Infrared Pilates: What to Expect in a Warm Class
By The SKULPD Team
Published Updated
Infrared Pilates is a Pilates class taught in a room warmed by infrared panels. The class itself is the same one you’d take without the heat. Infrared only describes how the room is warmed.
Pilates, yoga and infrared are different things
Pilates and yoga are separate movement practices. Pilates focuses on controlled movement, core strength and posture. Yoga links breath and movement through a sequence of postures, from slow and still to more flowing.
Infrared isn’t a type of class. It’s a way of heating a room, and it can be used for either. At SKULPD, some of our Pilates, barre and yoga sessions run warm and some don’t.
How infrared heating works
Most heating systems warm the air, which then warms you. Infrared panels give off radiant heat that warms people and surfaces in the room directly, and the air warms up from those surfaces. Heated studios use different systems and different temperatures, so a warm class in one studio can feel quite different from a heated class somewhere else.
How we use it at SKULPD
Our studio is heated with infrared panels, and only some sessions run warm. A warm class follows the same format as the non-heated version of that class, just in a warmer room.
What a warm class can feel like
You’ll probably sweat more than in a non-heated class, and some people find it easier to settle into the movement once they feel warm. Others simply prefer a cooler room, and that’s fine too. The warmth won’t detox you or burn extra fat, and it doesn’t replace a proper warm-up.
How to find heated and non-heated classes
On our live timetable, heated sessions have “Infrared Warm” in the class name, for example “Skulpd Form (MIXED | Infrared Warm)”. Skulpd Restore, our yin yoga class, is listed as Infrared Recovery. If a class name doesn’t mention infrared, it’s a non-heated session. Many of our classes, including Skulpd Form, run in both versions during the week.
Trying a warm class
If you’re new to Pilates, we suggest starting with a non-heated class so you can focus on learning the basics, then trying a warm one when you feel ready. If you already practise, either is fine.
Whichever you book, drink some water beforehand, bring a bottle with you and wear light, fitted activewear. Ease off or step out whenever you need to, and tell your instructor before class about any injuries, pregnancy or health conditions.
Infrared Pilates: common questions
Is infrared Pilates the same as hot yoga?
No. Hot yoga is a yoga class in a heated room, and studios heat their rooms in different ways. Infrared Pilates is a Pilates class in a room warmed by infrared panels. At SKULPD, our warm classes are the same classes on our timetable, in a warmed room.
Is a warm class right for me?
Heat isn’t for everyone. If you’re pregnant, or have a heart condition, high or low blood pressure or any condition affected by heat, check with your doctor before booking a warm class and choose a non-heated session in the meantime.
Do I need experience to try a warm class?
No, but if you’re completely new to Pilates we recommend a non-heated class first. Every class has options for different levels.
Where can I try infrared Pilates in Dubai?
At SKULPD, 777 Center (Triple 7 Center), Shop F03, Level 1, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 3. Parking is available at the building.
New to SKULPD? Our intro offer is 3 classes for AED 299 (VAT inclusive), to use within 10 days of purchase.
You don’t need to have it all figured out before your first class. If you’re unsure where to start, message us on WhatsApp and we’ll help you choose a class that suits your experience and preferences.
