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Why your body needs more heat in a winter yoga practice

Why your body needs more heat in a winter yoga practice

Photo: Contributed/YogaSix Asheville


ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) —  As temperatures drop, the body naturally shifts into a more protective state. Muscles tighten, circulation slows and energy levels often decrease. While this response is normal, it can also lead to stiffness, fatigue and a general sense of heaviness.

Incorporating heat into your wellness routine during the winter months can help counteract these effects and support both physical and mental health.

Heated yoga offers a purposeful way to introduce warmth into the body. Heated classes create an environment that supports movement, circulation and recovery during colder months.

(Courtesy: YogaSix Asheville)

1. Heat improves circulation and joint mobility

Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, which limits blood flow to muscles and joints. Heat encourages circulation, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients more efficiently throughout the body. Improved circulation supports joint health, reduces stiffness and allows movement to feel smoother and more comfortable.

2. Warmth allows the body to move with less resistance

Muscles tend to tighten in colder conditions, increasing the risk of strain. A warm environment helps muscles relax and lengthen more easily, making movement safer and more effective. This is especially beneficial in winter, when many people experience reduced flexibility.

3. Heat supports nervous system regulation

The warmth of a heated practice helps calm the nervous system by encouraging a shift out of stress mode and into a more regulated state. This can lead to improved sleep, reduced anxiety and a greater sense of balance during a season that often feels mentally demanding.

(Courtesy: YogaSix Asheville)

4. Warm environments encourage consistency

Cold weather can be a major barrier to maintaining a regular movement routine. Heated classes create a welcoming, comfortable space that makes it easier to show up consistently. Consistency, rather than intensity, is what supports long-term strength, mobility and resilience.

5. Heat supports both physical and mental resilience

Beyond flexibility and strength, warmth plays an important role in overall well-being. Heated movement promotes circulation, mental clarity and emotional steadiness. Over time, this helps the body adapt more effectively to stress and seasonal changes.

As winter settles in, the goal is not to push harder, but to support the body more intentionally. Heated yoga offers a balanced approach to movement that aligns with the needs of the season, helping you stay strong, steady and connected through the colder months.

YogaSix Asheville is a heated yoga studio offering classes ranging from 80 to 106 degrees, allowing students to choose the level of warmth that best supports their individual needs and goals. Our studio uses a sanitized forced-air heating system with comfortable humidity to create a consistent, welcoming environment across all class formats. Whether you’re looking for a gentle, grounding flow or a more dynamic, strength-focused practice, heated yoga provides a safe and effective way to stay active, supported and connected throughout the winter months.

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