By Tonya Burton
A visit to The Hot Room yoga studio on 96th Street is exactly what it sounds like – hot. At 105 degrees with 40 percent humidity, the owners said the heat is considered a tool that warms up the body, prevents injury, allows a deeper workout and cleanses the body of toxins.
Bikram-certified teachers lead the yoga students through 26 postures and two breathing exercises every session. The routine never changes because it is a therapeutic tool to restore range of motion, heal old injuries, relieve stress and promote weight loss.
Hye Jin Kalgaonkar, owner of The Hot Room, has taught Bikram yoga since 2010. She formerly taught in Vienna, Austria, where she and her husband were stationed with Eli Lily.
Now back in Indianapolis, Kalgaonkar decided to follow her passion and teach yoga full time.
“I’ve tried a lot of styles of yoga,” Kalgaonkar said, “but I keep coming back to this one. In 90 minutes, it works all parts of the body from the inside out, from head to toe.”
When speaking of the inside of the body, Kalgaonkar said she is referring to bodily systems such as the endocrine, digestive, and cardiovascular systems.
“The technique is wonderful for beginners and advanced levels, as well,” Kalgaonkar said. “For beginners, we just ask that they try to stay in the room for 90 minutes. They can do as many or as few poses as they want. The goal is to increase little by little.”
“It is very healthy, but as with any physical exercise you begin, check with your doctor first if you have any questions,” Kalgaonkar said.
The Hot Room is currently offering an introductory fee of $49 for unlimited sessions for one month. It is located at 3855 E. 96th St. in the retail center behind Coopershawk Restaurant.
For more information call 650-7736 or visit www.indybikramyoga.com.
