Practicing Sol Hot Yoga can be a powerful way to release stress and activate the “feel good” brain chemicals: dopamine, Endorphins, and Gamma-AminoButyric Acid (GABA).  Here’s how it works:

1. GABA Activation.

• Heat & Deep Breaths.  Sol Hot Yoga’s systems & sequences promote deep, mindful breathing, which helps calm the nervous system and reduce cortisol (stress hormone).  This process activates the parasympathetic nervous system which signals the body to relax from the inside-out by releasing a flood of GABA neurotransmitters.
• Heat & Moving Meditation.  This is a key distinction of the Sol Hot Yoga intentional design which separating this practice from other forms of Hot Yoga, and sitting in the sauna.  Sol Hot Yoga’s sequences – Hatha & Vinyasa – are a fluid & mindful balance of effort & ease.  The choreography of postures & transitions are done in the optimal environmental conditions to enhance the release of GABA, creating a sense of calm & healing.

2. Dopamine Release.

• Healthy exercise.  Sol Hot Yoga sequences challenge the continuous harmony of body, breath, and mind.  The heat & the pace of the flow work together to stimulate the circulatory & respiratory systems that pump fresh blood & oxygen to every muscle & tissue throughout your body.  The brain releases dopamine as a signal that this is good for us, to keep us motivated & focused.  This is markedly different than the transmitters released when the body is injured, or under stress (fight or flight).  Sol Hot Yoga accesses the benefits of intense exercise without the inflammatory response triggered by pounding & over-loading.
• Achievement.  For at least 60 minutes, yogis with Sol are focused on the regulation of body, breath, and a mindful intention.  Successfully completing a Sol Hot Yoga class is an amazing accomplishment.  If in doubt, try to keep up with Matt’s pace in an empowering Vinyasa classes!  Or, challenge your flexibility & strength in the advanced postures Sky introduces in her Vinyasa classes.  Simply enjoying the foundation postures in every Hatha class can provide a lifetime of growth opportunities, from simple to complex levels.  One breath, one posture, or one class at a time; Sol Hot Yoga practice can boost dopamine levels when you realize how much you can accomplish.

3. Endorphin Boost.

• 60-minutes of Exercise.  The physical effort to complete a 60-minute Sol Hot Yoga class is not to be under-estimated.  Each class is a challenge.  The sustained physical energy stimulates the release of endorphins – a natural pain killer – which signals feelings of euphoria & well-being.  There’s (almost) nothing like the ‘glow’ after a class with Sol, and your body will love you for it.
• Heat Response.  Heat Shock Proteins (HSP) are also stimulated by the Sol Hot Yoga sequences & systems.  HSP help protect cells from stress, and are linked to the release of endorphins.  Also, the pace of the sequence combine with the temperature to increase the breath rate & dilate the blood vessels which not only stimulate endorphins, but also enable faster flow throughout the body.  The temperature also works to relax muscle tissues and the tone of Sol Hot Yoga helps to release tension.  The brain gets the message that it’s safe to relax & restore, and sends endorphins to work their magic.

Putting it all together.  The combination of the Sol Hot Yoga systems required to create the optimal environment, along with the mindful sequences of postures, guided by a therapeutic intention creates a truly holistic healing experience.  The synergistic effect is the essence of the meaning of the word Yoga – to yoke, a union.  As these “feel good” hormones & neurotransmitters soak into your brain & absorb into the tissues throughout your body, stress & anxiety melt away.

By practicing Sol Hot Yoga at least 4 times a week (just every-other-day), you not only cultivate a stronger body, but you’re also building the neuro-pathways that foster a healthier & happier life. The sense of wholeness you get from Sol Hot Yoga might be imitated at other places, but it can never be duplicated.

Sign up for a class today!  <<CLICK HERE>> and we’ll see you there!