According to a study performed by human physiology researchers at the University of Oregon, increasing heat exposure may be the best thing for optimizing athletic performance in normal to cool environments.

The study examined the impact of heat acclimation to improve athletic performance in hot and cool environments.  There were exercise tests conducted on 12 avid cyclists where the participants underwent physiological and performance tests under both hot and cool conditions, 55.4 degrees Fahrenheit and 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit to be exact.  A separate control group of 8 cyclists underwent testing and followed the same exercise regime in a cool environment.  The outcome concluded that the heat acclimation exposure provided a dramatic increase in overall physical performance, stamina and recovery. Santiago Lorenzo, who performed the research as part of his dissertation at the University of Oregon, found performance increases of approximately 7% after 10 heat acclimation exposures.

Although I’m not a professional athlete, I had my own personal experience to increased heat exposure while participating in a one hour martial arts inspired body combat class at my local gym last week.  The temperature in the class was unusually warmer than usual.  I observed my workout peers start to tire easily and even complain about the heat.  Surprisingly, the increased heat didn’t affect my level of performance at all and I felt very steady with my level of exertion. The workout was not easy by any means and I was definitely breaking a sweat, but it didn’t hinder my level of endurance and overall workout performance.  I felt strong and finished the workout with a red face and an increased level of energy.

I fully attribute my ability to acclimate to the higher temperature to my use of the HOTWORX Infrared Sauna on a regular basis. HOTWORX, the virtually instructed heated exercise program, uses a combination of heat, infrared energy and exercise to flush toxins from the body, while strengthening and toning the muscles.  While the infrared energy is known to strengthen the cardiovascular-system and improve workout recovery, the heat works in unison to increase the body’s core temperature, increase circulation and speed the metabolism. It’s the ultimate workout.

It doesn’t matter whether you are an athlete training for a triathlon or someone that wants to maintain a consecutive workout regime, adding HOTWORX into the mix will help you build endurance and stamina both inside and outside of the sauna.  The combination of 30-minute isometric or 15 minute HIIT workouts, combined with infrared energy and heat make it the perfect trifecta to deliver more workout in less time.

HOTWORX may be found along with other wellness services at select Planet Beach locations.  Log on to https://planetbeach.com/spa-locator/ to find a location nearest you and claim your free session today.  Earn the Burn and join the HOTWORX movement today.

Source: https://uonews.uoregon.edu/archive/news-release/2010/10/heat-acclimation-benefits-athletic-performance-hot-and-cool-conditions

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Written By: Jodie Mateu, VP of Special Events & Productivity