Health

The Scary Downside To Hot Yoga That No One Tells You About

January 4, 2020 by D.Wolfe
shefinds | Health

This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.

Hot yoga is an intense form of yoga performed in a very warm and humid environment. However, hot yoga is not for everyone. The intensity of the workout has the potential to cause heat-related illness.

People doing yoga.

There are many forms of hot yoga, but typically the room is heated to approximately 105 degrees Farenheight with a humidity of 40 percent. The heat and poses are designed to raise your heart rate and exercise your muscles—therefore giving you a vigorous workout. Hot yoga supporters also claim that it strengthens the heart, clears out the veins, cleanses impurities from the body and boosts the immune system.

People doing yoga.

The biggest concern many doctors have with hot yoga is the potential of raising core body temperature to dangerous levels. One study showed that during a 90-minute class, body temperature rose consistently in healthy participants practicing in hot yoga. The participants’ temperatures rose to almost 103 degrees—narrowly missing the 104-degree threshold that’s considered dangerous.

A woman with sweat on her neck and chest.

Hot yoga is especially dangerous for unfit participants or for people who are just starting out. You shouldn’t participate in hot yoga if you have:

  • Heart disease or any type of cardiovascular problem
  • Pregnant
  • Diabetes
  • Issues with dehydration
  • Heat intolerance
  • A history of a heat-related illness (heat stroke)

Silhouette of people doing yoga.

Instead, it’s recommended that you stick with a traditional yoga class. Yoga is a wonderful way to increase flexibility and strength train. The beauty of yoga is that students can take things at their own pace. If are interested in giving hot yoga a shot and have a preexisting health condition, talk to your doctor before attempting a class.

 

Tags:

yoga

Author:

Debbie is a home and lifestyle writer. She covers a variety of topics including parenting, travel, DIY, and shopping.

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