Amy Smith experienced the benefits of hot yoga firsthand as a college basketball player. Sciatica pain left her hurting more often than not, so she began participating in hot yoga classes after practice. Over time, the pain in her hip began to fade and the rest is history; Smith fell in love with hot yoga and the benefits it provides.
After working as a yoga instructor for Laughing Buddha Hot Yoga (LBHY) in West Deptford, Smith was offered an opportunity to purchase the company from its previous owner. Since then, LBHY has been able to expand to include a Washington Township location with the newest location in Mount Laurel expected to open this summer.
Each location is a flurry of activity with numerous classes offered each day and start times ranging everywhere from 5 a.m.-8 p.m.
“[Time accessibility to yoga is] super important. Our biggest classes at our one location are at 5 a.m. because a lot of moms want to work out before work or while their kids are still asleep,” says Smith. “I can’t tell you how many times people tell me that if I didn’t have [early morning or late night] classes they wouldn’t be able to work out. I try to be mindful of that and take a lot of client feedback in determining class times.”
In addition to a wide range of time slots, LBHY offers a host of different yoga and fitness options from “Butts & Guts” and kickboxing to slow flow and 26+2 (Bikram).
“Most of our classes are no equipment, so all you need is your mat, towel and water. All of our classes are heated including our Pilates and barre classes,” says Smith. “Vinyasa is going to be like your athletic workout; there’s a lot of push-ups and muscle endurance. You have Yin, which is really slow and good for beginners. Then we have our fitness classes like mat and inferno Pilates, HITT, barre, yoga sculpt… all kinds of different stuff. Each one is different, but they’re all pretty popular.”
With hot yoga, sanitation is very important and LBHY rises to the occasion ensuring each class is provided with a clean environment. Each studio is equipped with bacteria-and mildew-resistant PEM yoga flooring. This flooring prevents things like sweat from sticking to the surface, but that’s not all. The staff also vacuums and mops between each class and the floors are steamed once a month for maximum freshness.
What truly sets the studio apart is its instructors. With over 30 instructors across LBHY’s fitness and yoga offerings, there’s someone for everyone.
“I have pretty high standards for my instructors; they’re all certified in-person with a minimum of 200 hours of training, insured and very knowledgeable. Some of my teachers have been teaching for 20 years, while some have just started teaching. We have a very well-rounded staff,” says Smith. “They’re required to practice once a week and to take each other’s classes once a month. They're very well immersed in the community, which I think makes a big difference in the overall success of a business.”
Those who are new to hot yoga are encouraged to try it out with LBHY’s new client special—$40 for 40 days of unlimited classes. This deal is an excellent way to get comfortable in the studio and to try out a variety of instructors, class types and times to find what works best.
“Our beginner-friendly classes are clearly labeled on our website and allow you to get familiar with the studio and the heat, and the classes are slower to ease you into hot yoga. You don’t necessarily have to go to one of these classes, but I recommend going to at least one of them,” says Smith. “Just come prepared—wear comfortable workout clothing, have an open mind, bring a mat, towel and water, and you’ll get more comfortable as you go.”
Laughing Budda Hot Yoga
West Deptford & Sewell
Mount Laurel (Summer 2025)
HotYoga.guru
