If you need to stretch tight muscles while burning a bunch of calories, head over to the newly opened Hot Yoga by the Sea studio in Kailua. 

Unlike a sauna, which heats the air, the studio’s infrared heating system targets individuals in the room rather than the surrounding air, said owner Nicole Robinson-Ague.

“Infrared light differs greatly from, say, a heater that heats the air in a room, because it actually is absorbed by the skin and has a greater effect on increased circulation, muscle flexibility and detoxification,” she said. “Muscles and joints relax when they are warmed, and it helps relieve muscle pain and stiffness and reduce the chance of injury.”

The class was intense, even at a beginner level. While taking the 90-minute Hot Yoga Basics class with Heather Martz, I excused myself twice to go out and get some air. The room is heated to approximately 100 degrees, so expect to sweat a lot. It might seem tortuous at times, but when you get to the last pose, Sava­sana (the aptly named corpse pose), you’ll be glad you stayed until the end. Martz handed out ice-cold, lavender-scented washcloths.

Classes led by various instructors and for different levels are offered seven days a week. There are beginner classes for those who don’t practice yoga regularly.

Robinson-Ague, a certified yoga instructor, did Bikram yoga (rigorous heated yoga that uses 26 different postures) for several years. “I respect the Bikram series and still enjoy taking classes in the Bikram style, though I wanted to offer more of a variety to hot yoga and incorporate different types of yoga,” she said.

According to Robinson-Ague, exercising in the heat increases the amount of calories burned as the body works to maintain a proper body temperature. Add the movement of yoga, and it also significantly increases metabolism and heart rate.

Pregnant women and seniors are not advised to exercise in a heated room.

Drink plenty of water before and after the class. The instructor offered several different options for poses, based on your flexibility and fitness levels. 

Contact your physician before starting any exercise program.

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“Tryouts” is a new monthly column on exercise and wellness classes and other fitness activities offered locally. Reach Nancy Arcayna at narcayna@staradvertiser.com or call 529-4808.