Italy’s fitness icon sparks hot pilates revolution
Carlotta Gagna is one of Italy’s leading figures in women’s fitness and wellness. She is the co-founder of Traininpink, the company behind Italy’s No. 1 fitness app — a multi-award-winning platform recognized by both Apple and Google (www.traininpink.net) — and of Igeia, the athleisure brand launched on July 1, 2025, that has already gone viral, CE Report quotes ANSA.
Among the first in 2017 to share her workouts and advice on social media, Carlotta Gagna built a community that follows her for her inclusive, evidence-based, motivating, accessible, and sustainable approach, which has also played a key role in popularizing Pilates in Italy.
We asked her about the latest trend — Hot Pilates: what it is, how it started, who can practice it, what its benefits are compared to traditional Pilates, and how to do it at home.
“Hot Pilates originated in the United States in the early 2000s, inspired by Hot Yoga but fully structured around the Pilates method,” explains Gagna. “It’s performed in heated rooms — between 95 and 100°F (35–38°C) — where heat isn’t just a detail but an essential part of the workout. The rise in body temperature speeds up muscle warm-up and improves tissue elasticity, reducing injury risk and allowing for deeper, more controlled movement — while also increasing calorie expenditure, which helps with toning or weight management.”
She adds: “The intense sweating plays an important role — it stimulates circulation, promotes toxin elimination, improves thermoregulation, and helps the body manage effort. Many women describe it as liberating: alongside the usual muscle strengthening and posture benefits of Pilates, there’s an immediate sense of lightness, well-being, and stress relief.
“It’s a workout that combines strength, endurance, and focus, with positive effects on metabolism and sleep quality. And anyone can try it — you don’t need to be an experienced athlete. With the right precautions, Hot Pilates is accessible to everyone.
“At home, you can recreate ideal conditions by choosing a closed room, using a space heater or heated mat, and staying properly hydrated. Wearing light technical clothing and keeping water nearby also ensures a safe and enjoyable practice.
“That’s exactly why I wanted to bring Hot Pilates to the digital space — with Traininpink, we’ve created the first guided Hot Pilates programs available in-app, allowing every woman to experience this innovative practice from home through safe, structured, and immersive sessions.”
