The Effects of Hot Yoga on Vascular Function

The Effects of Bikram (Hot) Yoga on Vascular Health in Hypertensive Adults

This study will examine the effects of a 12 week hot yoga intervention on vascular health in adults between the ages of 20 and 65. The investigators are seeking individuals with slightly elevated blood pressure and stage I hypertension who are not currently taking blood pressure medications or exercising regularly. Participants will receive 12 weeks of free yoga for their participation.

This study will examine the effects of a 12 week hot yoga intervention on vascular health by assessing changes of pre-intervention and post-intervention measurements in ambulatory blood pressure, endothelial function, and arterial stiffness in adults between the ages of 20 and 65. The investigators are seeking individuals with elevated blood pressure and stage I hypertension who are not currently taking blood pressure medications or exercising regularly. Participants will receive 12 weeks of free yoga for their participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Elevated blood pressure or stage I hypertension;
• sedentary (not currently exercising regularly);
• not currently taking blood pressure medications.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy;
• renal disease;
• prior heart attack;
• known coronary artery disease;
• history of stroke,
• heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
• recent chest pain;
• heat intolerance;
• body mass index of 40 or more.