Hot Yoga
It’s estimated that around 300 million people worldwide regularly practice yoga.
Of those who practice yoga, 10 percent practice a specific type of yoga called Bikram Yoga. Bikram Yoga classes are 90 minutes long and focus on a set of 26 poses done in order, while the yoga studio or room is kept at a toasty 105 degrees along with 40 percent humidity. Casually, this is known as hot yoga.
Hot yoga has plenty of benefits, so while hot yoga may sound like a challenge, it makes sense why those who practice have fallen in love. There are several benefits – circulation, energy, sweat, and flexibility, just to name a few.
Ironically, when asked what holds them back from trying yoga out, 32 percent of people who don’t practice yoga listed lack of flexibility as a main concern.
Clearly, heat key factor in reaping the rewards of yoga. And it’s possible that, with encouragement from this tool that makes the practice easier and more enjoyable for some, those who have concerns about flexibility may be more open to trying yoga for themselves.
And with advancements in printed electronics and smart clothing over the years, hot yoga can be even more customized to the individual than it is in a standard heated studio.
Wearable smart clothing provides a unique opportunity – for experienced yogis, and those dipping their toes in the yoga studio pond, alike.
Typical Hot Yoga Studios
Bikram Yoga is classified by its 26 poses performed in order while the room is kept at 105 degrees. While that definition is strict, many studios apply those rules loosely, or offer hot yoga inspired by Bikram Yoga but at a less extreme temperature that’s more appealing to all participants.
Heated studios promote this toasty environment in different ways. Some have heating/ventilation systems that can vary in effectiveness. Some strategically place space heaters throughout the room, while some just turn up the thermostat. In parallel, some studios use infrared sauna systems, or incorporate heated flooring panels underfoot.
Why heat is good for yoga
The benefits of hot yoga are unique to the individual. However, flexibility, sweat, circulation, and energy are the most common.
Flexibility
Heat relaxes the muscles and stimulates nerve endings to block pain signals. It can alleviate soreness in tight joints and contribute to a wider range of motion.
Sweat
Much like attending a sauna, hot yoga’s high temperature increases sweat which can help promote weight loss and skin cleansing.
Circulation
Heat helps improve circulation and blood flow as our circulatory system gets a little help sending heat throughout the body. 
Promotes energy
Hot yoga can promote improved energy levels, likely as the added challenge helps keep people alert and focused during the practice, and also from reducing stress and improving sleep throughout the day.
How Flexible Heaters Open More Possibilities
Bring the Heat Anywhere
Not all studios offer hot yoga. Further – practicing yoga outdoors, while often more enjoyable, is also more accessible.
What if, rather than driving across town to the nearest studio, you could practice yoga with extra heat support wherever you pleased? With lightweight, portable heated garments and yoga accessories, you can Downward Facing Dog wherever you please – or, heck, Mountain Pose in the mountains themselves.
Customized to Your Liking
Everyone is different. Typical adults’ body temperatures can range anywhere from 97F to 99F. And different still, our body temperatures fluctuate throughout the day, and can be influenced by our environment or even our mood.
Heated yoga studios are a one-size-fits-all option, and heat differs from one studio to another. If the temperature or humidity level in the room aren’t to your liking, you’re out of luck. Instead of taking the chance and hoping the temperature will be ideal, why not ensure you’ll enjoy your practice by bringing your own heated items, customized to your liking?
Turn Off/On as You Please
Too hot? You don’t have to take off another layer. You can just turn it off.
If the user starts feeling a little toasty, they don’t need to worry about stopping their flow or distracting the group to adjust a complicated accessory. Because printed heaters are lightweight and wireless, users can just turn down the heat or turn the device’s heat off completely from a sleek, easily-accessible control panel.
Target Trouble Areas
Target specific trouble areas for added comfort, flexibility, recovery, or challenge. Putting heat into compression gear can mean that the heat is more targeted to any particular trouble areas or muscles that may need extra stretch or are prone to tension.
Consistency
Some studios will offer both heated and non-heated classes. However, something to keep in mind is that studios specializing in hot classes will have a different (and more effective) heating/ventilation system. The heat may still differ from one studio to the next, and the temperature could also be different.
Applications for Flexible Heaters in Yoga
Heated Clothing
Compression shirts or pants are perfect avenues for smart clothing. Being snug to the skin means that any wearable technology is as customized to the wearer as possible. Wireless, printed heaters can be incorporated into the backs or sides of garments and can have small, light-weight controls that are easily accessible from a clip-on or inside a hidden pocket. Garments can be designed to wick away sweat while keeping the heat in place, and then thrown in the wash later.
Contrarily, for anyone who wants some heat but doesn’t want to get too toasty, lighter, looser clothing can be outfitted with flexible heaters, too. Especially with the right fabrics and substrates, heat can be insulated while not sticking close to the skin.
Heated Bands or Braces
There are yoga poses that aim to strengthen wrists and improve comfort over time. To prevent and even treat wrist injuries, many sport stabilizing wrist pads or wrist/ankle braces. Adding heat would only further lend to comfort and injury prevention as well as recovery during or after a practice.
Heated back braces or knee braces are another great option. These braces can add insulated heat to bothersome areas like the lower back or knees, particularly for anyone doing stretches to help those areas specifically.
Bands can stretch and mold to the user based on their preference and can be adjusted until they fit just right.
Heated Yoga Mats
While not clothing per se, you would struggle to find a yogi who doesn’t bring their favorite mat along with them before practicing – or to find a yoga studio who doesn’t require it. Yoga mats are an extension of the self when it comes to the practice, much like a hockey stick to a hockey player out on the ice. Yoga is practiced without shoes, which makes the quality of support under your feet that much more paramount.
Heated yoga mats can offer extra comfort to whichever part of the body is providing support during each pose. They also cover a wide surface area, meaning heat can span the length of the body while one is laying down, yet stay put during standing poses, which could help avoid overheating during a lengthy practice.
Conclusion
Hot yoga isn’t just a fad – it’s a legitimate method of exercise and stress relief for millions of people, especially in an age where preventative health is at the top of everyone’s mind.
Wearable heat via printed electronics is a great way to make restorative yoga more comfortable, personal, and accessible.
Butler Technologies is your one-stop-shop for smart clothing and printed electronics solutions. Our design and engineering team offers crucial expertise when it comes to the design requirements for your flexible heater, and in combination with our USA-based manufacturing facility, can take your next smart clothing project from idea to reality. Reach out to get started today.
Meet the Author
Madelyn is an integrated marketing specialist at Butler Technologies and has a passion for problem-solving, project management, and storytelling. She loves marketing in the B2B technology space and has a degree in English specializing in editing, writing and media from Florida State University.