Pilates is a workout that places emphasis on your core strength and full-body fitness, and it might surprise you how many benefits come from practicing regularly. 

Whether you're new to exercise or more experienced, Pilates is truly accessible and effective for everyone. Here’s why incorporating Hot Pilates into your routine could be one of the best decisions for your health.

What is Hot Pilates?

Joseph Pilates developed the practice he called “Contrology” during the early 20th century along with his wife Clara. It became renowned in the dance community first and then continued to evolve into the popular exercise as we know it today currently practiced world wide.

Hot Pilates was developed by Gabi Walters in 2009 in Las Vegas. Inspired by H.I.I.T. (High Intensity Interval Training) workouts she started incorporating Pilates principals into a 60 minute class using a tabata timing system.

Accepted widely for its many benefits and holistic approach, Inferno Hot Pilates (or IHP) as it is taught now involves a series of low-impact movements that target the core powerhouse muscles.

Today these classes are fully immersive. At Funky Door Yoga we offer IHP with the benefits of a heated room, rubber flooring, state of the art sound and lighting systems that are comparable to dance club.

Who can benefit from Hot Pilates?

Hot Pilates is incredibly versatile, It benefits a wide range of people, from beginners to those more experienced, on a daily basis. The great thing is that Hot Pilates is flexible enough to accommodate any skill level or ability.

A few examples include yogis looking to strengthen their balance, pregnant women, supporting post-natal recovery, and helping older adults maintain proper mobility, coordination and cognitive function.

If you have a specific goal that you’re working toward with your Hot Pilates practice, come talk with us or send us a message and we can discuss. We see the benefits of practicing with our students every day, and we are here to support you on your journey.

Main benefits of Hot Pilates

Accessibility: Hot Pilates can be practiced by almost everyone. It's easily modified to cater to beginners, those who might be recovering from injuries, or even athletes.

Whole-body Workout: Unlike workouts that target specific muscles, Hot Pilates moves your entire body with a series of excercises and functional movements enhancing your overall strength, flexibility and balance.

Increased Energy Levels: Regular Hot Pilates practice can help you feel both relaxed and energized by encouraging blood circulation and reducing overall  fatigue.

Enhanced Athletic Performance: If you’re an athlete or compete in competitive sports, Hot Pilates can help improve your movement efficiency, breath control, muscular balance, and aid in preventing injuries.

Better Circulation: Hot Pilates encourages deep breathing and proper posture, which help improve your blood flow and oxygen distribution throughout the body.

Improved Balance and Coordination: Targeted exercises in Hot Pilates improve your stability, balance and coordination, which is beneficial across all ages and fitness levels.

Spinal Health: Hot Pilates promotes a range of motion in your spine which helps to keep it strong and flexible through exercises that improve your circulation and spinal flexibility. By focusing on the muscles on the torso, you develop a strong core,

Body Alignment: Pilates helps to  increase awareness of your body’s alignment, which can improve your posture, reduce aches, and improve your breathing.

Connects Mind and Body Alignment: Similar to yoga, Hot Pilates encourages mindfulness of your body’s movements and sensations, promoting an overall sense of well-being and stress relief. The repetitive practice helps quiet the mind and allows for the body to take over in effect putting one in a kind of flow state.

How to get started with Hot Pilates

Whether you're looking to enhance your sports performance, recover from an injury, or simply improve your overall health, Hot Pilates offers an in-depth exercise option that adapts to support your individual fitness journey. Why not give Hot Pilates a try and experience the difference in your body, mind, and overall health? 

Our studios are located in San Francisco and Berkeley and we offer classes every day of the week. There is no need to pre-register for a class if you are interested. Drop ins are welcomed as well if you want you can pay at the front desk or purchase a class pack online here.

If it’s your first time, we suggest you arrive slightly earlier so that you can find your way around the studio and our facilities, and meet with the teacher if you have special needs or are working around an injury. See you there!