Traditional studio classes create these balmy temperatures by heating up the air in the room. But, infrared workouts use a different kind of heat that directly hits the body and deeply penetrates the skin rather than targeting the space around you. And infrared heat delivers all of the warmth of natural sunlight without exposing your body to harmful UV rays.

For nearly two decades, Tracy Anderson’s studio classes have relied on infrared heat combined with humidity to deliver the most effective results. Of course, the content alone sculpts and balances your muscular structure, but the 95 degree temperature and 75 percent humidity amplify the workout’s positive impact on your mind and body.

Curious about all of the heat? From improving your mood to relieving body aches, infrared heat has many health benefits, so you’ll definitely have a fire workout.

1. Aids in weight loss

Moving your body around a hot room will make anyone work up a sweat, but infrared brings the heat to a whole other level. In studio rooms that use infrared panels, the heat increases your internal body temperature, so your body has to work harder to cool down. This thermoregulation process causes your heart rate and metabolic rate to skyrocket, so you end up burning more calories during the session. Expending more calories than you consume will help you reach your weight loss goals more easily.

2. Increases blood circulation

A higher body temperature and a quicker heartbeat means that your heart pumps blood faster to your body tissue. With improved circulation and blood flow, your muscles will recover faster from that grueling sweat session.

3. Relieves pain

With infrared heat, you won’t have to let nagging pains limit your workouts. Infrared heat releases nitric oxide, which improves your circulation, increases your blood flow and repairs your injured tissues by delivering more oxygen and nutrients. This process heals your aching muscles and throbbing joint pain by reducing inflammation and relaxing your muscles.

4. Eliminates toxins

There’s something about sweating it all out that feels so rejuvenating, and science has evidence to back it up. Infrared heat makes us sweat, which helps remove harmful toxins that reside in our bodies, like heavy metals and environmental pollutants. This release in toxins strengthens our immune systems and digestive systems, so the gift keeps on giving.

5. Lubricates muscles

Everyone in the fitness world stresses the importance of warming up and stretching before pounding the pavement or picking up heavy weights. When you’re working out in a heated room, the infrared heat loosens your muscles and warms up your body much faster than working out in an air-conditioned room. The heat increases your flexibility throughout the class, so you’ll be less prone to injuries and more inclined to push yourself and get results.

6. Rejuvenates skin

If you’re on a quest to find the most effective anti-aging skin cream, you might want to try looking somewhere other than the drugstore aisles. Working out in an infrared heated studio stimulates the production of collagen, which is the most abundant protein in the body. More collagen means less wrinkles, better skin tone and stronger skin elasticity. When you exercise in infrared heat, your skin will look healthier, softer, clearer, younger and more radiant in no time.

7. Improves mood

It’s no secret that anxiety and depression are on the rise. Everyone seems to be looking for a quick fix to bring their stress levels down and feel more zen. Exposing the body to infrared light is a stress relief method that boosts our serotonin levels, which makes us feel happier. One study even went as far to conclude that infrared heat mirrors the effects of antidepressants. The heat will add to your post workout endorphin flow, so you’ll leave the studio feeling like you’re on cloud nine.