Hot yoga comes with a lot of big claims. Some are true, some are marketing. Here's what a 40° room actually does, from someone who used to be a physiotherapist.
Warm muscles move further
Heat makes muscles and connective tissue more pliable, so most people reach further in a hot room than a cool one. That's real, and it's why we cue alignment before depth.
Your heart works harder
In the heat your heart rate rises even in gentle poses, as your body pushes blood to the skin to cool down. It's a real cardiovascular workload, which is why we ask you to rest whenever you need to.
What heat doesn't do
Sweat doesn't 'detox' you: that's your liver and kidneys
Most of the weight you lose in class is water
More heat isn't always better: we cap the room at 40°C
The best reason to practise hot is simpler: the room asks for your full attention, and for an hour there's no space to think about anything else.
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First visit
01
Hydrate early
Drink about a litre in the hours before class, not all at the door.
02
Arrive 15 minutes early
We'll show you the room, find you a mat by the door and lend you a towel.
03
Rest whenever you like
Child's pose is always allowed. Staying in the room is the whole first class.