In recent years, infrared heat has become a popular addition to yoga and Pilates studios, offering a unique twist on traditional practices. By combining the benefits of heat with mindful movement, infrared heat yoga and/or Pilates classes provide a more dynamic, healing experience for students of all levels. Whether you’re looking to enhance flexibility, improve strength, or deepen your relaxation, incorporating infrared heat into your practice offers a wealth of health benefits. Here’s why you should consider trying infrared heat yoga and/or Pilates classes and how it can elevate your wellness routine.
What are Infrared Heated Yoga and Pilates classes?
Infrared heated yoga and Pilates classes are similar to their traditional counterparts but with the addition of infrared heaters. Unlike traditional heating systems that warm the air in a room, infrared heaters directly warm your body using infrared rays, which penetrate deeply into the skin. This results in a more comfortable heat experience that targets muscles and joints rather than simply heating the air around you.
At Pause Fitness and Nutrition, the yoga and Pilates studios are heated to around 88-98°F, with the infrared technology providing a gentle and soothing heat. This combination allows students to move through their poses or exercises more effectively while experiencing greater benefits from the heat itself.
1. Enhanced Mobility
One of the most immediate benefits of practicing yoga or Pilates in infrared heat is increased mobility which leads to increased flexibility. The warmth from the infrared heat helps to loosen tight muscles and tissues, making it easier to stretch and hold deeper poses. This can be particularly beneficial for those who have struggled with mobility in the past or experience stiffness from sitting at a desk for long hours or exercising intensely.
With increased mobility, you can enjoy improved range of motion, reduced muscle tension, and better overall flexibility. For those practicing Pilates, infrared heat also makes it easier to engage in more challenging moves by allowing your muscles to warm up quickly and perform at their peak.
2. Improved Detoxification
Sweating is one of the body’s natural ways of eliminating toxins, and infrared heated yoga and Pilates classes promote a deeper, more effective sweat than regular heat. As the infrared rays penetrate the body, they increase blood flow and circulation, which helps to accelerate the detoxification process. This means that you can rid your body of toxins, heavy metals, and waste products more efficiently during your workout.
As a result, regular sessions of infrared heated yoga or Pilates can lead to clearer skin, improved digestion, and enhanced overall health by helping the body flush out harmful substances.
3. Increased Calorie Burn and Weight Loss
The combination of exercise and infrared heat can significantly increase the number of calories burned during a workout. Because the body is working harder to cool itself while exposed to infrared heat, the energy expenditure increases. Studies suggest that infrared heat can raise your heart rate, which boosts cardiovascular performance, allowing you to burn more calories both during and after your practice.
Infrared heat also helps to stimulate the metabolism, supporting fat-burning processes that aid in weight loss. So, if you’re looking to lose weight or simply maintain a healthy body composition, incorporating infrared heated yoga or Pilates into your fitness routine may be a beneficial addition.
4. Pain Relief and Muscle Recovery
Infrared heat is known for its ability to alleviate muscle soreness and joint pain. The deep penetration of infrared rays can help relax stiff muscles and reduce inflammation, leading to faster recovery after a workout or even relief from chronic pain conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia.
For those engaging in intense Pilates or yoga practices, the heat helps to release tension in tight muscles and improves blood flow, which speeds up the recovery process. Infrared heat can also be particularly beneficial for those who experience muscle stiffness or discomfort due to past injuries or overexertion.
5. Stress Relief and Relaxation
Yoga and Pilates are already known for their ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation. When you add infrared heat to the equation, the relaxation benefits are taken to a whole new level. The heat induces a calming effect on the body, reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) levels and helping to balance the nervous system.
In addition, the soothing warmth can promote better sleep by relaxing the body and mind, which is essential for overall well-being. If you’re looking for a way to reduce anxiety, calm your thoughts, and unwind after a busy day, infrared heated yoga or Pilates can provide the perfect environment for mental and physical relaxation.
6. Better Circulation and Cardiovascular Health
The heat from infrared rays increases circulation by dilating blood vessels, allowing for better oxygen and nutrient delivery throughout the body. This increased blood flow can have numerous benefits for cardiovascular health, including lowering blood pressure and improving heart health.
Incorporating infrared heat into yoga or Pilates may also support the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar and improve circulation to muscles, joints, and organs. For those with poor circulation or those who sit for long periods, this enhanced circulation can help to reduce swelling, improve energy levels, and boost overall cardiovascular fitness.
7. Support for Mind-Body Connection
Both yoga and Pilates emphasize the importance of mind-body awareness. The addition of infrared heat helps to deepen this connection by allowing students to be more present in their movements. The warmth and soothing environment help create a calming atmosphere where individuals can focus on their breath, align their body, and center their mind.
As you move through the practice, the heat allows you to go deeper into poses or movements, fostering a stronger mind-body connection. This enhances mindfulness, meditation, and overall mental clarity, which are key components of both yoga and Pilates.
8. Suitable for All Fitness Levels
Infrared heated yoga and Pilates are accessible to individuals of all fitness levels. Beginners may find it easier to warm up and engage in stretches, while more advanced practitioners can use the added heat to deepen their practice and challenge their body further. The heat helps to reduce the risk of injury, allowing individuals to perform exercises with a greater range of motion and better alignment.
Even if you’re new to yoga or Pilates, the gentle warmth can make the experience more enjoyable and comfortable, helping you stay motivated and engaged throughout your practice.
Conclusion:
Infrared heated yoga and Pilates classes offer an innovative way to enhance your fitness routine, bringing a wealth of physical and mental benefits. From improved flexibility and muscle recovery to increased calorie burn and stress relief, these practices provide a holistic approach to wellness. If you’re looking for a way to take your practice to the next level while reaping the benefits of infrared heat, give it a try at Pause Fitness and Nutrition—you might just find that it’s the perfect addition to your fitness journey.
Join our Summer Challenge (June 3rd - August 31st, 2025) to develop strength and resilience while supporting your well-being! In 90 days, you’ll take a combination of 45 different classes, some of which may be new to you. This well-being challenge is fantastic for expanding your practice to include different teachers and modalities. It’s going to be a lot of fun! Join us for a life-changing summer of yoga, pilates and strength! Plus, lots of raffle prizes to win!
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