Business: Hot Yoga Naperville
Address: 400 S. Main St., Naperville
Phone/website: 630-450-7406, www.hotyoganaperville.com
Owner: Shelly Thomas, 45, of Aurora
Years in business: 20
What does your business do? “We work in the health and fitness industry, mostly focusing on Bikram Yoga, done in high heat and humidity. It’s a fitness exercise. We do certain exercises that help strengthen your body, keeping your body fit and healthy. … We make sure each and every organ, tissue and cell is exercised,” Thomas said.
How do you do that? “You just come and do it every day, or a few days every week.”
Can a newcomer do hog yoga? “Yes, it’s meant for all levels. It focuses on your strength, your immunity, your respiratory system, your core. Everything.
“For example, we start with your respiratory system by doing the deep breathing exercise. That’s really good for your lungs and your respiratory system. … People in the international space station, they do breathe against gravity. So, your respiratory system has to be strong. … Our breathing exercise focuses on pressurizing the air. The more you practice, the more you’ll be able to use it.”
Then what? “The next thing we do is work on your back. The spine connects your whole nervous system. Each vertebrae has to be stretched out.
“We don’t push or pull people. They only work to their capabilities. The capabilities will only improve if you practice. Be a systematic person and eat well.”
So, we should avoid McDonald’s? “Once in a while, it’s fine.”
Why are you in this business? “I saw the positive influence it had on other people’s lives. I took it on as a mission. I am from India. I went for training in Los Angeles. It is helping others. … If you have depression, if you have sleeplessness, this is the best medicine. You’ll sleep like a baby.”
More Top Picks Best Stationary Bikes Under 500 Dollar
What brought you to America? “I’m an engineer. I came here on a student visa for my doctorate in engineering. I’m a PhD in engineering. … I volunteered for (other yoga studios).”
How long is a hot yoga session? “It’s meant to be 90 minutes, but for the working people, we do 60 minutes, a compressed version. … We start at 5 a.m. Monday through Friday. Then we do 6:30, 9:30, 12, 4:45, 6 and 7:15. If anybody wants more classes, we are available.”
How many instructors are here? “Six.”
How many students in a class? “Five to 10.”
How did the virus impact this business? “We were closed for about a year. … Right now, it’s very bad. … It could be challenging for some people. Or people like music. We don’t play music in (hot yoga) sessions. You have to focus. … Also, there are many online programs. You can do things at home.”
How hot is hot yoga? “We have it (set) at 105 degrees and 40% humidity. It’s like a sauna.”
Does that help improve the flexibility? “Yes, everything improves.”
Is there a busy time of year? “We are supposed to be busy in the winter, but we are not so busy right now. In the summer, people go golfing, walking, running.”
What do you like best? “Helping others, to bring the community together, to see how students are growing with us, their health, nutrition habits. … It’s a second family for us.”
Do you have competition? “Yes, we do. This industry is very competitive.”
What else do you offer here? “Those students who can’t do the yoga can do Pilates here.”
What misconceptions may people have about your business? “That it’s too hot. But after three classes you’re just fine. Why do people go to a sauna? They want to sweat it out. That’s the same feeling. … We don’t do hard-core yoga. This is the easiest one. … Bikram came from India.”
Is this a good location? “Downtown Naperville is the heart of the town, so, (this is) obviously a good space. We are in the center of the city. And by the Riverwalk. It’s kind of a natural environment. Sometimes, we take students on the Riverwalk.”
Any future plans? “We have two studios. We’d like to have other people come here. People who can’t do yoga (can do) meditation.”
What’s your advice for someone starting a business? “Do your market research. Do a lot of research before you start. Can you sustain it? How prepared are you for the challenges? Can you work late? Can you work early? Do you have support around you, a lot of good people? Money may not be a huge thing, but a little bit of start-up money is good. There are a lot of lenders able to give you money. And, start small.”
If you know of a business you’d like to see to profiled in Down to Business, contact Steve Metsch at [email protected].
Steve Metsch is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.