Near-infrared light in Reformer Pilates: What the light can – and cannot – do

When you step onto our Reformer, a panel lights up above you. Red, warm, quite beautiful to look at. What few people know: The part that has the greatest impact is the one you can't see at all.

This article explains what near-infrared radiation is, what it does in your body – and where the honest boundary lies. Because a lot of nonsense is claimed about light and fitness, and you don't want to hear it from us.

Red light and near-infrared: the difference in one sentence

Visible red light has a wavelength of approximately 630 to 660 nanometers and primarily affects the upper layers of the skin. Near-infrared light has a wavelength of approximately 800 to 850 nanometers, is invisible to the human eye, and penetrates significantly deeper, reaching muscles and connective tissue.

The combination of these two technologies makes sense: red light works on the surface, near-infrared penetrates deeper. That's precisely why our panels deliver both simultaneously.

What near-infrared does to tissue

The technical term for what's happening here is photobiomodulation. Put simply: light particles of a specific wavelength are absorbed by the mitochondria – the powerhouses of your cells. There, the light can stimulate energy production.

What this can mean in practice:

Blood circulation. Well-perfused tissue receives more oxygen and nutrients. This is simply better for a working muscle.

Metabolism in irradiated tissue. Cellular activity is stimulated while you exercise.

Regeneration. Those who recover faster can train more often – and frequency is what ultimately makes the difference.

Tension. Deep warmth and light not only feel good, they can help release muscular tension.

Why we use it in Pilates and not as an extra treatment

In most studios that use red light therapy, you lie under a machine before or after your workout. With us, the light stays on while you work out.

This isn't just a decorative gimmick, it's the key point: your tissue is well-circulated, warm, and active during your workout. The light hits it precisely in this state. Plus, you save yourself an extra appointment – a 50-minute class, and the light therapy is included.

Each participant has their own panel on their own Reformer. Not one device for the room, but one per seat. Currently, only we offer this in Berlin.

And now the honest part: What light cannot do

The claim that red and near-infrared light burns fat is circulating online. You won't find this statement anywhere on our site, and there's a reason for that.

There are studies that examine the effects of light on body size and weight. One widely cited analysis reports that the combination of exercise, diet, and light therapy over eight weeks led to greater weight loss than exercise and diet alone. This sounds promising – but the scientific literature itself significantly limits this conclusion: few human studies, highly variable treatment durations, and no established optimal dose. Light therapy is considered a complementary measure, not a standalone method.

In other words: Light alone doesn't burn fat. You do the work on the Reformer. Near-infrared light ensures that your body works under optimal conditions – it's the amplifier, not the shortcut.

We think that's the more interesting story. Because you'll notice a broken promise after four weeks. You'll also notice a workout that feels better and allows for faster recovery after four weeks – just the other way around.

Is this suitable for me?

For the vast majority of women: yes. The light is pleasantly warm, not glaring and not unpleasant. You don't have to do anything other than exercise.

Two honest points to note: Near-infrared therapy is a beneficial addition to your training – it does not replace medical treatment. If you have any health conditions, are pregnant, or are taking medication that increases light sensitivity, please briefly discuss this with your doctor beforehand. And let us know, so we can take it into account during the class.

Here's how to try it out

The easiest way to get started is via RedGlow Foundation – Level 1: the beginner's course where you learn the Reformer technique from scratch, in a group of no more than eight women.

If you are primarily interested in the regeneration aspect, Glow – Stretch & Infrared is the course for you: supported stretches on the Reformer, under red light and near-infrared.

For the opening, your course costs €19 instead of €29 – until August 15, 2026.

You can find us at Kolonnenstraße 54 in Berlin-Schöneberg, just a few minutes from the Julius-Leber-Brücke S-Bahn station. We look forward to seeing you.