Metabolic Energy Contributions During High-Intensity Hatha Yoga and Physiological Comparisons Between Active and Passive (Savasana) Recovery

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate metabolic energy contributions during high-intensity hatha yoga (HIHY) and to compare changes in physiological variables between active and passive recovery methods. Methods: The study involved 20 women yoga instructors (n = 20) who performed 10 min of HIHY (vigorous sun salutation). Upon completion, they were randomly assigned to either active (walking; n = 10) or passive (savasana; n = 10) recovery groups for a period of 10 min. During HIHY, physiological variables such as heart rate (HR(peak) and HR(mean)), oxygen uptake (VO(2peak) and VO(2mean)), and blood lactate concentrations (peak La(−)) were measured. Energetic contributions (phosphagen; W(PCR), glycolytic; W(Gly), and oxidative; W(Oxi)) in kJ and % were estimated using VO(2) and La(−) data. Furthermore, the metabolic equivalents (METs) of VO(2peak) and VO(2mean) were calculated. To compare different recovery modes, HR(post), ΔHR, VO(2post), ΔVO(2), recovery La(−), and recovery ΔLa(−) were analyzed. Results: The results revealed that HR(peak), VO(2peak), and peak La(−) during HIHY showed no differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). Values of HR(peak), HR(mean), METs of VO(2peak) and VO(2mean), and La(−) during HIHY were 95.6% of HR(max), 88.7% of HR(max), 10.54 ± 1.18, 8.67 ±.98 METs, and 8.31 ± 2.18 mmol·L(−1), respectively. Furthermore, W(Oxi) was significantly higher compared with W(PCR), W(Gly), and anaerobic contribution (W(PCR) + W(Gly)), in kJ and % (p < 0.0001). VO(2post) and recovery ΔLa(−) were significantly higher in the active recovery group (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0369, respectively). Values of ΔVO(2) and recovery La(−) were significantly lower in the active group compared with the passive group (p = 0.0115, p = 0.0291, respectively). Conclusions: The study concluded that high-intensity hatha yoga which was performed for 10 min is a suitable option for relatively healthy people in the modern workplace who may have hatha yoga experience but do not have time to perform a prolonged exercise. Following active recovery, they can participate in further HIHY sessions during short breaks. Furthermore, a faster return to work can be supported by physiological recovery.