Hatha yoga refers to a combination of various physical exercises (called asanas or postures) that are designed to align the muscles, bones, and skin and open up channels that allow energy to flow freely through the body. With the main focus on the breath, yoga is designed to bring awareness to the mind-body connection, strengthen muscles, increase circulation and improve flexibility. Practicing hatha yoga in a heated and humid room only increases the benefits of the practice. It is pretty common knowledge that it is best to exercise when the muscles are warm to avoid injury, and yoga is no different. The heat produces a fluid-like stretch allowing for greater range of movement in joints, muscles, ligaments and other supporting structures. Along with protecting the muscles and joints there are numerous other benefits for the body in a hot and humid room. Capillaries dilate in the heat; more effectively oxygenating the tissues, muscles, glands and organs and helping in the removal of waste products. Sweating promotes detoxification and elimination through the skin, which is the body’s largest waste eliminating organ.
