TheIntrepidIntern
Warming up to hot(ish) yoga The infrared experience at Pause Yoga & Pilates studio by Elizabeth Barrett Animas High School intern
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ost fitness enthusiasts and amateur yogis in this town have tried hot yoga at some time or another. But, for those of us who enjoy the heat but not the humidity, a studio called Pause Yoga & Pilates exists on the south side of town. This studio heats its classes a little differently than others, using infrared panels on the ceiling to warm the room without heated air. Pause is the only studio of this type in our area – a new experience for all interested Durangatangs. The panels used in the studio are the same type found in therapeutic infrared saunas and incubators for premature babies. Despite the name “infrared,” they do not emit red light, or really any visible light at all. That’s because infrared wavelengths exist on the lower, less intense end of the electromagnetic spectrum, so we can feel their heat without seeing them. “The infrared is hugely special, and different and therapeutic,” Pause owner Jolie Ensign said. “It’s an intimate, clean space … you can feel comfortable with the heat and reap the benefits.” According to the studio’s website, infrared is very similar to the warmth of the summer sun. “When you are outdoors in the sunlight, you are not warmed by the heat of the air around you but rather the infrared rays of the sun,” states the website, adding that infrared offers the benefits of sunlight without harmful UV exposure. Among the other advantages, according to the website, are improved immune function, better skin, increased flow of Jolie Ensign lymph fluids and enhanced injury recovery. Ensign has harbored a passion for health and activity since she was a high school athlete. She earned a master’s degree in health promotion and wellness at a school that she said is known for wellness education, the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. She’s a nutritionist as well as a fitness instructor, teaching fitness classes in multiple places around town. When she first became interested in teaching hot yoga, extensive research into the best heating sources led her to the infrared panels. Pause opened a month before the COVID-19 pandemic began, in the Purple Cliffs Wellness Center above Sunnyside Farms Market. However, Ensign doesn’t
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Visitors participate in a hot yoga class at Pause Yoga & Pilates. The infrared heat is emitted through the white panels in the ceiling, and temperatures can range from 80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit./ Courtesy photo think the studio was through the large winweakened by quarandows, and a couple tine, but rather colorful art prints strengthened, and she adorned the studio feels although the stuwalls. As we laid out dio is small and still our yoga mats – thankyoung, it has already fully, the studio probecome a place for vides equipment for healing. those who need it – “Pause kinda got there was plenty of fine-tuned during the room to stretch and pandemic as a place of move. respite for folks,” she I had been a bit insaid. “I think we all timidated by the idea learned from the panof hot Pilates, but I demic to slow down, soon found there was to take breaks, to nothing to fear. As we breathe, to pause … moved through the the pandemic just class, I felt challenged made everybody rebut not exhausted. The author with the post-infrared evaluate and add in a The room was warm workout glow. little more time for but not unpleasantly self-care.” humid or stuffy. By Taking this to heart – and an occasional the end, we were all a little sweaty but sathot yoga attendee myself – I decided to isfied with our thorough workout. I wasn’t check out the morning “Hot Mat Pilates” sure whether my lymph fluids were flowing class to see what infrared was all about. any more effectively, but I did walk out feelWhen I arrived, instructor Melissa Mc- ing glad that I participated. The experience Gaughey greeted me with a friendly smile. was certainly positive and very unique. The studio was at a pleasant temperature of Pause offers a variety of classes throughout 98 degrees Fahrenheit, warm but not over- the week. For a schedule or more info, go to whelming. Morning sunlight streamed www.pauseyogapilates.com.■
telegraph
May 12, 2022 n 11
