How Hot Is Hot Yoga?

Ever wondered how hot is hot yoga, you’re not alone. The temperature of the room is one of the biggest questions people have before they step into their first class. And trust me, it can feel very hot. Typically, hot yoga rooms are heated to anywhere between 32°C to 40°C (that’s 90°F to 105°F for our US friends), depending on the type of class you’re attending.

Now, when I say “hot,” I mean sweat-pouring, heart-pumping hot. The heat is a key element of the practice, designed to make your muscles more flexible and to get your body detoxifying through sweat. This means you’ll leave class feeling like you’ve worked your entire body, both mentally and physically.

What Is the Average Temperature in a Hot Yoga Class?

If you’re attending a traditional Bikram yoga class, the room will be heated to exactly 40°C (104°F) with 40% humidity. It’s like stepping into a tropical sauna, and yes, you will sweat—a lot. This temperature is not random, though. Bikram Choudhury, the creator of Bikram yoga, designed the practice to replicate the climate of India, where yoga originated. So, you can imagine how authentic the experience feels!

Other forms of hot yoga, like CorePower or Hot Vinyasa, might vary slightly, with room temperatures ranging from 32°C to 37°C. While these classes are still heated, they aren’t always as intense as Bikram, but you’ll still break a serious sweat.

The lower heat of some hot yoga styles might appeal to beginners or those looking for a less intense experience. That said, whether it’s Bikram or Vinyasa, the heat is there to help with flexibility and mobility. It softens up your muscles, making it easier to stretch deeper into poses and feel more connected to your body. And let’s be real—sweating it all out can feel incredibly refreshing, too.

Why Is Hot Yoga Done in Heated Rooms?

So, why crank up the heat in the first place? Well, the idea behind hot yoga is that the heat helps your body open up. When your muscles are warm, they are more pliable, which makes it easier to move deeper into poses and reduces the risk of injury. Plus, the heat can help your circulation and increase your heart rate, giving you a more intense workout. Essentially, you’re getting more bang for your buck in the same amount of time.

Another reason hot yoga is so, well, hot is because it’s believed to promote detoxification. The idea is that the more you sweat, the more toxins you’re releasing from your body. Whether that’s entirely true or not, I can say one thing for sure—you will feel cleansed after a session, both mentally and physically.

Many people also find that practicing yoga in a heated environment helps with mindfulness. When you’re sweating buckets and focusing on your breathing in a room set to 37°C, it’s hard to think about anything else. The heat forces you to stay present, which is a huge part of what makes yoga such a mindful, grounding practice.

Benefits of Practicing Yoga in High Heat

Let’s talk about the benefits of practicing yoga in a heated room. Aside from the obvious sweat detox and flexibility boost, there are a few other perks:

1. Increased Calorie Burn
   Hot yoga can burn more calories than practicing yoga in a cooler room. Your body works harder to cool itself down, which can result in a higher calorie burn. So, if you’re looking for a workout that combines strength, flexibility, and cardio, hot yoga could be your go-to.
2. Improved Circulation
   The heat in hot yoga helps increase your heart rate, which in turn gets your blood pumping more efficiently around your body. This can boost circulation, which is great for overall cardiovascular health.
3. Enhanced Endurance
   Over time, practicing in a heated room builds up your stamina and endurance. It’s a challenge, for sure, but after a few weeks, you’ll notice improvements in how long you can hold poses and how comfortable you feel in the heat.
4. Mental Toughness
   Let’s be honest—doing yoga in a room that feels like a sauna isn’t just physically demanding, it’s mentally tough, too. But that’s part of the beauty of hot yoga. It teaches you to stay calm and focused, even when things get challenging. This mental strength can translate into other areas of your life, helping you stay calm in the face of stress or pressure.
5. Detoxification
   Sweating is your body’s natural way of getting rid of toxins, and hot yoga maximises this effect. While it might feel uncomfortable at first, many people leave class feeling cleansed and refreshed.

If you’re intrigued but feeling a bit hesitant, I totally get it. Starting out in a room that hot can feel intimidating, but once you get used to it, hot yoga can become a transformative part of your yoga journey.

Comparing Different Hot Yoga Styles and Their Temperatures

Hot yoga comes in a few different flavours, and the temperature can vary depending on the style you choose. The most well-known is, of course, Bikram yoga, where the room is set at a steamy 40°C (104°F). This style is intense—not just because of the heat but also because it follows a strict series of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises. If you’re someone who thrives on structure and routine, this might be the one for you.

Other hot yoga classes, like Power Vinyasa or Hot Flow, might be more flexible in both their temperatures and their movements. Rooms are typically heated to around 32°C to 37°C (90°F to 100°F), which is still pretty warm, but slightly more forgiving than Bikram. These classes are often dynamic and focus on flowing movements synced with your breath. If you love the idea of heat but also want a bit more freedom in your practice, a Vinyasa class might be more your speed.

Some studios also offer classes with infrared heating. This type of heat is said to penetrate deeper into the body, heating you from the inside out rather than just warming up the air around you. The temperature in infrared hot yoga can vary but typically stays around 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F), which is less intense but still gets you sweating.

Safety Tips for Practicing Hot Yoga

Let’s be real—hot yoga isn’t for everyone. It’s demanding, and while it has incredible benefits, it’s important to take care of yourself, especially if you’re new to it. Here are a few tips to keep you safe:

• Hydrate Before and After:
  This might seem obvious, but hydration is key. You’ll be sweating a lot, so make sure you drink plenty of water before and after class. Some people even bring electrolyte drinks to help replenish what’s lost through sweat.
• Listen to Your Body:
  The heat can make everything feel more intense, so it’s important to tune in to your body. If you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or nauseous, don’t push yourself. Take a break, sit down, and drink some water. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone.
• Pace Yourself:
  It’s easy to get caught up in the energy of a hot yoga class, especially if you’re in a packed room. But don’t feel pressured to keep up with everyone else. If you need to take a break, do it. Rest in Child’s Pose or just sit for a moment. There’s no shame in honouring where your body is at.
• Wear Lightweight Clothing:
  You’ll want to wear clothes that are breathable and can handle a lot of sweat. Think about lightweight fabrics that don’t cling too much to your body. A hot yoga mat designed for extra grip when wet is also a good investment.
• Start Slow:
  If you’re new to hot yoga, don’t feel like you need to dive straight into the hottest class. Start with a class that’s a little cooler and work your way up as your body gets used to the heat.

Taking these precautions will help ensure that your hot yoga experience is both safe and enjoyable.

At certifiedyogateacher.com, we offer a variety of online yoga classes, including options for those who love the heat but want the flexibility to practice at home. Whether you’re looking to dive into Bikram, explore Hot Vinyasa, or experiment with infrared hot yoga, we’ve got you covered with experienced teachers and classes designed for all levels.

If you’ve been curious about trying hot yoga, now is the perfect time to roll out your mat and give it a go! The heat, the challenge, and the deep sense of relaxation after a good sweat make it an experience that can totally transform your yoga practice.