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Bikini season is approaching and what a better way to whip yourself into shape at one of Hollywood’s hottest studios? Hot Pilates is the latest fitness craze and is causing a frenzy among celebrities, socialites and basically every Instagram model/influencer in LA. The additional heat helps with detoxification, toning and elasticity, making it ideal for those who suffer from back pain. But before digging into it, here’s a quick lowdown of the basics: what’s Hot Pilates?
As some of you know, I work in entertainment. This requires me to soak in pop-culture news on a regular basis. If it weren’t for celebrities being photographed in an out of this studio on almost a weekly basis, Hot Pilates would have completely been off my radar.
Shannon Nadj is the instructor and founder of LA’s first hot Pilates studio which came to life in 2014. It’s not just Hailey that’s become a loyal devotee of this fitness studio. Hot Pilates is also favored by a celebrity clientele who don’t shy away from sharing their pre and post sweaty workout selfies on their Instagram stories: Shay Mitchell, Emma Roberts, Jordyn Woods, Adriana Lima, Selena Gomez, Nina Dobrev, Shanina Shaik are a few regulars (don’t be surprised if you see someone famous). The studio is located in Sunset Plaza. One bonus that makes the location so great is that there’s a super spacious parking lot (and it’s free!).
As soon as I found out about it in early 2018, when I was still new to giant pool of fitness classes in LA, I knew I had to go ASAP. The idea of working out in a heated room was something that excited me and pushed me to go further to challenge myself.
The studio decoration is very Zen/spa-like. It’s on the smaller side but is always immaculately clean.
Although this is a mat Pilates workout, the classes here are so challenging that you will barely complete all the sets. And yes, this is done in a 95°F heated room!
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One of my acquaintances goes there and swears by the Get Hot Booty Band Burn class. If you want to get your butt really kicked, go to DaLette’s class! She will leave you sore for days. However, each instructor is so uniquely great and they all push you to power it through in the most supporting way. Another thing I love about Hot Pilates is how the instructors really make sure that the students have proper form. Other instructors that will kick your butt like there’s no tomorrow include Lex Fish, Khetanya, Camai B and Caitlin Gold.
This acquaintance said she suffered from back pain and raved about how Hot Pilates helped her immensely! She also said that you have to go regularly to see results.
Update: I’ve been going there regularly since I wrote this post and I’m completely hooked on the Get Hot Booty Band Burn class. My acquaintance was right. You will have the best workout of your life! All of the classes are based on the Joseph Pilates method but with their own twist. In some exercises, the small isometric movements will give you the biggest burn leaving you drenched in sweat from head to toe. The classes at Hot Pilates are no joke.
If you’re a first-timer, and you’re really curious about the classes, I suggest buying their $100 unlimited class pack for new clients only!
Special note: Hot Pilates recently made grip socks mandatory!
Tips I wish I had known before my first heated workout class:
🔥Get there early!!! Since the studio is very popular, the classes here are full at all times. With this being said, make sure to arrive early to secure a good spot. For security reasons, late arrivals are not allowed.
🔥Unfortunately, my first 2 experiences with heated workouts weren’t so great. I left mid-class gasping for air with my face looking like a tomato and felt fatigue symptoms. If you find yourself chugging water every 2 mins, that’s a red flag of dehydration, and you should leave the room immediately (safety first).
🔥I’m now a regular at this studio, and I can proudly say I successfully managed to get over the discomfort of the heat. The room temperature is set at 95°F. I know it sounds crazy but you will get used to it. On my first time, I felt like I had just been smacked by a wave on the beach. It was super intense. I remember thinking there was no way I could do this…and now I’m hooked!! Heated workouts are extra challenging, but have been proven to have a lot of mental health benefits. If you can get over the heat, you can get through anything in life! 💪🏾
🔥If you’re going to go there early in the morning, do not drink coffee prior to your class! (I wish someone had told me this). Imagine having a super relaxed massage, only to have a super heavy workout afterwards. It’s going to defeat the purpose.
🔥Take small slips of cold water at least 1 hour before the class. Leave a bottle in the refrigerator overnight. In a heated room, you’re going to experience an increased heartrate, a spike in body temperature, and profuse sweating due to the body finding ways of cooling down. That’s why it’s so important to be well-hydrated before class, so you have enough water in your body. I can’t stress enough how essential it is to follow these tips in order to have a safe workout.
🔥Do not go to a heated workout on an empty stomach. It’s very important to fuel yourself well before class but skip heavy meals. Light snacks are your best friend (banana, apple slices or a granola bar).
🔥This step is optional, but since I’m relatively new to heated workouts, I don’t want to push it too far and that’s why I try to avoid super challenging cardio sets or balancing poses that will wear me out quickly. (Baby steps!)
🔥Mat and towel are $6. First visit rental is complimentary.
🔥Prepare to get really really hot. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Wear a comfy sports bra and avoid cotton shirts since they will absorb the sweat and become heavy!
🔥 Breathe Breathe Breathe! It’s not until I got into mindfulness that I realized the importance of paying attention to my breathing. It calms you down and has multiple benefits for your brain and overall health, yet most people take it for granted.
🔥Despite all the attention heated workouts have been getting in the last years, the pioneer of Hot Pilates is Gaby Walters, who introduced her studio Inferno Hot Pilates in Las Vegas back in 2012!
Unlike some other workouts, at Hot Pilates, I eagerly look forward to my next class. The heat is addictive and there’s this satisfying feeling when you walk out of the room. (The heat produces high endorphins, which is our happy hormone).
The address is 8604 Sunset Blvd A, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Have you been to Hot Pilates yet? What’s your experience with heated workouts? If you’ve never tried it or you’re feeling apprehensive about it, I would try it for sure. You will feel super accomplished afterwards, not to mention the extra benefits that come along like detoxing and toning!
