You're lying on the mat, the red light comes on, and you focus entirely on your breathing. What you can't see: There's a surprising amount happening beneath your skin at that moment. 

Not all light is the same. Whether it stays at the skin's surface or penetrates deeper depends entirely on its wavelength. The range between about 480 and 1060 nm, known as the optical window, is particularly interesting: skin is especially permeable to light in this range, allowing light waves to reach deeper into the tissue [1]. And this is exactly where the two wavelengths that make infrared Pilates so special fall:

Red light: The glow booster among wavelengths

Red light is a classic in light research. It penetrates about two to five millimeters into the skin and is among the most thoroughly studied wavelengths [2]. And what the studies show is welcome news for skincare fans: Red and near-infrared light may stimulate the body's own collagen production. In a controlled study, participants' skin texture improved compared with an untreated control group [3]. Another study describes the combination of 630 and 850 nm as an effective, well-tolerated and painless method for improving the skin's appearance [11].

A glow for your skin – and something for your nights, too. While cool, blue screen light can disrupt your body clock, red light in the evening can be a helpful ally. It may help the body release the sleep hormone melatonin, which was associated with better sleep quality in one study [4]. And it doesn’t throw your body clock off track [5]. Your evening flow can become a bedtime ritual along the way.

Near-infrared: The invisible workout upgrade

Here’s where it gets interesting if you work up a sweat on the mat. Near-infrared light is invisible to the eye, but it reaches much deeper than red light. It reaches the very places working through every roll-down and bridge: your muscles [1, 2].

What could that mean for you? One study shows that near-infrared light (810 nm) before exercise may support muscle performance and recovery afterward [6]. A large meta-analysis confirms that photobiomodulation may improve muscle performance and reduce exercise-related fatigue [7]. And for the next day – we all know that soreness after an intense Pilates session – there’s good news too: Reviews of studies show that near-infrared light may noticeably ease muscle soreness and help strength return more quickly [8].

The research in a nutshell: The 630 to 850 nm range has the strongest scientific evidence – for skin appearance, muscle recovery, and cellular recovery [3, 7, 8, 11]. Want to explore further? You’ll find all the details in our blog post Red Light, Near-Infrared & More.

That's the theory. But even the most exciting research isn't much use if it doesn't fit into your everyday life – and that's where the InfraGlow Body comes in. Measuring 160 x 60 cm, it combines the two wavelengths you've just learned about: red light at 660 nm and near-infrared light at 850 nm. It brings infrared Pilates right into your home.

Picture a Tuesday evening. The infrared class at the studio is fully booked – but you don't need it. You roll out the mat in your living room, turn on the light and start your flow. Whether you're doing rolldowns, bridges or gentle stretches, the light is there through every movement, and your skin gets its glow moment too. Movement and skincare in one simple ritual? That's the idea.

And on days when you just don't feel like moving? Simply lie down, relax, take a breath and make the mat part of your evening ritual. No pressure to work out, no missed class – the mat is there when you need it.

A Pilates class at a studio in major German cities often costs between €25 and €35, with specialist classes such as infrared Pilates usually at the higher end. The InfraGlow Body is a one-time purchase of €649. At €30 per studio class, the mat pays for itself after around 22 sessions. So if you go to Pilates or infrared Pilates twice a week, it pays for itself in less than 3 months. And that’s just the class fee. There are other benefits too:

• No travel, no changing in a cubicle: Roll out the mat and you can get started in seconds.
• No scrambling for the last spot: Fully booked classes and waiting lists are a thing of the past.
• Your schedule, your session length: Whether it’s 10 minutes in the morning or 30 minutes in the evening – you work out when you feel like it.
• More than a workout tool: On rest days, you can use the mat as part of your evening wind-down routine.

In short: After just a few weeks of regular use, your purchase becomes me-time that costs nothing extra.

Want to get started right away? This short flow is easy to fit into your day. Roll out the mat on a flat surface, then set the brightness and pulse rate to what feels comfortable for you.

• 3 minutes to settle in: Lie on your back, breathe deeply into your belly and enjoy the light. A gentle way to prepare your muscles for the flow.
• 5 minutes of movement: Pelvic tilts, roll-downs and gentle spinal rotations help you ease into motion.
• 8 minutes of strength & control: Bridges, lunges and side-lying leg lifts for core strength and toned legs.
• 4 minutes of stretching & glow: Finish with stretches and mindful breathing, and enjoy a moment of calm.

Our recommendation: 10–30 minutes per session, around 3–5 times a week. Longer sessions won't improve the results – consistency is the key to your light ritual.

A tip for building the habit: On rest days, use the InfraGlow Body in the evening without a workout, perhaps while meditating. That way, the mat becomes part of your evening ritual for restful nights.

Is infrared Pilates the same as hot Pilates?

No. Hot Pilates relies on a heated room, while infrared Pilates uses specific wavelengths of light. The InfraGlow Body uses red light and near-infrared light – without any added heat.

What does Red Light Pilates mean?

Red Light Pilates is another name for infrared Pilates: mat Pilates combined with red light and near-infrared light. Both names refer to the same trending workout.

Can I use the mat for infrared yoga too?

Yes. Whether you're doing Pilates, yoga or gentle stretching, the mat supports you through every floor-based movement. On rest days, you can also use it to relax without working out.

How often should I do Pilates with infrared at home?

We recommend 10–30 minutes per session, about 3–5 times a week. What matters is consistency, not how long each session lasts.