YogaMaya Hot Yoga + Wellness, Vacaville

"The yoga community is so different than a typical gym. It’s warm, friendly and inviting." This is just one of the many accolades shared by YogaMaya's (formally known as Akasha Yoga) happy members who revel in the sense of community the studio fosters. One of the reasons for the close-knit feel—heated classes where students commiserate as they challenge themselves and others to push through the high temperatures. Though possibly overwhelming at first, the raised Fahrenheit helps students sweat out harmful toxins and loosens their muscles so that they can achieve deeper stretches and poses that resemble the flexible animals they're named after. Students can also opt for non-heated classes such as Yin Yoga in which a series of floor postures are held for several minutes making it one of the more challenging classes. Another reason for the close-knit feel—teachers who have discovered the power of yoga after injuries, unwanted weight gain, or career stress and who patiently lead students toward their goals, whether the goals be weight loss, relaxation, or working as the body double for a pretzel.