Northants, Leics &amp; Rutland


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="994" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/LIYEN-MATHEW-HOTPOD-DAVENTRY-001.jpg" alt="Liyen Mathew hotpod daventry in weedon depot" class="wp-image-59535" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/LIYEN-MATHEW-HOTPOD-DAVENTRY-001.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/LIYEN-MATHEW-HOTPOD-DAVENTRY-001-300x298.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/LIYEN-MATHEW-HOTPOD-DAVENTRY-001-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/LIYEN-MATHEW-HOTPOD-DAVENTRY-001-768x763.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s coming up to three years since Liyen Mathews opened <a href="https://hotpodyoga.com/studios/daventry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hotpod Daventry </a>(which is actually in one of the vast  and very cool warehouse spaces at The Depot in Weedon), having made the move from leisure centre manager (and former synchronised swimmer &#8211; some people get all the talent) to yoga teacher and embracing the yoga sensation that&#8217;s taken the UK by storm, with over 60 studios &#8211; and counting &#8211; across the country. If you haven&#8217;t tried it already &#8211; and you should &#8211; a huge inflatable purple pod is heated up to 37 degrees, and you all climb inside to get sweaty and bust out some asanas. It&#8217;s bliss, take my word for it. </p>



<p>Drawing in over 300 people to its 31 classes a week, we&#8217;re putting Hotpod Daventry&#8217;s success firmly down to Liyen&#8217;s smiley, inclusive and welcoming approach, as well that of the 10 additional instructors who lead classes here. But she might tell you there&#8217;s a little more to it than that. Here&#8217;s what she had to say when we caught up for coffee. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-is-health-and-fitness-important-to-you">Why is health and fitness important to you?</h2>



<p>For me, being able to move well is a gift, not a given. When I move my body, eat well, and take time to breathe, I’m a better version of myself in every role I play — as a friend, teacher, partner, or just a human navigating life. It’s not about aesthetics or perfection, but about feeling grounded, energised, and resilient.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-have-you-always-enjoyed-yoga">Have you always enjoyed yoga?</h2>



<p>Not always! I was actually convinced that yoga wasn’t going to meet my needs. I was used to punishing workouts like running, spinning and HIIT and had told myself that ‘if you weren’t sweating’ what was the point? I was oblivious to the deeper benefits. Then I discovered hot yoga and at first, it was a physical practice, but over time it became something deeper. Yoga has this beautiful way of meeting you where you are, and gently helping you become who you’re meant to be. It’s now part of my daily rhythm — my moving meditation and mental reset.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-a-typical-day-look-like-for-you">What does a typical day look like for you?</h2>



<p>No day is exactly the same, which keeps things interesting! But generally, I start my day early with some quiet time — even if it’s just a morning coffee — before diving to classes, whether I’m teaching at my studio or elsewhere. I’m normally between a couple of different locations each day so I get to see different people and teach a few different things. Whilst at the Hotpod studio, I spend most of my time doing behind the scenes operational tasks like cleaning, tidying, restocking (assuming I’m not teaching). When I’m at home is when I’m typically able to do my admin.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-eating-well-important-to-you-too">Is eating well important to you too?</h2>



<p>Absolutely. Because I’m so active, I need to think of food as fuel. I try and get a good dose of protein daily to help with recovery. I’m generally not fussy and will eat almost anything. Eating well doesn’t mean being restrictive — it’s about listening to what your body needs and nourishing it with food that supports your energy, hormones and gut. I also believe in balance — yes to green smoothies, but also yes to a glass of gin or chocolate when it feels right!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="975" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/LIYEN-MATHEW-HOTPOD-DAVENTRY-002.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59537" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/LIYEN-MATHEW-HOTPOD-DAVENTRY-002.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/LIYEN-MATHEW-HOTPOD-DAVENTRY-002-300x293.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/LIYEN-MATHEW-HOTPOD-DAVENTRY-002-768x749.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-piece-of-advice-you-ve-been-given">Best piece of advice you’ve been given?</h2>



<p>“Don’t wait for everything to be perfect — start, even if you don’t feel ready or you don’t have it all figured out yet.” Whether it’s a new project, a health journey, or even showing up on the mat, progress always begins with that first imperfect step.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-besides-yoga-how-else-do-you-like-to-keep-fit">Besides yoga, how else do you like to keep fit?</h2>



<p>I love walking — it’s underrated but so powerful for clearing the mind. I also enjoy strength training when I can fit it in, and I’m a fan of swimming although it’s been a while since I had a proper dip. For me, movement should be joyful and sustainable — something you look forward to, not dread.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-your-one-tip-for-being-the-best-healthiest-happiest-version-of-yourself">What’s your one tip for being the best, healthiest, happiest version of yourself?</h2>



<p>Protect your energy like it’s sacred — because it is. That means tuning in, setting boundaries, resting when you need to, and doing the things that light you up, unapologetically. When your energy is in a good place, everything else flows better.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="764" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/LIYEN-MATHEW-HOTPOD-DAVENTRY-003.jpg" alt="Liyen Mathew Hotpod yoga daventry" class="wp-image-59538" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/LIYEN-MATHEW-HOTPOD-DAVENTRY-003.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/LIYEN-MATHEW-HOTPOD-DAVENTRY-003-300x229.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/06/LIYEN-MATHEW-HOTPOD-DAVENTRY-003-768x587.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-do-you-love-most-about-hot-yoga-and-why-hotpod">What do you love most about hot yoga and why Hotpod?</h2>



<p>There’s something incredibly magical about stepping into the cocoon of a Hotpod class — it’s like entering another world. The warmth softens the body, the scent and the music calm the mind, and suddenly, you’re present. It’s immersive, accessible, and deeply nurturing. Hotpod makes yoga feel like a complete escape — yet somehow, you come back to yourself in the process.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-you-have-a-mantra-you-live-by">Do you have a mantra you live by?</h2>



<p>“Be where your feet are.” It’s a reminder to stay present — in this breath, this moment, this version of life. It helps me slow down, stay grateful, and not get swept away by what’s next.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-you-excited-about-for-this-year">What are you excited about for this year?</h2>



<p>I’m really excited to keep growing and connecting — both personally and professionally. I feel like the studio is ready to change gear and that the future is glowing for us. I’ve got a fabulous team of teachers, a wonderful community of supportive customers and I’m building a little network of helpers to support some of the studio’s tasks to free me up to build the business for the future.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://hotpodyoga.com/studios/daventry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hotpod Daventry</a>, Unit C1, Building 14, The Depot, Weedon Bec, Northamptonshire, NN7 4PS. Tel: 07598 242862</em></p>


Muddy meets Liyen Mathew, founder of Hotpod Daventry

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