Bikram Yoga: Temperature and Humidity?

The environmental conditions for a traditional Bikram method class are non-negotiable and are considered as integral to the practice as the postures themselves. The studio must be heated to 105°F (40°C) with a controlled optimal humidity level of 40%. This specific temperature is not arbitrary. It is designed to protect the muscles by allowing them to warm up and stretch more deeply and safely than in a cooler environment. The heat also elevates the heart rate, providing a significant cardiovascular workout, and stimulates the endocrine and circulatory systems. The profuse sweating that occurs in this environment is believed to be a primary mechanism for flushing metabolic waste from the body. The 40% humidity level is equally important. It makes the heat feel more intense and helps to promote sweating, but it also serves to protect the body. If the air were too dry, sweat would evaporate too quickly, potentially leading to dehydration without the practitioner realizing the extent of their fluid loss. The humidity ensures the body remains moist, allowing the sweat to work as the body's natural cooling system while keeping the respiratory passages from drying out. Together, the heat and humidity create a uniquely challenging and therapeutic environment.