We tried infrared Hot Yoga and Hot Pilates and here are our thoughts
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Laying under infrared lights in Fernwood Tuggeranong’s Mind & Body Studio, I couldn’t help but marvel at how relaxed and reenergised I was feeling.
I had just completed my very first Hot Pilates class – and after an hour of combined stretching and low-impact movement to fire up my metabolism and strengthen my core, I (literally) felt warm and fuzzy inside and out.
And while the word “hot” combined with any kind of exercise might bring to mind a class full of people dripping with an ungodly amount of sweat, at this women’s-only gym my experience was the complete opposite. Because while it did take the slow burn to a whole new level, this trendy offering was about more than bringing to heat – it’s all about making your practice even more mindful, nourishing, and detoxifying.
A total rejuvenation of mind, body, and soul? Well, you can see why I had to try it.
Launching the classes in March this year to level up their offerings, according to Fernwood Tuggeranong owner Donna Lee, the holistic benefits are what makes attending Hot Yoga and Pilates so worthwhile.
“We’ve had Yoga and Pilates at the club for a long time, but we have recently done a big renovation and now have a beautiful Mind & Body Studio which is state of the art with the infrared heat panels, and there’s only a couple of places that offer infrared heat,” she says.
“The benefits of infrared heat – versus what we would call a radiant heat that warms up the room using traditional heaters – are huge.”
Describing the experience like “having the sun shining on you” (which includes the satisfaction of no risk of damaging UV rays), in the classes the infrared heat penetrates the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the body – enhancing the usual benefits of Yoga and Pilates.
Heating you from the inside out, not only will you feel warm and relaxed, but you’ll also have much more mobility and flexibility during and after the class. And as someone who usually struggles to touch her toes during stretches, I can attest to this.
“The other huge plus is you’re detoxifying the body! We live in a toxic environment and if we can detoxify the body, we can reduce inflammation and it’ll help people’s health physically and mentally,” says Donna.
“You’re increasing the body temperature, so you’ll also burn more calories. But there are millions of benefits…by the end of the class you can feel how much more flexible you are than when doing a traditional class with infrared heat.”
While I’m usually struggling to make it through 40-minute at-home Pilates classes without checking the clock, time flew during the hour-long BODYBALANCE class. Rolling off the mat, I did notice I felt more limber and relaxed – but my mood had also improved tenfold thanks to the focus on mindfulness. And apparently, one class a week is all it takes to truly feel the results.
“Even with just one class, you’re going to feel the benefits of it. By doing breath work in our Yoga classes as well, you’ll not only get the benefits from the heat but you’ll get all of the other benefits as well,” says Donna.
“One class is great – and if you can fit two classes in, that’s even better!”
Currently offering 20 different Yoga and Pilates classes in their Mind & Body Studio at various times throughout the week (including classes without infrared heating), the beauty of attending Fernwood Tuggeranong is a membership starts from $27 a week – which is much cheaper than a boutique Yoga or Pilates studio. But you won’t lose the boutique feel.
Located upstairs from the main gym, with light timber flooring and large windows to let in the natural light, you feel completely separate from the hustle and bustle of the Group Fitness Studio, with all of the convenience of a gym membership.
Along with unlimited classes, 24/7 access to gym equipment, access to the changing rooms, complimentary breakfast until 10.30 am, free parking, online workouts, recipes, and – for a little bit extra – nutritional coaching and childcare, the aim of Fernwood Tuggeranong is to be a community to uplift women rather than a stock-standard gym.
“We’re super passionate about empowering women to shine and exercise. Participating in regular exercise – be it Pilates, Yoga or a strength or cardio class – is huge not just for physical benefits but mental and emotional health also,” says Donna.
“Fernwood Tuggeranong offers so much in terms of services, but it is also an incredible community of women from all walks of life, striving to lift each other up everyday. We know so many people are feeling quite lonely and isolated, but our members tell us when they come here it feels like their second home and the connections with others that they form here are so beneficial mentally and physically. This isn’t just another gym.”
But if you’re not ready to commit just yet, you can attend unlimited classes during a two-week trial period for free, in a special offer just for HerCanberra readers. All you need to do is give Fernwood Tuggeranong a call on 6293 2366 (or see them in person) and mention this article.
Personally, I get the Hot Pilates and Yoga hype – and I’m already thinking about when I can fit another one into my schedule (luckily there are a few before and after-work options available). Anything that’s relaxing, rejuvenating, and makes my body feel good (without making me drip sweat) is the perfect addition to my fitness routine.
Want to try it for yourself? Pop in to see the team in Greenway or visit fernwoodfitness.com.au/clubs/tuggeranong
