Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Hot Yoga?

Recognizing the early signs of heat-related illness is one of the most important safety skills a hot yoga practitioner can develop. Heat exhaustion is a serious condition that occurs when your body overheats, and it can progress to heat stroke if not addressed immediately. It is crucial to honor these warning signals and not try to 'push through' them. The most common early signs include: dizziness, nausea, and a feeling of being lightheaded. You might also experience a headache, profuse sweating combined with cool or clammy skin, a rapid and weak pulse, and a sudden feeling of extreme fatigue or weakness. You may feel uncoordinated or confused. These are your body's emergency signals that it is no longer able to cool itself effectively. If you experience any of these symptoms, you must stop practicing immediately. The safest thing to do is to lie down on your mat in Savasana (Corpse Pose). This allows your body to stabilize with minimal effort. Focus on taking slow, steady breaths. If the feeling doesn't pass within a few moments, you should slowly sit up, and if necessary, leave the room to cool down. Always inform your instructor after class about what you experienced.