Maximum Temperature for Hot Yoga

Hot yoga classes feature very warm room temperatures and higher-than-usual humidity levels. Advocates for hot yoga make many claims about its benefits, ranging from increased cardiovascular function to toxin cleansing through sweating. Science hasn’t yet validated these claims, so practicing in a hot room partly comes down to personal preference. Although there’s no industry standard for hot yoga, for many studios the maximum temperature will hover around 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

  1. Baby, It's Hot and Humid Inside

    • Some hot yoga programs, such as Bikram yoga, offer classes in rooms heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the heat is compounded by the room’s high humidity levels. A Bikram class might hit 60-percent humidity, resulting in an approximate heat index of 149 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Yoga Journal. ACE Fitness states that temperatures might reach 115 degrees Fahrenheit in some hot yoga classes.

    Fahrenheit Fluctuations

    • Yoga studios might set temperatures to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, but external factors unrelated to heating systems could make the room feel significantly hotter, according to Bikram Yoga Decatur. Windows, carpeted floors, and seasonal changes outside the building could all possibly affect the temperatures inside. A basic rule of thumb is that no matter what temperature the yoga room is set to, it is too hot if you feel unwell at any point during your workout.

    Hot -- or Not

    • People sometimes experience a greater range of motion during a hot yoga class; high temperatures help relax your muscles and increase circulation, according to ACE Fitness. However, a greater range of motion is not always desirable without control. For example, you might be able to achieve a backbend in a hot yoga class because you feel more flexible, but if you don’t have the back muscles to support this potentially risky pose, you could collapse unsafely rather than using control to exit properly. Other people enjoy practicing in extreme temperatures because of the additional challenge, or because it can feel “transformational” – somewhat akin to a Native American sweat lodge.

    Tips for Rising Temps

    • If you’re practicing yoga in extreme temperatures, pay extra attention to your body to avoid injury. Sweating excessively can result in dehydration, which leads to other heat-related conditions such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Drink 16 ounces of water two hours before class, and 20 to 40 ounces of water every hour after exercising, according to Yoga Journal. Don’t layer your clothing; when temperatures get high your skin needs to cool itself. If you do feel nauseated or ill during hot yoga, lie down on your back or leave the heated room. Elevate your legs and apply wet cloths to your skin.

    Hot Yoga: Not for Everyone

    • The extreme temperatures associated with hot yoga make it unsafe for some people. If you’re pregnant, have a cardiovascular condition or circulation-related disease, this type of yoga might not be suitable for you. Overweight individuals should also steer clear of maximum temperatures. Some conditions, including heart disease, might not be immediately detectable, so it's always a good idea to consult your doctor before beginning a hot yoga practice.