Hot Yoga in the Summer: Is It Safe?

Hot yoga has grown in popularity in recent years as a somewhat intense type of exercise. It incorporates yoga poses and breathing exercises and is performed in a heated studio with room temperatures approaching 40°C.

Previously, we explored the benefits of practicing yoga outdoors, learned about yoga and hydration, cooling poses, and how to build a home yoga studio on a budget. We also shed light on yoga activewear trends for 2025.

Today, we’ll dive into something even hotter — literally.

Hot yoga exercises the mind and puts additional physiological pressure on the body. It makes you sweat excessively and raises your pulse rate, which can seem rather intense.

But is it safe to do it in summer when the UAE is already overheating? 

It depends; let’s see if it is beneficial for you or not. 

Is Hot Yoga Safe in Hot Weather?

The majority of people may do hot yoga safely, but others may experience physical concerns. Heavy hot yoga workouts might make you feel nauseated. Some folks experience the reverse of what is commonly referred to as the ‘yoga high’ after doing hot yoga. 

They experience nausea, which can prevent them from fully rehydrating. Classic heat exhaustion symptoms include an empty stomach, fatigue, and dehydration.

So, how else might it cause problems for you? 

• Sweat and Heat Loss
• Dehydration
• Heat Illnesses

However, if you hate heat or already have some health issues, maybe avoid hot yoga: 

• If you have a history of heat stroke or have low blood pressure, you should probably avoid hot yoga.
• You are elderly or recovering from injuries.
• You have a cardiac issue and have never done yoga before.
• You’re seeking a detox (you won’t sweat out toxins practicing hot yoga; it’s just basic nature).
• You are uneasy about other people sweating significantly.
• You have skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

But if you don’t have any such problems, you can embrace hot yoga with a few precautions. 

Hot Yoga Safety Tips for Everyone 

If you are to take the hot yoga class, consider yourself healthy. Make sure you are not neglecting the basic needs. Here is how to stay out of trouble: 

• Stay Hydrated

We don’t have to tell you this; this is obvious.  The good news is that a heated practice in the summer prompts you to drink more water, at least 3-4 liters each day. 

It takes the body about an hour to hydrate, so get to class properly hydrated or you’ll be playing catch-up. If you’re taking an early class, drink plenty of water the night before. 

Purchase an insulated water bottle to keep your water cool in the heated room.

• Invest in a Chamois or a Yoga Towel 

All that sweat transforms your normally sticky yoga mat into a slip-and-slide. While you can use any towel, if you practice frequently, consider investing in a yoga towel comprising microfibers that absorb moisture and become sticky when wet. 

If you sweat a lot, you should also acquire sweat-wicking yoga mats. If your studio does not provide hand towels, bring your own. In addition to wiping sweaty brows, a short swipe of the towel up and down your limbs can make several poses easier.

• Get Electric

Speaking of electrolytes, replenishing your water with these electrically charged ions is also a good idea.

The main electrolytes are potassium, sodium, magnesium, chloride, bicarbonate, phosphate, and sulfate. When you sweat, you lose electrolytes, particularly potassium and sodium, which can cause muscle cramps, disorientation, and exhaustion. 

Sports beverages contain electrolytes, but sports goods stores now sell powders or tablets that instantaneously convert regular water into electrolyte-rich water. 

• Dress Well

Wear lightweight, breathable yoga shorts and yoga bras that allow you to sweat and move. Cotton gets heavy, so stick to Lycra. Packaging a light sundress for after class is also a good idea. Few things are more humiliating than wearing slim jeans in a crowded changing room while sweating excessively.

• Let it Flow

Resist the impulse to wipe your sweat. Wiping can be distracting for you and those around you, and it will not stop the perspiration from coming. Sweating is the body’s natural cooling function. 

Allow it to flow while focusing on your practice. Also, remove your makeup before class. Yes, your high-quality waterproof mascara may not work. 

A clean face is beneficial to your pores since you sweat.

• Be Realistic

Recognize and respect your own boundaries. When you’re dehydrated, you may have nausea and dizziness, so take breaks as needed and resume when you’re ready.

Conclusion 

Hot yoga in the summer can be safe and rewarding, but only if approached with awareness and care. Stay mindful of your body’s needs—hydrate well, replenish electrolytes, and dress in comfortable, breathable yoga activewear like Made by Tory, designed to support your movements and handle intense heat. 

Whether deep into your hot yoga journey or just starting, always listen to your body and adapt your routine accordingly. With the right preparation, hot yoga can energize your mind and body—even in the scorching UAE summer. 

Stay safe, stay stylish, and let the heat work for you.