Is Infrared Pilates Better Than The Original? Fitness Experts Explain

In the relentless pursuit of peak physical and mental harmony, wellness has left the cold gym floor behind. The newest frontier? Infrared Pilates.

Combining the meticulous, core-sculpting alignment of traditional Pilates with the deeply penetrating warmth of infrared heat, this practice is quickly becoming the non-negotiable ritual for the fit and fashionable elite. But is it a true revolution, or just a chic upgrade? We asked top fitness experts to dissect the trend that’s warming up studio floors everywhere.

What is Infrared Pilates?

Forget images of futuristic pods. According to Utsav Agrawal, Fitness Coach at Fittr, Delhi, the concept is simple. "Infrared Pilates is honestly just your usual Pilates class, but done in a room that uses infrared heaters instead of regular warm-up systems. Nothing complicated," Agrawal says. "The heaters make the room feel like gentle sunshine, warm, not suffocating, and that’s the whole idea behind it."

Unlike conventional forced-air heating, which warms the air around you, infrared light warms the body directly, mimicking the therapeutic sensation of being in the sun. 

Kushal Pal Singh, Fitness and Performance Expert at Anytime Fitness India, emphasises this difference: "The infrared radiation breathes through the muscles and tissues and, therefore, the body heats up more effectively on its own."

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Benefits of Infrared Pilates

While Agrawal notes that the practice is often ‘more of an ambience upgrade’ rather than a fundamental change in results, the experts agree that the heated environment offers undeniable sensory and mobility benefits.

1. Accelerated Flexibility and Deeper Activation

The most celebrated benefit is the speed at which your body enters its optimal state. Jiggyasa Gupta, Nutrition and Fitness Coach in Pune, explains: "The improved blood flow from infrared heat speeds up recovery by soothing tight muscles and joints. Because the body warms up faster, your muscles activate sooner, helping you feel more flexible right from the start."

Singh agrees, pointing out that the heat "releases the tight muscles very quickly and, consequently, one’s range of movement can be improved enormously.” This is key for deepening those already challenging Pilates movements.

2. Enhanced Metabolic Effect

While Agrawal cautions against expecting magic fat burn, he notes the increased metabolic activity. The body works harder to regulate its temperature in the warmth. Jiggyasa Gupta highlights: "Higher heart rate + better activation + sweating = improved metabolic effect."

3. Detox and Stress Release

The increased sweating promotes better skin quality and a feeling of detoxification. Furthermore, the warm, quiet environment acts as a therapeutic escape. "The infrared spaces are always quiet and therefore are very inviting to the tired mind and helpful in its relaxation," notes Singh. The gentle warmth helps you settle down and mentally switch off, giving the workout a true spa-like, holistic feel. 

Infrared vs. Traditional Pilates: Which is better? 

For anyone wondering if this new version has rendered the classic method obsolete, the answer is a resounding no. The difference is merely the environment.

"The central theme of Pilates, controlled movement, breathwork, and alignment, is still there," confirms Singh. "The difference is the place of the actual training. With infrared Pilates, one is warming from the inside with the infrared rays.”

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Who Should Choose Which?

The consensus among experts is that the better option is entirely dependent on your personal goal and comfort level:

Agrawal sums it up simply: "In terms of actual results: strength, toning, flexibility, both are pretty much identical. Heat doesn't suddenly make Pilates more effective. It just changes how the session feels."

Image courtesy: Gemini/Freepik

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