Explainer | Why is hot Pilates firing up social media? The benefits of workout that makes you sweat

Singapore studio co-owner explains mat-based hot Pilates essentials; a Hong Kong former skater describes effects of reformer-based hot class

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Pilates instructor Trixie Velez (back) and Natalie Chan in an infrared Pilates class at Defin8 Fitness in Hong Kong. We take a look at this trending new take on Pilates, done in a room heated with infrared panels. Photo: Edmond So

Sasha Gonzales

Published: 7:15am, 17 Aug 2024

For Natalie Chan, an infrared Pilates class in May 2022 was “love at first stretch”.

The 38-year-old from Hong Kong, who works in banking, had been doing traditional Pilates since 2017, but she was intrigued when she heard about infrared Pilates.

“As someone who is always stressed and has injuries from figure skating, I thought that infrared Pilates might help to relax my mind and body while building and healing my muscles,” says Chan, a former competitive ice skater who takes infrared Pilates classes at Defin8 Fitness in Central in Hong Kong.

The benefits were apparent almost immediately after the first class, she says.

“Being in the heated room warmed my muscles and relaxed me, much more than what I experienced doing traditional Pilates. Plus I perspired a lot, which made my skin ‘glow’ afterwards. I used to do hot yoga so I had no problem working out in the heat.”

Velez is the co-founder and director of Defin8 Fitness. Photo: Edmond So

Pilates is a mind-body exercise that focuses on muscular balance and improves strength and flexibility. It was developed by German physical trainer Joseph Pilates in the 1920s.