Heating Systems for a Pilates Studio

A pilates studio needs heating that warms the room evenly and quickly, without draughts or strong air movement, also near the floor. That is why we recommend infrared heating film: warm-air heating is fast but moves the air and dust, and water-based underfloor heating is even but reacts slowly. The downside of infrared heating is the higher initial cost.

Below we compare the three common solutions – infrared heating, conventional warm-air heating and water-based underfloor heating – from the point of view that matters in a movement studio.

Why does heating matter in a pilates studio?

Most pilates exercises consist of slow, controlled movements, often lying or sitting on the floor or on a mat. In a cool, draughty room it is hard to relax, and participants soon start to feel cold. The right temperature is therefore a basic condition of the class experience and the comfort of the studio – near the floor too.

Comparing the heating methods

Air quality and environment

In a studio where people breathe deeply for an hour, air quality matters too. Radiant heating dries the air less than warm-air heating and, like underfloor heating, does not circulate dust – we write about this in more detail in our article on infrared heating and dust. Electric heating produces no combustion on site, so there are no combustion products in the room.

Infrared heating film in the studio

Infrared heating film is a modern heating solution that suits the needs of pilates studios well. It consists of a thin film that emits infrared heat, and can be built into the floor (as underfloor heating) or the ceiling (as ceiling heating). Today we install 4th-generation heating film.

How it works

Infrared heating film produces infrared radiation from electrical energy. It works at a low surface temperature, yet heats its surroundings efficiently, because the radiation warms objects and people directly, not the air.

Thermal camera image of heating film underfloor heating

Advantages in the studio

• Even, fast heat-up: it warms the space quickly, so a short pre-heat before class is enough.
• Lower heat demand: because it warms the body and surfaces directly, the thermal sensation is pleasant even at a lower air temperature, which shows in consumption.
• Pleasant warmth on the floor: built into the floor, participants feel the warmth where most of the exercises take place.
• Simple installation, minimal maintenance: no boiler, pipes or radiators to service.
• Comfortable air: it does not circulate dust and dries the air less.
• Precise control: with a thermostat it can follow the class timetable and be turned down in an empty room.

Summary

Infrared heating film is a good choice for pilates studios: it gives even, draught-free warmth, is easy to control and economical to run. The higher initial cost, and demolition in a retrofit, should be factored in – in return, participants get comfortable, quiet heating. For how the various heating methods compare in general, see our page on electric heating and our summary of infrared panels and heating film.