Around lunchtime on any given weekday, a parade of yogis with mats tucked under arm, towels slung over shoulders and gym bags in hand, cross Glendale Blvd as halted drivers peer over steering wheels. It looks like what might have become the album cover of Abbey Road had the Beatles lived in California long enough. The parade enters an unassuming gray facade. Although it bears a new name, Rise Hot Yoga is the rebranding of the Bikram-style studio that has been a well-established part of the Atwater Village community for the past 14 years.
The new name comes with a new direction for the studio, adding both vinyasa and fusion-style classes to balance out the predominantly Bikram-based schedule. Nicole Gogolak, the down-to-earth founder and long-time practitioner of the 26 postures is excited to offer a greater variety of classes that will match the desires of the ever-expanding yoga community.
Newly equipped with PEM flooring, the immaculate studio feels spacious even during busy classes. New changing room facilities include showers and lockers. The friendly staff is quick to offer you a towel, mat and water for an additional charge, but I recommend bringing ample water, a towel, and a lock for your belongings. The lot across the street offers up to 10 hours of free parking.
Rise Hot Yoga offers monthly incentives and programs to raise awareness and support charities including a donation-based class Saturdays at noon supporting Children’s Hospital LA’s Neurodevelopment Department (autism research) and another donation-based class Thursdays at 5:45pm supporting rotating charities.
Rise Hot Yoga, 3223 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90039, (323) 668-2500, risehotyoga.com
