Yoga classes run by untrained instructors at the gym rarely cut it. Conversely, yoga schools generally don’t offer other ways to elevate the heart rate. Borrowing from a concept popular in New York and London, Bodhi & Ride offers quality hot yoga as well as spin classes, which they call Ride, under the same roof.
The Ride class bears little resemblance to usual spin classes. For a start, you get clip-in shoes, instruction about hand positions and a proper seat adjustment. Bodhi & Ride has worked hard to make this class a sensory experience that touches on something other than thigh burn: the tunes are pumpin’ (you can access playlists later on Soundcloud) and mood lights keep things calm and cool. At one point, the class is dark for five minutes; it’s more rave than workout.
The hot yoga classes (flow and static practices) are run by experienced teachers in the loft upstairs. It's a beautifully light and spacious room with exposed beams, designed by award-winning architects Hachem (the minds behind Adelphi Hotel).
Add to that Melbourne’s first dedicated mediation pod – a soundproofed room with zafu cushions (little pillows that raise your hips above the height of your knees and keep your back straight while you meditate cross-legged on the floor) and the mellifluous tones of long-term mindfulness practitioners and the experience becomes bliss.
Last but not least is the onsite ‘refuel station’, a nutrition bar which provides freshly made superfood smoothies (lots of coconut water and cacao to refresh and rehydrate post-sweat), breakfast bowls and tasty raw treats.