A stretching routine has never been made into a workout, until now…
It will be a year this week, the day after Christmas, that we made fitness history again when we launched the first stretching routine to be made into a workout. This new HOTWORX workout is known as HOT STRETCH. This workout delivers a stretch like no other and burns as many calories as Hot Yoga in the same amount of time.
I had the honor to do a book signing this week at the HOTWORX franchise location in Fairview, TX, where I spoke with several members who told me amazing stories of the results that they are experiencing at the studio and how they all love HOT STRETCH. Hats off to the franchisees, Ryan and Jennifer Barnes, who own the Fairview location along with three other locations in Texas and Oklahoma. I can tell you that their members are HOTWORX fanatics.
I hear it from so many people everywhere about their spectacular HOTWORX fitness results. Case in point, when I was leaving to come home Thursday night at the DFW airport, a lady who works for the TSA saw my HOTWORX shirt and asked me if I worked out there. I said yes, and that I was from corporate, and she then told me emphatically from the other side of the bag inspection conveyor belt, “HOTWORX, you guys are changing the game!” Fitness innovation is what we do.
As a fitness studio franchise we are committed to creating and bringing new ways to achieve fast, effective and spectacular results for our customers. That, I can assure you, will continue to be our mission. MORE WORKOUT, LESS TIME is why we are here introducing the world to the infrared fitness game!
When I first tested the new HOT STRETCH workout in the sauna from an outline I wrote on a piece of paper, I knew it would be a hit based on the flexibility of my body and the euphoric feeling that I experienced at the end of that routine. The idea was to create a sequence of postures based on athletic stretches from football warmups. This included things like hurdle stretch and runners lunge, among others that you might recognize from high school athletics, or from what you might see NFL players using on tv. The final workout resulted in 13 highly effective postures, for a 30 minute training routine.
Why does it work so well? Here is some of the science behind the euphoria of HOT STRETCH.
When you stretch inside an infrared sauna, you’ll know that there’s something undeniably magical about the experience. The combination of soothing, radiant warmth, deep muscle release, and intimate environment culminates in a euphoric sensation that extends long after you step out. But what is it about this practice that makes it so uniquely uplifting? Let’s dive into the science and sensation behind the post-stretch euphoria from an infrared sauna HOT STRETCH workout.
Infrared saunas are celebrated for their ability to penetrate deep into the body’s tissues, offering more than just surface-level warmth. Unlike traditional saunas, which heat the air around you, infrared saunas use light waves to directly heat your muscles, joints, and connective tissues. This gentle, penetrating heat relaxes muscles, improves circulation, and prepares the body for a deeply satisfying stretch.
When you combine this heat, and infrared energy absorption with stretching, the benefits of stretch are amplified. Warm muscles are more pliable and less prone to injury, allowing for more flexibility and a greater release of tension. This enhanced stretch and relaxation pave the way for the euphoric sensations that folks experience post-HOT STRETCH session.
During and after your infrared sauna HOT STRETCH session, your body releases endorphins, the natural "feel-good" chemicals that reduce pain and promote relaxation. Stretching further enhances this effect by stimulating the release of tension and increasing blood flow, which supports the production of these neurotransmitters.
Infrared heat significantly boosts circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tired or stiff muscles. Stretching complements this process by encouraging blood flow to deeper tissues. The result? A revitalized, refreshed feeling of fitness that’s hard to beat.
Stretching in the warm, enveloping environment of an infrared sauna activates your parasympathetic nervous system—the part of your nervous system responsible for "rest and digest" functions. Post-workout, as your body shifts out of its training stress response, you’ll notice a calming wave.
And, what about the sweating? Sweating is a natural part of the infrared sauna experience, helping your body eliminate toxins like heavy metals and chemicals. As you stretch and sweat, your body undergoes a detoxification process that can leave you feeling lighter and more balanced. This physical cleansing often translates to an emotional release, contributing to the euphoric sensation.
Stretching in an infrared sauna is more than just a physical exercise; it’s an opportunity to connect with your body and mind in a meaningful way. The warmth of the sauna encourages mindfulness and deep breathing, allowing you to focus on the sensations within your body. This meditative aspect of the HOT STRETCH practice further enhances the euphoric experience.
Here are some tips for maximizing your post-HOT STRETCH euphoria.
Be sure to hydrate properly. Drink plenty of water with added electrolytes and aminos before, during, and after your session to replenish fluids lost through sweat, accelerate recovery, and to support detoxification.
You should also follow the virtual instructor cues for breathing while you stretch to deepen your mind and body connection to the present moment. Allow the heat to work its magic and your muscles to relax fully. Then, take the cue to foam roll it out and give yourself a few moments to meditate after your session to fully absorb the benefits and welcome in the feelings of euphoria.
The euphoric feeling that follows a stretching routine inside of an infrared sauna is a testament to the body’s incredible ability to heal and rejuvenate. By combining the therapeutic benefits of infrared heat with the restorative power of stretching, you’re giving your body and mind a gift that keeps on giving. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve flexibility, or simply feel amazing, this practice is a gateway to awesome flexibility, lowered risk of injury, and a state of fitness bliss.
Maybe it’s time to add HOT STRETCH to your cross-training lineup.
The euphoria awaits!
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