Hot Yoga Philadelphia

✨ TEACHER FEATURE: DAN MURPHY ✨
Dan is our in-house spiritual advisor 🕉️ and one of the coolest and most compassionate teachers that's ever graced HYP. ❤️

Check out his new music project in the slides! 🎶 We love you, Dan! 🙏

🔥 When did you first start practicing?
In 2011, a friend recommended me to paint signage at the studio and I was given a class card. I put it off for a few months, but once I gave it a shot, I was immediately hooked. I've been steady ever since.

🔥 How long have you been teaching?
This summer will be 7 years. I still can't believe I'm a teacher at this special place that did so much for me. I see it as a service to others and truly believe in this practice.

🔥 Favorite poses?
Standing Separate Leg Forehead to Knee and Half Tortoise. The attraction for both is breathing into the back of the body.

🔥 When do you like to come to class?
When I can get there! 😄 Usually 4:00pm, but I like dealing with the version of myself I brought to class that day.

🔥 Most challenging part of your practice?
That same version of myself—physically, mentally, emotionally.

🔥 How do you overcome it?
Think of the alternative: not coming.

🔥 Why do you keep practicing?
For the people around me. In class, on the street, in my relationships, and people I don't even know yet. I'm a better version of myself because of yoga.

🎵 Favorite musicians?
Kurt Heasley (Lilys), Aphex Twin, Siouxsie Sioux, Jah Shaka, and Steve Gunn.

🍽️ Favorite restaurant in Philly?
As a Hare Krishna devotee, I avoid restaurants, but the kitchen at Radha Krishna Temple in Mt. Airy is always there for me.

🚶‍♂️ Other fitness routines?
Walking in Wissahickon Park and cycling to and from work.

❤️ Advice for New Students:
"You have taken a very big and fearless step by deciding to come to a hot yoga class and you should be proud of that. Work hard, but go easy on yourself. You're on your way to something very special. This could be the first day of the rest of your life, and I'm so excited for you!"

Give Dan some love in the comments, he's no longer on social media, but we'll make sure he sees the love ! ❤️🙏

📸✨ Here’s some from our photoshoot with !

Huge thank you to Dan and all the amazing yogis who showed up, worked hard, and helped us share the spirit of HYP with the community. ❤️🔥

Stay tuned for more incredible shots of our yogis here at HYP… there’s a lot more coming 👀🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️

We seriously love this community so much. Thank you for being part of it. ❤️

✨ STUDENT FEATURE ✨

Meet Mark & Mary ❤️🧘‍♂️🧘‍♀️
These two have been bringing consistency, focus, and great energy to the HYP community for years 🔥

Favorite poses?
Mary loves 🐪 Camel & 🐇 Rabbit — the perfect pose/counterpose combo.
Mark’s favorites are 🔺 Trikonasana, Standing Head to Knee, & Locust Pose 💪

Favorite class times?
Definitely the 4pm… and somehow also 6:30am on their birthdays 😂🎉

Most challenging parts of their practice?
Mary says learning patience with progress.
Mark says Half Moon & Awkward Pose due to a past injury.

How do they work through it?
✨ Focus. Discipline. Patience.
Mary reframes challenges as part of the process and listens to what her body can do each day.
Mark focuses on letting difficult thoughts pass and trusting the instructors to guide him through the next pose.

Mary first started practicing in July 2021 ❤️
Mark started in March 2019 🔥

Why do they keep practicing?
Because yoga helps keep them healthy physically AND mentally. It improves concentration, cuts through overthinking, and helps them show up better in everyday life. And of course… they both LOVE the HYP community 🫶

Favorite musicians? 🎶
⚡ David Bowie
🎷 Steely Dan

Favorite Philly restaurants? 🍽️
Royal Indian Cuisine & Wilder

Other fitness routines besides yoga?
🚶 Walking… and honestly, yoga is pretty much life 😎🔥

Thank you Mark & Mary for being such a beautiful part of the HYP family, you both are inspiring to us all ❤️

🚨 HYP IS HIRING 🚨

Looking for a little extra cash + free yoga? 🧘🔥

HYP is looking for a cleaner 1–3 times per week to help keep the studio sparkling clean and running smoothly. This is a paid position PLUS you’ll receive free yoga classes as part of the team 💪
Interested?

