Happy spring, yogis!
If you've been to my classes, you might know I love to learn more about and share the science of yoga and how recent peer-reviewed studies are evaluating yoga's many benefits.
With summer's Colorado race schedule coming up, let's look at a fascinating study from 2018 that highlights the potential for hot yoga to improve cardiovascular response and performance endurance - giving you an edge in your competitions, or your gardening!
The study evaluated the effects of hot yoga on plasma volume percentage (PV%) and cardiovascular performance in ten female athletes, who participated in six 60-minute hot yoga sessions over six days.
The results?
The study revealed that hot yoga can positively impact cardiovascular function and endurance.
Specifically, the study found that hot yoga triggered a "moderate state of hypovolemia", leading to a contraction in plasma volume percentage, priming the body for improved cardiovascular function. The athletes also experienced improvements in maximal aerobic power (V̇o2max) and run time to exhaustion, indicating that hot yoga can positively impact endurance capabilities. Hot yoga led to measurable enhancements in running speed at ventilatory thresholds, along with adaptations in the respiratory exchange ratio during exercise.
These findings suggest that hot yoga also helps the body positively adapt to intense physical exertion, allowing athletes to push their limits further while maintaining efficiency.
One of the most compelling discoveries of the study was the significant plasma volume expansion observed 72 hours post-intervention, followed by a more modest expansion after six days. This response signifies the body's ability to adapt and optimize fluid balance over time. For athletes preparing for competition such as the Bolder Boulder or Boulder Ironman, this could translate to a performance-enhancing edge, especially events where endurance is important.
Whether you're a seasoned athlete or not, integrating hot yoga into your routine can potentially unlock new levels of strength, endurance, and resilience! Plus it feels amazing ;)
Check out the upcoming hot yoga schedule at Yoga Pod. We offer hot classes at all three locations, in Longmont, Central Boulder and South Boulder! Hope to see you on the mat soon!
xo Elise