Hot Yoga

Hot yoga refers to any yoga practice performed in a heated room, typically between 95-105°F (35-40°C) with varying humidity levels. While Bikram yoga is the most famous hot yoga style, many studios now offer heated vinyasa, power yoga, and other variants.

The Heat Factor

The elevated temperature serves multiple purposes. Heat warms muscles quickly, allowing for deeper stretches and reduced injury risk. The warmth also increases heart rate, turning yoga into a more cardiovascular workout. Many practitioners report that the heat helps them achieve poses they cannot perform in room temperature classes.

Sweating is intense in hot yoga—expect to be drenched. Proponents claim this promotes detoxification, though scientific evidence for "sweating out toxins" is limited. What is certain is that the practice burns more calories and requires significant cardiovascular exertion.

Bikram vs. Modern Hot Yoga

Bikram Yoga follows a rigid 90-minute sequence of 26 poses and 2 breathing exercises in 105°F heat with 40% humidity. Every class is identical, which allows practitioners to measure progress.

Contemporary Hot Yoga varies widely. Studios set their own temperatures (often 90-100°F), create unique sequences, and may adjust humidity. This flexibility allows for more creative teaching while maintaining the benefits of heat.

Critical Mat Requirements

Hot yoga places extreme demands on your mat:

Moisture resistance is non-negotiable - You will sweat profusely. Mats must handle wetness without becoming slippery. Cork and natural rubber excel here; avoid microfiber unless using a towel overlay.

Superior grip when wet - Standard TPE mats become dangerously slippery when soaked with sweat. Look for materials specifically designed for hot yoga.

Easy cleaning - Hot yoga mats need washing after every class to prevent bacteria and odor. Choose closed-cell or antimicrobial materials.

Many hot yogis use a combination approach: a quality mat plus a yoga towel or mat-sized towel with grip dots to absorb sweat and maintain traction.

Health Considerations

Hot yoga is not for everyone. The heat can be dangerous for people with:

• Cardiovascular conditions
• Pregnancy
• Heat sensitivity
• Certain medications that affect temperature regulation

Proper hydration is essential—drink water before, during (if allowed), and after class. Be alert for signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, or confusion.

The Hot Yoga Experience

Despite the challenges, hot yoga devotees are passionate about the practice. The heat creates a meditative, almost trance-like state as you focus intensely on breath and movement. The post-class feeling—muscles deeply stretched, body cleansed by sweat—keeps practitioners coming back.

Whether you choose traditional Bikram or modern hot vinyasa, the heated room transforms yoga into an immersive, physically demanding practice that tests both body and mental fortitude.