Move over, reformer Pilates — hot Pilates is quickly becoming the next big trend taking the fitness world by storm. Writer Colette Fountain tries out the class and gives her honest opinion.
If you’ve been anywhere near #fitness on TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen that hot Pilates is taking over.
A sweatier, spicier evolution of the classic workout, it’s already being crowned the next ‘It Girl’ fitness trend of 2025.
Think Pilates, but in a 38C room, combining strength, endurance and cardio in a way that leaves you drenched, toned and — if you’re anything like me — questioning all your life choices mid-class.
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What is hot Pilates?
Also known as Inferno Pilates, this fiery workout sticks to Joseph Pilates’ original principles — balance, posture and breath — but cranks up the intensity. Carolyn Jikemi-Roberts (CJ), founder of Hot Yoga South in Balham, describes it as “a high-intensity, low-impact workout that follows the core Pilates principles”.
On the physical side, heat loosens the muscles, allowing you to push yourself harder into stretches and moves. A dedicated cardio section also boosts respiratory and cardiovascular fitness, something which studies have found a heated environment is more beneficial for.
The low-impact nature makes it accessible for all fitness levels. It’s particularly great for desk workers, strengthening the lower back and improving posture.
But the real magic? The mental benefits. “Exercise like this releases endorphins that keep you lifted long after class,” CJ explains. Jenson Parker-Stone, a hot Pilates instructor at The Hot Spot, adds that the heat intensifies the mental clarity and stress relief that come with a tough workout. “The endurance and exhaustion bring you to a point where everything else fades away — you’re just in the moment.”
CJ also highlights how this can help with self-esteem and anxiety. “It’s so important for mental health stability. When you exercise like this, you naturally start to love yourself more. You stop picking yourself apart.”
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What to expect from a hot Pilates class
Hot Pilates classes vary — some incorporate weights and resistance bands, while others rely on bodyweight alone. CJ’s studio offers different variations, including targeted ‘Labs’ (legs and abs) and ‘Hells Bells’ kettlebell classes.
Each session follows a structure:
- Breathwork and grounding: A moment to settle in and prepare for the intensity ahead.
- Glute activation and core work: Expect hip thrusts, planks and ab-burning exercises.
- Legs and cardio: Squats, burpees and mountain climbers in the heat push endurance to the max.
- Cooldown and affirmations: A much-needed stretch and moment of gratitude, often accompanied by the mantra: “Last round, best round.”
Even though it’s advertised as beginner friendly, I was very glad I had a solid Pilates foundation before stepping in. The heat alone is a game-changer — within minutes, I was sweating from places I didn’t know had pores. My glasses slipped down my nose. I regretted not bringing a second towel, as the first one was quickly drenched. But I also felt an unexpected release, noticing the tension in my jaw and face ease as I settled into the heat.
I’d done hot yoga before, but nothing could have prepared me for how intense this would be. The class left me dripping, exhausted and oddly euphoric. The post-class anxiety relief was undeniable — whether from endorphins or sheer distraction from fantasising about the cold air outside, I can’t say. But it worked.
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Hot Pilates is more than just a physical workout
The hardest part? The mental challenge. In my second class, the instructor introduced dumbbells and resistance bands, pushing us even harder. Other attendees thrived — I, on the other hand, wanted to crawl out of the room. And yet by my next class, I voluntarily picked up weights.
That’s the magic of hot Pilates. It’s brutal, but the challenge keeps pulling you back in.
There’s also a strong sense of community — sweaty, struggling strangers cheering each other on, bonding over shared suffering. It’s strangely refreshing.
Does hot Pilates work?
After just two weeks, I noticed a difference. My abs looked more defined, my arms felt stronger, and my back ached less. Lifting heavy boxes at work became effortless, and mat Pilates suddenly felt easy. My abs hurt every time I laughed — a mildly painful but satisfying reminder of how much I’d pushed myself.
Would I go every day? Probably not. The intensity is real, and I quickly learned I needed more than one rest day between classes. But once or twice a week? Absolutely. The results speak for themselves.
Hot Pilates isn’t just a workout — it’s an experience. A mental and physical challenge wrapped up in a puddle of sweat and self-discovery.
Whether you’re after a new fitness obsession, a mental reset or just an excuse to take a post-class glowy selfie, this might just be the workout of 2025.
Feature image credit: Freepik
