk.
Jtown incorporates rap music and pushups in between traditional poses. Along with a variety of classes—the 26/2 method, or Bikram, fusion, Vinyasa flow, yin, and sculpt classes. She will also offer a martial arts experience in the Manayunk studio. In addition to traditional yoga classes, the studio will offer a range of workshops to explain chants and poses.
Weinstein recognizes that the heat and poses can be uncomfortable and challenging, but encourages individuals to steps outside of their comfort zone. “As a culture, we don’t like to be uncomfortable. We look to gain immediate gratification,” she says.
She’s found the experience rewarding though, not only feeling more languid afterwards, but surrounded by a caring community of fellow yogis. “Everyone just wants to feel better, bones to skin.”
115 Levering St., Manayunk.
