Why Practice in Infrared Heat?

We don't do it just because it feels good…and it certainly doesn’t look that good either. We love watching our post-practice, yoga-brained students leave class.  They float, single file out of the studio.  Mascara-streaked cheeks smile brightly, and wringable Lululemon’s squelch and steam as they hit the crisp, outside air. 

The heat, fiercely intense, fuels a powerful practice wherein ego isn't an option.  The strongest will leave drenched and beginners, absolutely addicted.  As humans, for the most part unacquainted with the brain-body connection, we might not immediately know why this heat feels so good.  It's our bodies that tell us at first, and that's what keeps us coming back for more. 

We’ve saved you time figuring out what has drawn or will draw you to the heat and have condensed some of our favorite benefits for you here. 

Increased Flexibility

Ever tried to touch your toes outside in winter?  That’s right, you don’t go very far, and it probably doesn’t feel very good either.  Infrared heat directly warms muscles and allows for a far greater range of motion.  Stretching and strengthening muscles in the heat versus in the cold also reduces your risk for injury. 

Furthermore, infrared heat improves the action of the mitochondria within your cells. Mitochondria, responsible for growing and repairing the cells and tissue in your muscles, will be triggered to hasten their work within your body.  

In a heated class, students open up, melt deep into poses, and gain confidence in their practice. 

Pain Relief

We have found infrared heat to be incredibly helpful for minor injuries as well as more chronic ailments.  Unlike other sources of heat, infrared heat penetrates deep through the layers of the skin to the muscles and bones.  

Through a powerful coalescence of increased circulation, oxygenation, and detoxification infrared heat will promote healing of pain and the relief of inflammation. 

Detox

You will sweat…and that’s a good thing.  

Our bodies perspire as a natural way to flush out unwanted toxins.  As the body absorbs infrared heat, water molecules begin to vibrate at a faster and faster rate causing them to wring out impurities from within the cells. 

Weight Loss

This doesn’t need to be your main intent behind practicing, but if you are looking for a way to lose some extra lbs before summer, a hot practice is a sure-fire way to succeed.  

Your body has a highly competent and extremely impressive temperature regulation system which takes energy (calories) to maintain a consistent temperature.  This all happens as you practice, and your body exerts energy to keep you from overheating– thanks body! 

Additionally, infrared heat increases your metabolism between the blood and tissue which also burns calories.  Give in to your post-practice cravings for a snack– once it gets going, your metabolism will keep on burning at a higher rate throughout the day. 

Cardiovascular Health

Infrared heat increases your body’s production of nitric oxide (a signaling molecule that is absolutely vital to the health of your blood vessels). This action helps not only to relax arteries and prevent blood clots but also to combat free radicals, oxygenate organs, and regulate your blood pressure. 

If you are living at high altitude like we are, improving your cardiovascular health can be an absolute game changer as you navigate your favorite outdoor activities. 

On top of all of these amazing benefits, our students have also reported improved skin, stronger immune response and better sleep. 

The best part for us? Getting warm after a long day of playing in the mountains that surround our beautiful studio in downtown Telluride, CO.  Whether you just got off the slopes or back from a long trail run on the Sneffel’s Range, sinking into a yummy, juicy, heated practice always brings that “ahhh” moment! 

At Mangala Yoga we are excited to offer a wide range of studio classes in our infrared-heated room. From Yin Yoga and Slow Flow to Power Vinyasa or Yoga Sculpt Classes, we have a class for all levels and everybody. Check out our schedule online here, and book one of our daily classes today!