Infrared Workouts Are London’s Hottest Fitness Trend – But Are They Safe?

Hot yoga has long been beloved among wellness circles, lauded for its flexibility and cardiovascular benefits. But recently, a steamy new fitness trend has begun gaining traction: infrared workouts. These see traditional classes like strength and Pilates taken to new levels by cranking up the heat, using special electromagnetic waves which promise extra health perks, from promoting muscle recovery to boosting circulation. So what’s behind the hype? And are they safe for everyone?

What Are Infrared Workouts?

Infrared light has three wavelengths: far, mid and near. While near-infrared heat is used for things like red light therapy, far infrared is used in saunas. This works by converting electricity into radiant warmth – but unlike radiators, it heats people and objects rather than the room. ‘Infrared light warms the body directly, creating an intense internal sweat at lower ambient temperatures,’ explains Fraser Richardson, sports and exercise expert at Protein Works.

This type of heating has been used in the saunas of upscale gyms and hotel spas for a little while now, promising supercharged health benefits such as reducing inflammation, improving sleep and soothing muscles. But now, it’s being integrated into workout spaces too, with classes taking place amid heated rooms with infrared panels.

Unsurprisingly, infrared workouts are already big news in Los Angeles, the city which births many of the world’s buzziest health trends. But they’re slowly gathering steam on this side of the pond, too. 

Pscyle

KXU in Chelsea, one of the capital’s most exclusive gyms, recently launched hot Pilates. Designed around the popular Paola’s Body Barre method, this sees a challenging 50-minute, full-body workout taking place amid 30-degree infrared heat – think deep core exercises and squat pulses galore. Meanwhile, London-based fitness studio Psycle has opened its first purpose-built infrared workout space in Bank, where you can do barre, strength and stretch classes in a 37°C room. 

And this July, Balham welcomed GoodGood Yoga – the city’s first studio dedicated specifically to infrared classes. ‘Our infrared heat technology and red light therapy sessions are unlike anything else currently available in London,’ says founder Jenna Armitage. ‘It’s about moving with intention, building strength, and giving your body the tools it needs to recover deeply. This is wellness designed for modern life.’

What Are The Benefits?

Infrared heat offers a whole host of scientifically-proven benefits. On the physical side, it has been linked to muscle relaxation and recovery, chronic pain relief and lowered inflammation. There’s also research to suggest it could support mental health by reducing anxiety, easing depression symptoms and boosting mood.

But normally, when we’re soaking up the benefits of an infrared sauna we’re sitting or even lying down to promote relaxation. So why bring movement into the mix? ‘The main benefit is that heat helps muscles loosen up faster,’ says Anwen Davies, trend expert at Net World Sports. ‘This can make stretching easier and may reduce the risk of injury.’ It also supports flexibility and enhances post-workout recovery.

Plus, infrared heat adds an extra level of challenge. ‘Because your cardiovascular system works harder to regulate body temperature, these sessions demand more respect than you might expect,’ explains Richardson. 

It is worth noting, however, that while there’s plenty of evidence supporting the benefits of infrared saunas, research is limited when it comes to infrared workouts specifically, as they are still an emerging trend.

Are There Any Risks?

Infrared workouts are not suitable for everyone. They are not advised for pregnant women, and those with low blood pressure or a heart condition should consult their doctor first.

As for newbies, it’s important to ease into infrared workouts. ‘For beginners, the heat can be deceptive,’ Richardson warns. ‘You may not feel as exhausted as you would in a traditional high-intensity class, until suddenly you do. The risk isn’t muscle fatigue; it’s heat stress, such as dizziness, nausea, or overwhelming fatigue caused by rapid fluid loss.’ 

He recommends starting with shorter, gentler sessions before working your way up to the longer, more challenging classes. You’ll sweat more than in a normal session, too, so be sure to up your water intake before, during and after, and consider replenishing with some electrolytes afterwards. ‘Infrared workouts can be an incredible recovery tool, but they’re not something to muscle through,’ says Richardson. ‘Pace yourself, hydrate, and treat the heat as seriously as you’d treat a high-intensity workout.’

Where To Try Infrared Workouts In London

• Psycle, Bank: Infrared Sculpt and Infrared Release, psyclelondon.com
• Heartcore, Bayswater: Hot Pilates, weareheartcore.com
• Vita, Chelsea: Infrared Hot Pilates and Infrared Hot Barre, vitaboutiquefitness.com
• KXU, Chelsea: Hot Pilates, kxu.co.uk
• Triyoga, Multiple Locations: Hot Yoga, triyoga.co.uk