by Bruce Frankel

Discover the mental and physical health benefits associated with this personal enrichment…

You might be surprised to know that people from all reaches of the Triad are coming to Kernersville to practice the celebrated life transforming practice of yoga at the Hot Yoga Therapy studio located just off Hwy 66.

The two main reasons for this include the excellent state-of-the-art facility that creates a safe and high quality environment as well as the top notch professional and caring teachers and staff who enthusiastically help individuals explore and discover the personal benefits of the hot yoga experience.

Many people are encouraged to practice hot yoga for the first time because they think that it could help them lose weight, which it can do, but it is also more than that.  Hot Yoga is an exercise for the mind as well as for the body.  Concentration and meditation is at the core of helping individuals relax and focus, thus reducing stress and improving overall well-being.  Hot Yoga is also known to improve balance, develop stamina, increase flexibility, tone muscles, lower blood pressure, and enhance strength endurance.

Barbara Hurlbutt, the studio owner, smiles when she thinks back to the first time she discovered Hot Yoga by accident, “I remember taking my first class in street clothes about nine years ago and I have been hooked ever since.  More than anything, it is about taking time for yourself.”

When you understand the origins of yoga postures dating back centuries to Calcutta India, you can appreciate the importance of creating the appropriate environment.  Hot Yoga Therapy’s classes are offered in a spacious studio (the average class size is between 15 and 25 but up to 45 students can comfortably participate at one time).  The room is heated to 105 degrees with the humidity of only 40%.  A giant, 10-foot ceiling fan sends hot air swirling to the odorless, textured 100% virgin rubber floor as students go through a series of 26 poses, including two breathing exercises, in 90 minutes while listening to their instructor.  Through a high tech air system and UV lighting panels, fresh air re-circulates every three minutes, allowing beginners and experts to stretch and sweat side by side while practicing in a healthy environment.  Additional benefits of this heat is that it helps with muscle stretching, allows the body to open, decompresses the nervous system, and helps with detoxifying the body.

What makes this hot yoga studio so inviting is the friendly and warm culture they have created.  Regardless of whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, there is no competition or judgment from others in the studio.  Everyone is comfortable developing at their own pace and ability.  They have created an enjoyable, peaceful, and stress free environment for all while keeping in mind that breathing awareness is central to yoga and a calm state of being.

At this first-class yoga facility, you will find multiple private bathrooms with showers as well as individual changing rooms.

In addition to the hot classic 90 minute yoga classes, there is warm YIN yoga, power flow 60, hot classic flow 55, hot classic silent, and even a kids class (not given in the extreme heat).  The various classes are scheduled throughout different times of the week so you can easily find one that fits your schedule.

For those who want to relieve their stress outside of yoga classes, the studio offers deep tissue, hot stone, and Swedish massages.  In addition, there is a ‘float pod’ where individuals can experience float therapy which involves a 90 minute float in 1200 pounds of medical grade Epsom salt dissolved in water.  Both the massages and float therapy are popular with individuals and couples looking for a truly relaxing experience.

Anyone who is interested in learning more is encouraged to drop in and tour the full service yoga studio to see all that it has to offer.  Even from one initial class, you can experience positive results.  There is no pressure to sign up for future classes and you will find both regular and infrequent students using the studio.