Yoga's popularity in the United States has steadily increased since the early 2000s. In 2015, about 36.7 million Americans practiced yoga. That number is expected to reach 55 million by 2020, according to Statista.
Since yoga was introduced to the Western world, the sport has undergone many modifications. This has led to the creation of many different forms of yoga. Hot yoga is one of these and has been growing in popularity in recent years.
This form of yoga includes 26 poses and 2 breathing exercises, performed in a hot environment with a humidity of 40%. While these conditions can be created in a variety of ways, using an infrared sauna for hot yoga offers many additional benefits.
How Infrared Saunas Help Hot Yoga
When you combine hot yoga with an infrared sauna, you get both the therapeutic benefits of a sauna and the deep stretching that comes from hot yoga poses.
1. Improve athletic performance
Infrared heat warms the body more effectively than other forms of heat due to better and deeper penetration. During a hot yoga session in an infrared sauna, the infrared rays are absorbed by the soft tissues and muscles. This helps improve the effects of stretching and increases core body temperature.
2. Helps with muscle recovery
Studies have shown that infrared sauna therapy can help relieve pain in joints, muscles, skin, and tissues. When nerve endings are relieved, the body is able to relax and heal. The recovery process is also enhanced due to improved blood circulation after oxygen consumption in the muscles, The Sauna Place article states. Therefore, when you perform hot yoga in an infrared sauna, you can achieve better flexibility without causing damage to your joints and muscles. But remember not to overload your muscles.
3. Improve cardiopulmonary function and strength
Hot yoga in an infrared sauna is also good for your heart. As you stretch and contract your muscles, a lot of calories are burned. This stimulates the cardiovascular system and increases your metabolic rate. In this way, your core strength and muscle power are improved, while also improving your posture and protecting your spine.
According to Forbes, the most common reasons for starting yoga include improving flexibility, improving overall health, reducing stress, and improving physical fitness. Choose your reason and start trying the perfect combination of hot yoga and infrared saunas at home.
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