It's no big secret that infrared saunas have become a hot commodity in recent years. Fans of these seriously sweaty sessions claim that infrared heat can increase metabolism [1], remove toxins, ease muscle and joint pain, and reduce the appearance of cellulite. In theory, you'll get all of the benefits of a day at the beach without exposing yourself to harmful UV rays from the sun.
So it should come as no surprise that fitness enthusiasts like David Beckham [2] and Lady Gaga [3] are jumping on the bandwagon at infrared group exercise classes across the country. "There has been a lot of research investigating the effects of heat stress [4] and exercise on the physiological adaptations to heat acclimation," says Dr. Lorenzo Santiago, a former Olympian and assistant professor of physiology at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, FL. "It is well-documented that heat acclimation improves heat tolerance and performance in a hot environment."
As a fitness writer, I'm used to trying out all of the latest workout crazes in the name of "research," but even I was intrigued after hearing all of the hype about infrared workouts. So, after conducting a quick Yelp search for the hottest Spinning, Pilates, and yoga studios on my iPhone, I decided to sign myself up for an infrared yoga class at Vibes Hot Yoga [6] in Newport Beach, CA. I've been practicing yoga on and off for almost 20 years, but even I was seriously intimidated by the idea of doing Crow Pose in a 112-degree room.
Twenty-four hours later, I found myself standing in a dark studio surrounded by several dozen yogis dressed head to toe in Lululemon. I already regretted the giant bowl of pasta and fried calamari I had inhaled at my birthday celebration the night before. Somehow, I resisted the urge to flee the room, exhaling my nervous energy before unrolling my new Yogitoes towel instead.
I spent the next 75 minutes dripping sweat as I flowed from Sun Salutation to Sun Salutation, stopping only to refill my water bottle. I've taken plenty of hot yoga classes [8] before, but I have never in my life experienced anything like infrared yoga. Initially, I felt a sense of calm wash over me as my body immediately relaxed into forward-facing bends and runner's lunges.
My instructor, Cheri, was upbeat and bubbly, constantly encouraging the class to push themselves to go even deeper. As I contorted my body into Twisted Tree Pose and Happy Baby, I couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with the dozens of scantily clad strangers around me. As Cheri instructed us to lay down for Savasana, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. I did it! I survived an infrared yoga class! I was already making a mental list of friends to call on my drive home to boast about my latest accomplishment when I had an epiphany.
We were only halfway through class.
OMG, seriously? I swore under my breath while trying to regain my composure. Every yoga class I have ever taken has saved Savasana for our final resting pose. It's like the reward for pushing yourself to your physical limits. That said, I really did need the break, so I wiped the sweat off my brow then forced myself back on my feet for another 40 minutes.
And, let me tell you, it wasn't easy. I huffed and I puffed and nearly blew the house down! Not only was I drenched in sweat by the end of the 75 minutes. I could barely even stand up anymore. Plus, I was so thirsty. This class challenged me in a way I literally haven't been challenged in years. It was a-m-az-ing!
Kind of.
I loved getting lost in the pop-rock soundtrack, which helped me flow through Sun Salutations while purple and orange lights flashed in time to the music. There was also a Himalayan salt wall, which acted as both tantalizing room decor and a natural air purifier, detoxifying the space so that we could all breathe a little easier. I'm not sure whether it really worked or not, but, regardless of whether or not it was a Jedi mind trick, I really did believe my body was detoxifying. And, really, that's half the battle, isn't it?
Despite my initial trepidation, I felt relieved in more ways than one when the class finally ended. Not only had I accomplished something difficult, but I stuck it out all the way until the end. Truth be told, I didn't drink enough water before class, which left me with a raging headache that day. I was so miserable I actually had to take a nap at 4 in the afternoon. But, once I replenished with more H2O at home, I can honestly say that I felt better than I have in ages.
That's not to say I'll be trading my regular yoga practice for an infrared pass anytime soon. I had a love-hate relationship with the class. Yes, it worked wonders, but the journey was definitely a little more intense than I like my yoga. But, on days when I need an extra challenge — or have just indulged in a giant bowl of pasta — I definitely won't be afraid to turn up the heat again.