I always thought a good workout meant a sore body and gasping for air mid-session while questioning my life choices. Then I came across reels of people walking out of infrared studios, drenched in sweat, with surprisingly calm faces. No red-faced exhaustion, just steady breathing and that post-workout glow that looked almost effortless. It made me wonder: are we confusing intensity with effectiveness, and is there something regular gym-goers might be missing? The internet’s newest fitness trend, infrared workouts, claims to be better than exercising at a regular gym. But is it really true? More importantly, what is an infrared workout? Read here to find out.

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What is an infrared workout?

Infrared workouts combine regular fitness training with red light therapy. It is usually done in infrared studios that use electromagnetic heat technology during workout sessions. Unlike regular gyms, infrared heat warms your body directly rather than first raising the room temperature. This leads to increased sweating and improved muscle mobility during the workout. These sessions can range from yoga and Pilates to strength training and light cardio, all performed in a controlled, heated environment.

Is an infrared workout better than a regular workout?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, infrared rays penetrate our muscles directly, heating the body from the inside out. The way infrared heat interacts with the body makes it far more effective than exercising in a regular gym. This allows muscles to loosen up faster, improves blood circulation, and can reduce stiffness during and after the workout. A study reports that infrared workouts lead to faster muscle recovery and less post-workout soreness than regular workouts, especially after strength training or high-intensity sessions. This enhances your mood and readiness to stay consistent. Research reveals that infrared heat doesn’t just make you sweat more, it can boost your metabolism by up to seven to 12 per cent. This helps you burn more calories than working out in a regular gym.

During an infrared workout, the heat raises your body temperature faster than usual, prompting your body to work harder to cool itself down. This increases heart rate and blood circulation, which helps deliver more oxygen to muscles, supports better endurance, and can improve post-workout recovery even with low-impact movements. Excessive sweat leads to glowing, radiant skin, thanks to increased blood flow which you don’t always achieve after a standard workout in an air-conditioned space.

Tips to keep in mind before trying an infrared workout

If you’re planning to try an infrared workout, a little prep goes a long way. These sessions make you sweat more than usual, so staying well hydrated before, during, and after the workout is non-negotiable. Wear breathable, lightweight workout fits that allow you to exercise comfortably. You should always start the workout at a slow pace as even low-impact movements can feel intense in infrared heat. So, begin with shorter sessions and let your body adjust. During the infrared workout, if you feel dizzy or extremely exhausted, take a break rather than pushing yourself for one more rep.

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FAQs

Q1. How often should we do infrared workouts in a week?

Start with one or two sessions per week and increase gradually as you become more comfortable.

Q2. Are infrared workouts safe for everyone?

They are generally safe for healthy individuals. But if you’re experiencing certain heart conditions, heat sensitivity, or other medical concerns, consult a doctor first.

Q3. Can infrared workouts help with weight loss?

They increase calorie burn, but sustainable weight loss still depends on overall diet, strength training, and consistency.

Q4. What should we eat or drink before an infrared workout?

Stay well hydrated and have a light, balanced snack about an hour before your session to support energy levels.

Q5. Can beginners try infrared workouts?

Yes, beginners can try infrared workouts, but starting with shorter sessions and low-intensity classes is recommended.