You know how relaxing saunas can be, and you have heard how uplifting and beneficial yoga is for the body, but have you ever considered doing both simultaneously? No, I am not talking about doing yoga poses in an actual sauna, but a similar form of yoga done in a heated room, called Hot Yoga.
Hot Yoga is basically yoga done in a room heated anywhere from 95 to 100 degrees. Because you are sweating more in this environment, Hot Yoga promotes flexibility, a healthy release of toxins and can reduce tension. It was originally developed by Bikram Choudbury, an Indian yoga guru, in the early 70’s.
If you are a yoga fan and would like to experience the heat for yourself, there is an extremely clean Hot Yoga studio in Santa Monica called Hot 8 Yoga on Second Street right near Third Street Promenade. Hot 8 Yoga is one of the best places to experience this form of yoga because it has state-of-the-art climate controlled rooms. Since hot yoga studios are highly humid, you want to make sure you go to one that has good air quality so germs and bacteria do not spread. I have been to studios with bad air quality and even carpeted floors, which can accumulate mold, dust and sweat. Hot 8 Yoga on the other hand, has an air purification system that allows for healthy sweating in a clean, chemical and allergen-free environment. If you’re willing to take on this kind of yoga, you might as well sweat it out in the cleanest studio available!
Caution: If you have high or low blood pressure, kidney or heart disease, dehydration or adrenal fatigue/exhaustion, I do not recommend this form of yoga. Hot yoga is for moderately fit individuals to competitive athletes. Bring a large bottle (glass preferred) of purified water to class, towels (showers provided!), extra change of clothes and your own yoga mat. As always, please clear it with your health care provider before trying any new physical activity!
Hot 8 Yoga
1422 Second Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
References:
http://www.hot8yoga.com/home.html
