I’m a strong advocate for training based on mental and emotional health, focusing on how you feel rather than training for weight loss or to “make up for” what you ate the night before. Research now shows that the benefits of exercise for mental health far outweigh those for weight loss. Yet, many gyms still push the latter! This was a key motivator for my co-founders and me when we launched Therapy Fitness, the first tri-concept boutique fitness studio on the Gold Coast. Our three distinct “studios” are designed to evoke different vibes and energies, so whether you feel like lifting weights in a dark room with nightclub lighting and music or prefer a more introspective and mindful experience with candles, soft tunes, crystal bowl sound healing, and breathwork, we have something for everyone.

Having worked in the fitness space for a long time, I’ve seen countless trends come and go. Just a few years ago, everyone was obsessed with thrashing themselves in HIIT classes and achieving abs. However, since the lockdowns, there has been a significant shift, with more people favouring a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. This approach includes both upregulating your nervous system with intense workouts and downregulating it with less impactful practices like Pilates, stretch, or yoga. Hot yoga has been around for a while, but hot Pilates is rapidly gaining popularity and has become one of our most sought-after classes at Therapy. Let's explore some top benefits of hot yoga and Pilates:

• Increased Flexibility: While warming up before training is still essential, in a heated room, you'll warm up faster and stay warm throughout, enhancing flexibility. This is especially beneficial as we age.
• Detoxification: Sweating helps remove toxins from your body, which is vital. Just be sure to drink plenty of water and wash your face and body after the workout.
• Improved Circulation: The heat causes your blood vessels to dilate, improving circulation, cardiovascular health, and energy levels.
• Stress Relief: At Therapy Fitness, we focus on mindset as much as the body. The combination of heat, mindful exercise, and breathing can reduce stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation and mental clarity.
• Better Posture: Pilates excels at strengthening core muscles, which in turn improves posture, helping to counteract the effects of desk jobs.
• Increased Body Awareness: Both yoga and Pilates are excellent for body awareness, as many movements require control, which enhances coordination.
• Low Impact: Pilates and yoga are low-impact workouts, perfect for keeping your joints healthy and ideal for those recovering from injury (with a doctor’s approval, of course).

Training in a hot room is beneficial even in the spring and summer months. Just be sure to stay hydrated and replenish electrolytes to counteract sweat loss.
So, if you haven’t tried hot yoga or Pilates before, now might be the perfect time. Ensure you’re well-hydrated, and give yourself a few sessions to acclimate to the heat and the experience. Once your body adjusts, you’ll enjoy numerous benefits for both body and mind.


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