Editor’s Note: This article was originally published February 15, 2018.

Everett is about to get a little hotter. About 105 degrees hotter.

Everett's first hot yoga studio is almost finished prepping for a grand opening as soon as Saturday February 24th, 2018 (as long as permits and orders come in at a timely manner).

Introducing Everett's hottest workout joint: BENT Yoga Co.

BENT's roots lie in its passionate owner and yoga teacher Shelley Barquist. Her excitement and passion about yoga and its benefits for the body and mind are contagious. And to think that it all started with a friend inviting her to a hot yoga class over a decade ago.

Long story short: she went, she sweated a lot, and she left the studio a changed woman. It was a time in her life where she needed a fresh start; and after leaving that hot yoga session, she felt energized. Something inside just clicked.

Born and raised in Everett (a Cascade and Jackson High School attendee), Barquist and her construction-savvy husband live in Everett's neighbor city Lake Stevens. However, starting a studio in Everett made perfect sense; a thriving city with untapped potential and a large population in need of balance.

"Everett needs this," Shelley remarked. In a world that's continually moving, sometimes you need to bend so you don't break.

Located directly across from the Everett Mall, BENT has a convenient location for all zip codes of Everett as well as ample parking (enough for its large class sizes). Its proximity to the freeway exit and on-ramp are also an advantage for commuters who want easy access to a workout along their normal commute.

Daily classes will be offered at a variety of times in a variety of formats, the earliest being hatha and vinyasa sessions at 6 AM. Shelley is especially excited for their yin yoga teacher that specializes in deep, relaxing stretches.

In addition to the plethora of class choices, the venue itself will have lots of handy features for its yogis to enjoy. Attendees will be able to rent equipment, use private lockers for storage, shower down after a sweaty session, and fill up their water bottles at a built in bottle station just outside the studio room.

Interested in attending a hot yoga class for yourself? Here are some quick tips from Shelley on what to expect and how to prepare for your first class.

1. Get hydrated the day before.

Most people drink up large amounts of water the day of the class, which makes them feel bloated and slushy during a class. Prepare your body by hydrating the day before and day of to avoid dehydration and overheating.

2. Don't sweat the sweat.

The hottest sessions BENT offers are at 105 degrees, while their warm sessions stay at about 85 degrees. Bottom line: hot yoga is supposed to make you sweat. Your teacher is gonna sweat. Your classmates are gonna sweat. Let the good, detox vibes flow.

3. Wear the right clothes.

While there's nothing wrong with wearing a t-shirt and sweats, t-shirts tend to get heavy when they get wet. And honey, you're gonna get wet (see bullet number 2). Instead, try to wear light, skin tight clothing, like a tank top and yoga leggings.

Don't have the gear? BENT is also incorporating a retail section in the front, complete with yoga apparel, mats and towels, water bottles, blocks and more.

4. Yoga is for everyone.

Often thought of as a woman's workout zone, BENT has been designed with both genders in mind. With both male and female teachers on staff, everyone is welcome to try out a class. 

As seen over and over again, new businesses make Everett thrive. Especially ones whose goal is to see their customers thrive in every day life.

Learn more about BENT Yoga Co. and their grand opening on their website and Facebook page.

2019 Update

BENT is celebrating its one year anniversary with FREE yoga classes March 9th & 10th 2019.

More info here

BENT Yoga Co.

1203 SE Everett Mall Way, Suite P
Everett, WA 98203

Anna is an Everett-based graphic designer who eats donuts more often than clinicians deem "healthy".