Overview
Preservation Yoga operates as a unique hot yoga studio in Baton Rouge, founded on a philosophy it calls ‘Contrast Yoga.’ This approach deliberately pairs the centuries-old practice of heated postures with the invigorating shock of cold plunge therapy, creating a system designed for holistic mind and body transformation. The studio’s core offerings include the classic Bikram Yoga (Hot 26+2) sequence, Fusion classes blending vinyasa and hatha, and specialized sessions like Kumbhaka Breathwork. Highly trained instructors, including lead teacher Eric LaCour, foster a welcoming and nonjudgmental environment for all levels, from beginners to seasoned practitioners. Located in the County Club Shadows Shopping Center, the studio has cultivated a strong sense of community and also runs a six-month Contrast Yoga Teacher Training program, bridging ancient philosophy with modern science.
Yoga Format
Yoga Styles
Studio Amenities
Studio Business Hours
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Studio in Details
A Sanctuary for Contrast and Transformation
Preservation Yoga operates as a distinctive hot yoga studio in Baton Rouge, built around a philosophy of deliberate contrast. The space is described by people as both a welcoming and calming sanctuary and a place for intense physical challenge. The core identity, which the studio calls “Contrast Yoga,” pairs the centuries-old practice of heated postures with the invigorating shock of cold therapy. This combination is designed not just as exercise, but as a comprehensive system for training both mind and body to thrive. Visitors frequently note the transformative nature of the practice, with one person calling it a “game changer” physically and mentally, while another describes leaving feeling “lighter and more centered.” The environment is repeatedly characterized as supportive and nonjudgmental, fostering a sense of community that people appreciate.
The studio’s physical location is in the County Club Shadows Shopping Center on Jefferson Highway. It is open seven days a week, with a class schedule that people mention includes offerings like a popular noon hot vinyasa flow. While the exact temperature is not specified by visitors, multiple people refer to it as “the hottest yoga studio in Baton Rouge,” indicating the intensity of the heated environment is a defining feature. The facility includes a cold plunge tub, which is integrated into the class experience and highlighted as a perfect complement to the heat, used to “get the blood moving and get your mind right.” People find the space itself to be calming and the owners are noted for creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Core Practices and Specialized Instruction
The primary offerings at this yoga center are deeply rooted in heated practices. The flagship class is the Bikram Yoga sequence, also referred to as Hot 26+2 or 26:2 hot yoga. This is a 90-minute class composed of 26 postures and two breathing exercises performed in a heated and humidified room. Visitors with extensive experience praise this classic sequence, with one person stating it’s “the best yoga for the mind and body” and that they plan to practice it for life. The studio also offers a unique blend called Fusion, which is described as a mix of vinyasa and hatha yoga, creating a dynamic flow that incorporates breath-synchronized movement with structured holds. People enjoy these vinyasa flow type classes, finding them super fun and beneficial for growth in their practice.
Instruction is a significant point of praise. The lead teacher, Eric LaCour, is frequently mentioned by name. Visitors describe him as knowledgeable, motivating, encouraging, and attentive. He makes classes feel welcoming for all levels, from first-timers to seasoned practitioners. Other instructors, like Britanee who teaches the noon vinyasa, are also highlighted as “awesome” and “highly trained.” People note that the teachers are well-trained, with several believed to have trained directly under Bikram Choudhury, and that they continue to practice themselves. Beyond physical postures, the studio delves into breathwork. Eric leads a dedicated Kumbhaka Breathwork Class on Sunday evenings, which people describe as “next level” and “super intense,” designed to stimulate the nervous system and build resilience. Another person mentioned a deeply relaxing “Shakti mat session with meditation.”
Community, Training, and the Baton Rouge Context
Preservation Yoga has cultivated a dedicated following in the local community. It is referred to by some as their “favorite, go-to yoga studio in Baton Rouge.” The sense of community is tangible; the owners are credited with creating it through the classes and workshops offered. This appeals to both local regulars and those who return to Baton Rouge to visit, with one person making a point to attend classes during each trip home. The studio’s approach seems to resonate with individuals on various journeys, including those looking to stay in shape, kick-start a fitness or weight-loss journey, or manage stress. People report leaving classes feeling “refreshed and energized,” having sweated out stress and boosted their mood.
In addition to daily classes, the studio serves as an educational hub. It runs a six-month Contrast Yoga Teacher Training program. This teacher training is a modern curriculum that integrates breath, mind, and body while also focusing on communication skills, storytelling, and even “yogi marketing.” It bridges ancient philosophical texts with modern science. While visitor feedback does not detail experiences from trainees, the program’s existence signals the studio’s commitment to depth and education. For newcomers, the studio promotes a beginner’s introductory offer. The overall ethos, echoed in the studio’s blog and by visitors, is one of embracing challenge as medicine. The common refrain, as one person put it, is simple advice for anyone considering a class: “Don’t think, just go in and you will be glad you did.”