Winter Workout Secret: This Method Burns More Calories!

In the realm of fitness, new trends are continually emerging. Take for instance the rise of Pilates Reformer and Lagree in our favorite gyms. Lately, a different approach to some fitness activities has surfaced. Originating from the United States where it has been in use for many years, this method promises a more effective workout experience, higher caloric burn, and significantly better performance. The added bonus? It’s adaptable to various exercises: Pilates, yoga, strength training, indoor cycling, and even treadmill workouts.

You might have already tried them during a visit to your gym or maybe you’ve heard about them. Previously confined to wellness spaces, infrared lamps are now making a significant impact in our exercise routines. And for good reason, as they offer numerous benefits for the body and our performance. They heat the gym to temperatures between 95°F to 100°F, creating just enough discomfort to push the body to adapt. And let’s be honest, the idea of working out in a room with a tropical warmth during winter is quite appealing. Physically speaking, the high heat promotes vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels, enhancing blood flow throughout the body. In simple terms, this means muscles receive more oxygen and nutrients, which boosts their function. The result? Improved athletic performance, increased endurance, and enhanced muscle resilience. Even better, the infrared rays deeply penetrate the skin, reducing inflammation and pain risk, thus making some movements easier to execute. This also significantly lowers the risk of injuries.

When it comes to weight loss, exercising under infrared lights can also be beneficial. It enhances caloric burn and promotes an excellent detox through sweating. However, “it’s not scientifically proven to result in weight loss. It can support the goal if it’s paired with a balanced diet… Whenever you have such goals, professional guidance is essential anyway,” warns Alexandre Verret, a sports coach at Episod. This Paris-based facility offers classes that combine explosive intervals and strength training under infrared heat to improve both cardiovascular capacity and muscle resistance and definition. The classes are named Heat Tone and Heat Blast. For those in the city, they are worth trying out!

There are generally no contraindications for exercising in the heat. However, certain conditions require the approval of a healthcare professional before participating, especially pregnancy and cardiovascular diseases.