Are immersive fitness classes the workout of the future?

Are immersive fitness classes the workout of the future?

If you thought candles in the yoga studio and black lights in spin class were different, a new fitness trend is taking lighting to a whole new level. In fact, some gyms use imagery and lighting in the hopes that it will give you a better workout!

This idea makes sense: As with other environmental factors (like temperature or terrain), lighting and color can play an important role in your performance because light affects your circadian rhythm. Depending on how much of it there is, receptors in your eyes signal your brain to regulate your internal clock. Studies have shown that different types of light have different effects on your body. Blue light – the kind your smartphone emits – increases awareness, concentration and productivity. It also increases heart rate and core body temperature (i.e. not a good bedtime plan). And longer wavelengths of bright red, yellow and orange colored lights or projected images can cause your body to secrete more melatonin and relax you. But while the science is solid, whether or not lighting can truly impact your fitness performance is still up for debate.

So which classes benefit from this trend? Check out the three below.

Spin in a new way

Les Mills, creator of many of the group fitness classes you see at the gym (BodyPump and CXWORX), launched experimental pop-up classes in Europe last summer to test an "immersive fitness program." The classes were so popular that they opened their first permanent studio at 24-Hour Fitness in Santa Monica, California. The class and studio is an experience in which video and light shows (mainly shortwave colors like blue, purple and green) are projected onto a screen at the front of the room while instructors announce a spin class synchronized with music and graphics. Imagine: climbing a glacier or driving through a space-age city. According to Les Mills, this type of environment enables and encourages people to embrace the physical, social and mental side of fitness.

Escape to the outdoors

Earth's Power Yoga in Los Angeles, California also offers an immersive class called Yogascape, where the desert, ocean, lakes, mountains and stars are projected onto all four walls and play in time to the music for an ultra-blissful experience. Longer wavelengths like red, yellow and orange come from peaceful sunset projections. “The idea for Yogascape first came to me when I saw and felt the beauty of the ocean while scuba diving,” explains Steven Metz, owner of Earth’s Power Yoga and creator of the course. He began studying animation and photography to create the environments. Seven years later, Yogascape was born. "When you're completely surrounded by something, it has a huge impact on you. I wanted to create courses that completely transform you and change who you are and how you feel," he says.

Let the light guide your yoga

For a trippier, more immersive yoga experience, head to NYC's underground music venue Werden, which hosts yoga instructors twice a week for Welcome Deep House Yoga. Classes feature live house music DJs, hypnotic video projections, prismatic lights in a mix of short and long wavelengths, and a sparkling disco ball. The result: a dance-club-meets-Zen experience that enhances your mind-body connection. Do you have to DIY until the trend reaches your region? Turn the lights on bright for a quick HIIT session (like this 8-minute total body workout), then dim them for strength exercises to make them feel lighter. (Try the 8 Minute 1 Dumbbell Definition Workout.)