The Innumerable Benefits of Infrared Hot Yoga
And why you should start now!
What is Hot Yoga?
As its name suggests, hot yoga is the practice of hatha-style yoga conducted under warm, humid conditions in order to promote the release of sweat. The practice of hot yoga dates back to the origins of the discipline itself, wherein ascetic Yogis would step out into balmy, Indian heat to perform intricate poses. Dialing up the heat in yoga rooms began as a way to recreate and encapsulate the conditions of warm, Indian summers from which—as we are well aware—Yoga itself originated.
Why conduct Yoga in the heat?
Despite its origins, hot yoga is not conducted as a cultural practice, a tradition passed down from the earliest Yogis to pay homage to India and the origins of Yoga; It never was. Rather, it is our ancestors who were well equipped with knowledge through observation of the benefits of heat and sweat in promoting wellbeing. Today, the benefits of hyperthermic conditioning are evident from numerous scientific studies, most of which emphasize the transformative effects of heat in increasing your body’s stamina, endurance, flexibility, immunity and muscle growth to name a few.
With the output of scientific research in our present age, our technology has permitted us to experience the benefits of heat without harmful, cancer-causing UV exposure from the sun. Infrared hot technology allows us to perform hot yoga in an optimal method and safe environment, with added benefits from the shelter of the studio.
Infrared vs. Traditional Hot Yoga
Besides protecting us from UV rays and the stifling sun, the advantages of infrared technology triumphs over traditional hot yoga in all aspects.
Instead of simply blowing hot air, infrared heat emits from panels onto surfaces such as the floor and walls, as well as people, creating a soothing, blanket of warmth; a pleasant, sauna experience if you will. The floor and walls enclosing the room can feel about 3-8 degrees warmer securing a toasty, insulated blanket of warmth.The relief induced by the warmth can cause us to loosen muscles and can in turn, enhance flexibility.
To learn of more benefits, join us below as we list just some of the innumerable health benefits of Infrared Hot Yoga technology!
Health Benefits of Infrared Hot Yoga
- Detoxification
As we go about our busy, daily lives, our bodies are exposed to several toxins (harmful chemicals, metals and substances) found in our environment, food and the air we breathe. Toxins can accumulate in our bodies if not thoroughly cleansed, which may harm crucial organs and impair proper bodily function. Sweating is our body’s natural method of purifying the body from toxins, which is exactly why exercise is a great way to flush toxins out. In this regard, infrared hot yoga outperforms regular exercise as heat penetrates the skin, ensuring that you sweat it out and leave with a thorough body cleanse each time you engage in a hot yoga session. - Pain relief:
Suffering from pain due to stagnation or stiffness? Infrared heat, unlike the stifling heat we receive from hot, summer air, deeply penetrates tissues, muscles and joints directly, enabling them to repair and rejuvenate through three vital processes for recovery; enhanced circulation, oxygenation, and detoxification. Infrared radiation is extremely effective at reducing muscular tension, soreness, muscle spasms, relieving pain from minor injuries and chronic illnesses. - Weight Loss:
If you’re trying to lose weight, you’ll be happy to learn that Infrared Hot Yoga is an excellent addition to your weight loss plan or a great place to start. Heat speeds up the rate at which enzymes perform certain functions in the body, such as breaking down food. This enables the process to hack the body’s metabolism and target stored fat, cellulite, and waste.Did you know, just one hour of infrared hot yoga can burn up to 900 calories?
Or
Quick Fact Box: One and a half hour of infrared yoga can burn up to 900 calories. Yes you read that right! One thirty minute infrared hot yoga session is equivalent to sweating the distance of a two to three-mile run in moderate conditions. Don’t believe us? We tried it ourselves. - Improved Immune System Function
Our lymphatic systems are tasked with the duty of cleansing the body of toxins and waste. The system comprises a labyrinth of tissues and organs whose primary role is to carry a fluid called lymph, which consists of white blood cells. White blood cells serve as the body’s defence against germs. Exercise, more specifically, sweating, is known to improve the flow of lymph in the body and hence, strengthens the immune system. Seeing as the primary function of hot yoga is to help release maximal sweat, hot yoga—yet again—outperforms regular exercise. Hot yoga boosts the immune system, and it is especially important to strengthen and maintain strong immune systems during a pandemic. - Lowering blood pressure
According to a study on hypertension conducted by the ‘American Heart Association’, “Adults taking hot yoga had lower blood pressure measurements after three months of classes”. In time, consistent hot yoga is—in most cases—enough to get rid of medication for hypertension. With its undesirable and often harmful side effects, medicine is a quick fix for any illness. An ayurvedic approach is always the key as it provides long lasting and all-rounded healing for the mind, body and spirit.
Note: It is important to keep in mind that if you are suffering from hypertension, some poses and stretches may not be suitable for you. Please let our teachers know if you have any existing health conditions so that we may tailor poses and stretches to your health needs.
[Findings for study is] promising in terms of unveiling another unique way to lower blood pressure in adults without the use of medications”
“The results of our study start the conversation that hot yoga could be feasible and effective in terms of reducing blood pressure without medication,”
– Stacy Hunter, Ph.D., study author and assistant professor and lab director of the cardiovascular physiology lab at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.
Your safety comes first! To practice hot yoga in a safe manner, drink plenty of water, go at your own pace, and feel free to take a break if the heat becomes too much.
DISCLAIMER
Members with any concerns about their health condition, injury or pain should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional before attending a hot yoga class. This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional”
To Conclude
Regardless of what you’re looking for, hot yoga provides a healthy and safe solution to many of our wellbeing needs; whether it be fitness, weight loss, releasing pain and aches, injury recovery or minimising the severity of chronic illnesses; it is not an exaggeration when we say that hot yoga quite literally nurtures our wellbeing.
To book your first session now, visit our website at https://yogaup.com.hk/class-schedule
Sources
https://newsroom.heart.org/news/temps-up-blood-pressures-down-in-hot-yoga-study
https://www.livescience.com/26983-lymphatic-system.html
https://flowyogatx.com/blog/5-reasons-we-are-excited-about-our-infrared-heaters/
https://www.zoiayoga.com/infrared-hot-yoga/
