How safe is Bikram yoga?

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin looked at 20 healthy yogis, between the ages of 28 and 67, who practiced Bikram yoga regularly.

Each participant swallowed a body temperature sensor and wore a heart-rate monitor during the class.

Their temperature was recorded before the class started and then every 10 minutes throughout.

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Meanwhile, their heart rate was monitored every minute and each person’s rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded at the end of the class.

“The dramatic increases in heart rate and core temperature are alarming when you consider that there is very little movement, and therefore little cardiovascular training, going on during class,” said study author Emily Quandt.

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Her findings revealed that many of the yogis core temperatures reached higher than 39 degrees.

And despite nobody showing symptoms of heat intolerance, Quandt noted that heat illness and heat stroke can happen when body temperatures reach 40 degrees.

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“Although there are potential benefits associated with practicing Bikram yoga, the potential for heat intolerance among some students, including those who may not yet be acclimatised to the heat, should not be entirely overlooked,” said Quandt.

She recommends people listen to their bodies and stay hydrated when practicing Bikram yoga.