📧 Email us @ [email protected]
OR
👋 Talk to Byron or Tina in person at the studio to get this new journey started.

Come join our committed staff and help keep HYP feeling amazing for the whole community ❤️

No evening classes Saturday , Sunday & Monday! No Pilates Friday or Monday
Enjoy your weekend

🔥 NEW TEACHER FEATURE 🔥

Meet Jaymie 💫🔥

Jaymie is from The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, several cities in Northern California, and a perpetual state of independence. He works in the non-profit sector with LGBTQ youth activists who inspire him daily. When he's not in the hot room, he’s usually driving his 2015 MINI Cooper on 95 south for joyful work, or 95 north for joyful play. He loves to hike in the Wissahickon, ride his bike along the Schuylkill (or kayak in it), and eat delicious ice cream flavors everywhere.

What's your favorite pose?
I’m not internationally known, but I’m known to love Dandayamana Dhanurasana (Standing Bow Pulling Pose). I've received a lot of corrections on this pose over the years, and when I can remember them, a whole new world opens in my chest that feels amazing. I really do love it!

When do you like to come to class?
I like to practice in the morning to start my day in alignment, but evenings are also helpful for repairing from repetitive stress. I never regret coming to class so any time I can make it is a win.

What's the most challenging part of your practice?
Getting there. I work from home and love being in my comfort zone.

And what do you do to overcome it?
My grandmother used to say, "You surprise yourself," and that happens for me every time I practice. I continue to be amazed by the benefits of this yoga, so I pack my bag the night before in preparation for receiving the gifts waiting for me.

When did you first start practicing?
I took my first class in 2012 at Hot Yoga Philly. It was hard and I didn't like how much I struggled, but it was suggested I not judge it the first time and take two more classes instead. I love research, so I kept coming back and experienced incremental progress in my poses and calm in my mind. I've been practicing in Philly and California ever since, and will celebrate my 14-year Hot Yoga Anniversary on May 11th, 2026! I still struggle in class, but now I look forward to breathing through it.

Why do you keep practicing?
This yoga has gotten me through some difficult times. I truly believe it is a tremendous investment in mental, physical, and spiritual health. I always have a good time in class and enjoy being able to breathe deeper since it helps me laugh harder at life's jokes.

Who's your favorite musician?
Mariah Carey is my favorite writer and musician, but Madonna was my first diva and remains integral to my life.

What's your favorite restaurant in Philly?
Hard to pick one but my current faves are: Bill’s on Sansom for breakfast, Jim’s on South for lunch, Estia on Locust for a delicious Greek dinner, and Jeni’s on Chestnut for ice cream afterwards.

What other fitness routines do you have other than yoga?
It's all about the yoga for me right now but I will add strength training eventually in the future.

🌬️✨ POSTURE HIGHLIGHT: STANDING DEEP BREATHING ✨🌬️
(PRANAYAMA SERIES)

Before the stretching… before the balancing… before the sweat starts pouring… we begin with the breath. 🔥🧘‍♂️🧘‍♀️

Standing Deep Breathing in the Bikram Yoga series is designed to wake up the lungs, expand breathing capacity, and prepare the mind + body for class. This posture isn’t “just breathing” — it’s the foundation of the entire practice. 💨

Some of the amazing benefits of Pranayama include👇
✅ Expands lung capacity
✅ Helps improve circulation
✅ Brings more oxygen into the body
✅ Activates the parasympathetic nervous system
✅ Reduces stress + anxiety
✅ Increases focus and mental clarity
✅ Opens the chest, lungs, and rib cage
✅ Helps warm the body from the inside out 🔥
✅ Builds patience, rhythm, and control of the breath

In a world where everyone is rushing… this posture teaches you to slow down, breathe deeper, and reconnect with yourself. ❤️

The better you breathe, the better you move.
The better you move, the better you feel.
Next time you’re in class, don’t rush through Standing Deep Breathing. Let it set the tone for your entire practice. 🙏

See you in the heat 😮‍💨🔥