Some Like It Hot

Heated yoga has become increasingly popular in recent years. Some people find that their bodies feel more relaxed and flexible when they practice yoga in studios heated up to 105 degrees. Other people find that the heat is agitating and uncomfortable. Some health professionals express concern that the body is more prone to injury when practicing in extreme heat.

Our approach at Yoga Soleil is to keep the room temperature around 72-75 degrees and allow the heat to build naturally in the body as a result of physical exertion. We find that students newer to yoga feel uncomfortable when the room gets fairly warm, so we do our best to maintain a more moderate temperature in our Level 1 classes. Our more intermediate and advanced students tend to feel that the warmth that builds as the class progress benefits them, so we might allow these classes to warm up more as the class progresses, up to around 75 to 80 degrees.

There is a certain amount of controversy and disagreement about what is most healthy. In the absence of clear research evidence, we believe that it is safest to practice in a more natural way. For this reason, we maintain our temperatures at moderate levels to the best of our abilities.

The issue of yoga studio temperatures has been a hot issue in the news:

To learn what practice best suits your mind-body, start listening to your inner guru. Next time you rise from savasana, take a moment to observe your mind, body, and heart. What thoughts are moving through mind and at what pace? Are you exhausted? Exhilarated? Does your body feel loose? Tight? Do you feel happy? Angry? Agitated?

Consider the answers to these questions as well as your choice in yoga styles and intensities. Regardless of whether you see your yoga practice as a path to self-realization or self-healing, time spent on your mat should be positive and uplifting. Most of us are drawn to yoga because it is much more than a simple fitness routine. Yoga's effects are profound; therefore your practice should be mindfully designed and carried out. By understanding what nourishes you and selecting an appropriate practice, you will begin to find a greater sense of balance both on and off your mat.

Ultimately, our advice is to educate yourself and listen carefully to your own body to discover what is best for you.