Is Hot Yoga Safe?

Hot yoga can be safe for some. Attempting it is the only way of knowing if your body can handle it. To prevent it from being dangerous to you, you will need to take a few precautions at the outset.

  1. Why People Do It

    • The addition of heat allows a yoga participant to stretch her body farther than it normally could. It also increases joint mobility and overall circulation. Sweating such a large amount of fluid is also believed to release toxins from the body. For enthusiasts, hot yoga is a relaxing and invigorating experience.

    What Can Go Wrong

    • You may also find that overstretching tends to hurt later.

      Thermoregulation (your body keeping itself near 98.6 degrees) is difficult while exercising in a heated environment. Your body runs out of ways to battle its rising core temperature: Radiating heat outward is impossible, and sweat cannot evaporate to cool the skin in high humidity. This leads to more sweat and faster dehydration. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur when your body cannot regulate its core temperature.

    Precautions

    • If you're on any medication, clear it with doc before participating.

      Start slowly and with short sessions. Drink the allotted eight to 10 glasses of water per day, taking care to hydrate before each session. Wear a minimal amount of loose clothing. Pay close attention to how your body reacts -- stop and leave the room if you feel abnormal to the point of dizziness, headache or blurred vision. Note that your pulse will rise significantly if your body goes into desperation mode.