When you step into our Yoga studio in Fulham, one of the first things you’ll notice is how the space feels. The atmosphere is not hot and stuffy, but gently warm, calm and inviting.
That feeling comes not just from our welcoming professionalism, but also from our state-of-the-art infrared heating panels. For Power Vinyasa and Pilates, the room is set to 25 °C. For Slow Flow Vinyasa and Yin, we maintain a comfortable 22 °C.
In this blog, we explain what infrared heating is, how it works, and why we believe it’s the best way to support dynamic, mindful movement.
What are infrared heating panels?
Infrared heating panels use infrared radiation to warm the body directly, rather than heating the air around you.
Traditional heating systems warm the air first. That warm air then rises, circulates, and eventually warms your skin. Infrared works differently. It emits invisible infrared waves that travel through the air and gently warm solid objects, including you.
Think of it like the warmth of the sun on your skin (without any harmful UV rays). Even on a cool day, when you stand in sunlight, you feel warmed from the inside out. That’s the sensation infrared creates.
In a yoga or Pilates studio, this means:
– Even, consistent warmth
– No blasts of hot air
– No heavy, humid atmosphere
– No drying fans or radiators
It’s a cleaner, more natural-feeling heat.
How does an infrared heat system work?
Infrared is part of the electromagnetic spectrum: the same family as visible light, but just beyond what our eyes can see.
When infrared waves reach your body, they are absorbed into your skin and tissues. This stimulates circulation and gently raises your core temperature. Instead of feeling overheated on the surface, you feel gradually and comfortably warmed through.
Because the air itself isn’t aggressively heated, oxygen levels feel fresher and breathing remains easy, which is especially important during dynamic flows or strong Pilates sequences.
Our panels are carefully calibrated to maintain:
– 25 °C for Power Vinyasa and Pilates
– 22 °C for Slow Flow Vinyasa and Yin
These temperatures are warm enough to support mobility and muscle engagement, but not so high that they overwhelm the nervous system.
Why do we use infrared heat in our Power Vinyasa classes?
Power Vinyasa is dynamic, strong and flowing. It builds heat naturally through movement. Infrared enhances that internal heat rather than competing with it.
At 25 °C, the warmth supports:
Improved muscle elasticity
Warm muscles lengthen more easily. This reduces resistance in transitions and can help you move more fluidly between poses.
Reduced injury risk
When muscles and connective tissues are gently warmed, they’re less prone to strain. That’s particularly important in strong, repetitive sequences.
Deeper mobility
Infrared warmth allows you to explore depth safely, rather than forcing flexibility through cold tissues.
Enhanced circulation
Better blood flow delivers oxygen to working muscles and helps remove metabolic waste more efficiently.
Instead of pushing your body to cope with extreme heat, we support it with intelligent warmth.
How does infrared benefit Pilates?
Pilates requires precision, control and deep muscular engagement. In our gently heated 25 °C classes, infrared warmth enhances performance without creating fatigue.
Here’s how:
– It helps activate smaller stabilising muscles.
– It encourages joint lubrication and smoother range of motion.
– It reduces stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or after long days at a desk.
Because the heat is subtle, you can maintain focus and breath control, which is essential for effective Pilates work.
Why are our Slow Flow and Yin classes slightly cooler?
Slow Flow Vinyasa and Yin are about surrender, softness and nervous system regulation. That’s why we keep these sessions at a comfortable 22 °C.
In slower practices, you’re holding postures for longer. The aim is not intensity, but release. A slightly cooler environment:
– Prevents overheating during extended holds
– Supports parasympathetic (rest and digest) activation
– Encourages grounding and stillness
The infrared warmth remains present, but gentler; just enough to keep tissues receptive without overstimulating the body.
What are the key benefits of infrared heat?
Let’s look at the wider benefits you may notice from practising in an infrared-warmed studio.
1. Warming from the inside out
Unlike conventional heating, infrared penetrates below the surface of the skin. This internal warmth often feels more comfortable and sustainable throughout class.
2. Enhanced flexibility over time
Regular practice in gentle heat can support gradual improvements in flexibility. Infrared helps tissues become more pliable without forcing them.
3. Muscle relaxation
The warmth encourages muscles to relax more quickly, which can reduce residual tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders and hips.
4. Improved circulation
Infrared heat increases blood flow. Better circulation means improved oxygen delivery and more efficient recovery post-class.
5. A calmer respiratory experience
Because the air isn’t artificially blasted hot, breathing feels natural. This matters during strong flows and especially in restorative sessions where breathwork plays a central role.
6. A more mindful connection
Extreme heat can sometimes distract from alignment, breath and awareness. Our approach supports mindful movement rather than endurance.
What does taking part in a warm yoga or pilates class feel like?
If you’ve never experienced infrared before, you might be wondering what to expect.
You’ll likely notice:
– A gentle warmth on your skin within minutes
– Muscles feeling ready to move sooner
– A natural build of heat as you flow
– A satisfying but not overwhelming sweat
The room won’t feel humid or oppressive. Instead, it feels steady and grounding.
By the end of class, many students describe feeling:
– Looser
– Calmer
– Energised yet relaxed
– Deeply worked, without exhaustion
Why we believe gentle heat supports long-term practice
Sustainability matters, not just environmentally, but physically. Practices that rely on extreme conditions can sometimes mask poor alignment or encourage overstretching. Gentle infrared warmth supports your body without overriding its signals.
Over time, this approach can help you:
– Build strength safely
– Improve mobility progressively
– Recover more efficiently
– Stay consistent in your training
Experience the difference for yourself
At 25 °C for Power Vinyasa and Pilates, and 22 °C for Slow Flow and Yin, our studio offers warmth that enhances, rather than dominates, your experience.
If you’re curious to find out more, we’d love to welcome you to our yoga studio near Fulham, where you can discover the restorative power of warm classes for yourself.