By Kelli Knoblau-Hehlke, owner of Hot Yoga Quad Cities, Davenport, Iowa.
It was a beautiful fall day a couple years ago that I decided to see what the buzz was all about. Being a personal trainer and a newly certified yoga instructor, I had heard a lot of talk about hot yoga and finally decided to hop in my car and make the trek to Iowa City to try it out. I was amazed to see all the different types of people in class… women, men, newcomers, seasoned athletes, all ages and all body types. 90 minutes later I was exhausted yet refreshed and not only did I feel amazing, but I knew I had really pushed my body to its limits- and it felt great. I was instantly hooked and knew I had to share this great discovery with everyone- we had to have a studio here in the Quad Cities!
What is Hot Yoga?
Yoga means union of body, mind and spirit. Asanas (yoga postures) as practiced at our studio are the perfect lifetime fitness program and totally different from any other kind of exercise. Hot Yoga works by a tourniquet effect: stretching, balancing, and creating pressure all at the same time. The blood supply in arteries and veins is being cut off, creating pressure. When released, a lock gate effect is created, causing blood to rush through the veins and arteries, flushing them out.
Class temperatures range from 98-105 °F and range from 60-90 minutes in length. Our classes involve a standing series which focuses on strength, balance and endurance; and a mat series, which focuses on stretching and improving flexibility.
Why Participate in Hot Yoga
Hot yoga benefits your body because it assists your body in sweating out toxins while allowing you the practitioner to safely come deeper into a posture and stretch. By performing hot yoga you engage your body in focused deep breathing using heat to sweat out and detoxify impurities from the body. The direct result is the removal of anxiety, toxins and the additional benefit of weight loss. A regular practice can shed inches of fat, develop muscle tone and increase strength. In addition, the mental determination to work through asanas and heat builds perseverance, stamina, and endurance.
Focus on yourself and be still in between postures. Try not to be distracted by your sweat; it is after all hot yoga! Relax, and let the sweat roll off. Extra movements in the room waste energy and take you from your practice.
Some additional benefits include:
- Stretches and Tones the muscles
- Releases Stress and promotes relaxation
- Improves posture
- Aids in proper digestion
- Decreases headaches
- Regulates Cholesterol in the blood
- Supplies Oxygen and Nutrients to blocked or stagnant areas
- Eliminates Toxins within your body
- Flushes the lymphatic system
- Strengthens the immune system
- Balances endocrine glands
- Improves the spine’s flexibility and health
- Expands lung capacity and strengthens heart
- Lubricates joints and Strengthens bones
What to Wear to Hot Yoga
Wear lightweight clothing. Remember that the temperatures are high, so dress accordingly. Most men wear a lightweight t-shirt and shorts; for women, the standard is a tank top or sports bra with shorts or lightweight yoga-style capris.
What to Bring to Hot Yoga
The three basics are: mat, towel, and water. Hot Yoga Quad Cities offers the use of mats and towels at no charge, and also offers purified water- so bring your refillable bottles! We also have coconut water available for purchase. Most of all, bring an open mind, a readiness to learn, and be prepared for a great workout!
Kelli Knoblau-Hehlke is owner of 1 on 1 Fitness Studio and Hot Yoga Quad Cities. Kelli can be contacted by email at info@hotyogaquadcities.com Register for classes online (www.hotyogaquadcities.com) or drop in and check it out. Hot Yoga Quad Cities is located at 1225 E. River Drive (across from Gilda’s Club) in Davenport and is open seven days a week.
