Are you ready to turn up the heat in your next workout? Then we have the class for you: Hot Pilates. Another TikTok trend, it’s making quite a sweat-inducing impact among fitness enthusiasts. Here’s everything you need to know (and where you can book a class in London).
What is Hot Pilates?
“Hot Pilates is simply a class that uses Pilates principles in a heated room,” says Abbie McLachlan, founder of Pilates studio East of Eden. “For example, our hot yoga and Pilates classes take place in 37°C temperatures with a humidity level of at least 50 percent.”
“Some studios offer more classic Pilates in the heat, but you can also take a dynamic high-intensity, low-impact class called Inferno Hot Pilates,” she continues, “which is a Pilates-based HIIT class that increases the intensity and challenge in the heat – not for the faint of heart!”
@chloetrca Pilates is no joke / Costume by @dfyne.official ♬ Original Sound – Chloetrca
How is it different from other Pilates workouts?
If you’re familiar with Pilates, you’ll know that there are many different types that vary by style and equipment. But the biggest difference with hot Pilates is the setting. “Alongside heat and humidity, we can also use aromatherapy scents and colored lights to enhance the experience,” says Abby. “Hot Pilates tends to be more dynamic, with a focus on building strength and endurance, and more challenging.”
Where did this trend come from?
Like most trends, hot pilates was given a major boost by TikTok, the video platform where creators document their experiences taking classes and their (usually very sweaty) results: As of August 2023, the search term “#heatedpilates” has been viewed more than 4.5 billion times on TikTok.
But is this part of a bigger trend? Abby thinks so: “Classes and workouts that can’t easily be replicated at home are becoming increasingly popular, and hot Pilates definitely falls into this category. Heat brings something new to the traditional mat Pilates class, and people are often drawn to new and challenging workout routines that offer a more intense experience. The combination of Pilates with a hot, sweaty environment may appeal to those looking for a different and invigorating fitness experience.”
@atisyar I sweat so much in this class 💓🥵🧘🏻♀️🫶🏼 #workout #hotpilates #vlog #fyp #tiktokmalaysia #tiktokkl ♬ original sound – IG: @atisya
What are the benefits of Hot Pilates?
We know that Pilates has a ton of health benefits (mainly strengthening and toning muscles), but what else could adding a little heat do? “Attending a more traditional Pilates class in the heat will give you all the benefits of a regular Pilates class, plus increased flexibility and a stronger cardiovascular workout from the heat,” says Abby. “Sweating more may flush out toxins and improve circulation. Try Inferno Pilates and you’ll get all of those benefits, plus improved endurance, calorie burn, and strength as you work your muscles with weights and resistance bands.”
London’s hottest Pilates classes
East of Eden
Founded by Abbie McLachlan in 2015, East of Eden is a lifestyle hub specialising in yoga, barre, mat and reformer Pilates, as well as sound and meditation sessions. The studio offers several hot classes, with Hot Pilates being based on the Inferno Method – a low-impact 50-minute HIIT workout based on Pilates principles – that’ll get you working up a sweat.
address: Studio 1, 14 Hatherley Mews, London E17 4QP
Book: East Faden
3 Tribes
3Tribes has several studios across the UK capital, but if hot Pilates is what you’re after, the Crouch End branch is the place to go. Rooms are heated to 40°C and Pilates classes follow the classic principle of moving against resistance to build strength and tone muscles. You can also try hot yoga and hot flow classes here if you want to continue your workout in a warmer environment.
address: 52 Coleridge Road, Crouch End, London N8 8ED
Book: 3tribes.co.uk
Hot Spot Yoga
For those looking for a challenge, Hot Spot Yoga’s scorching hot Pilates classes might be just what you’re looking for. The mat-based classes take place in a warm (“not hot,” according to the website) room and are a low-impact, high-intensity workout designed to improve breathing, alignment, balance, strength, and flexibility.
address: 25 Heathmans Road, London SW6 4TJ
Book: home page
Featured Image: Rendy Novantino, Unsplash
