'EUROPE'S biggest yoga brand' is coming to Reading as one of the latest exercise trends to take hold.

Plans to open Hotpod Yoga, an immersive exercise session inside inflatable pods, in south Reading have been given the go-ahead for the change of use.

Reading Borough Council approved plans this week to transform a vacant window showroom at The Micro Centre in Gillette Way into the trendy yoga studio.

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Described as ‘Europe's biggest yoga brand’ by The Telegraph, Hotpod Yoga has sites in South Africa, Romania, Germany, Austria, Spain and Portugal, and has a large number of studios in London and elsewhere across the country.

Classes take place in an inflatable 'pod' - inside the unit - that is about 37C which 'warms the muscles and aids flexibility while the heart works harder'.

The hotpods have a purple glow to provide a 'calming' atmosphere and music to provide 'immersive soundscapes' of urban-chill beats according to the company.

The pods also use a blend of different scents such as lavender to help those inside unwind.

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Owners plan to open Monday to Fridays from 7am to 10pm, and over weekends from 9am to 6pm.

Plans describe holding 18 classes per week initially, with a view to grow this to 35 classes a week maximum if successful.

The studio will have a maximum capacity of 20 customers and one instructor, although it is not clear how this may be impacted by social-distancing measures at the time of opening.

Details of any opening dates are yet to be revealed.