J.I.M Infrared Fitness Review: 21 Days at J.I.M

Why I Wanted to Try J.I.M Infrared Fitness

When Joy in Movement (J.I.M) offered me a complimentary trial, I jumped at it. I’ve trained in gyms for more than 25 years and I’ll never say no to a sauna, so a workout that combines movement with infrared heat sounded right up my alley.

I’ll admit I had a few doubts, too. In a hot studio full of sweaty people, would I be stepping into a puddle of someone else’s perspiration? And with no instructor physically running the class, who was keeping the equipment clean and making sure people were moving well? There was only one way to find out, so I packed a towel and headed to J.I.M’s Bellambi studio, just north of Wollongong, NSW.

What Is a J.I.M Workout Like?

The format couldn’t be simpler. Each J.I.M class is a 30-minute, low-impact session led by an instructor on screen instead of a coach at the front of the room. There are no mirrors, and you’re working with light weights or your own bodyweight rather than loading up a barbell.

The small-group vibe made it easy to settle in. My understanding is that classes at Bellambi hold around 14 people, and the studio advertises more than 100 classes a week, running from roughly 5am to 9pm. With a class kicking off about every hour, squeezing in a session was ridiculously easy.

How the Infrared Heat Changes the Workout

My first thought was whether half an hour would be enough. I regularly smash out high-intensity 30-minute workouts, and J.I.M’s movements are noticeably gentler. Then the heat kicked in. With the studio warmed to around 40°C, I was dripping within minutes, my heart was pumping and I walked out feeling like I’d put in a serious shift, all without lifting heavy or going flat out.

It’s worth keeping that feeling separate from the science. Sweating buckets doesn’t, on its own, mean you’ve burned more calories or trained more effectively. What I can tell you is that the combination of movement and warmth felt fantastic, and I loved it.

How Clean Is a J.I.M Studio?

Remember my sweat puddle fear? Everyone I saw laid a towel over their mat, and after class members took the time to wipe down their mats and equipment with the wipes provided.

There was a real sense that everyone was looking after the space together. I can only speak for the sessions I did at Bellambi, but the atmosphere was considerate, the studio felt well cared for, and my “ick” factor vanished by day two.

Is There Enough Variety in J.I.M Classes?

J.I.M switches up the focus from day to day. One session might be all about yoga-style stretching and mobility, and the next has your glutes on fire in a “booty burn”.

The programming runs in six-week blocks, with seven workouts rotating through the week and room to push a little harder before the next block starts. I can see why. Repeating movements helps you get comfortable with them, and there’s a real buzz in noticing you’re getting stronger.

That said, I did start spotting patterns. Reverse lunges came up so often I could see them coming, and thanks to a cranky big toe joint, I swapped them for forward lunges. Some people will love that predictability, while others will be craving something new. My trial only covered part of one block, so I can’t say how fresh it feels after a few cycles.

The Trade-Off With Screen-Led Workouts

The demo videos are slick, clear and professionally shot, and I always knew exactly which move I was meant to be doing. What’s missing is a live coach to fix your technique, and I didn’t hear detailed cues about which muscles to switch on or how to position my body in the sessions I attended.

With years of training behind me, I could usually work things out and tweak a movement when I needed to. A newcomer might not realise they’re doing an exercise wrong, or know how to adjust it safely. Ditching the mirrors makes the room feel far less intimidating, but it also takes away one way of checking your form.

None of this rules J.I.M out for beginners. The straightforward moves and judgement-free atmosphere could be exactly what gets someone new to exercise through the door. It does mean anyone who needs hands-on technique coaching, or who is managing an injury, should get one-on-one guidance from a qualified professional rather than relying on the screen alone.

Why the 30-Minute Format Kept Me Coming Back

Convenience was hands down my favourite part. With short classes running across so much of the day, I simply ran out of excuses. Thirty minutes felt doable even on my busiest days.

I also loved that on low-motivation days, a J.I.M session never felt like a mountain to climb. I could stroll in without psyching myself up for a beating and still walk out drenched, buzzing and glad I’d made the effort. That combination of easy to start and satisfying to finish is what kept me showing up.

Is a J.I.M Membership Worth It?

That comes down to how often you’ll go and what else you want from your training. During my trial, J.I.M offered memberships rather than casual visits or class packs. If you’re planning to be there most days, the boutique experience is great value.

For me, heavier lifting is non-negotiable. I’d use J.I.M alongside another gym, maybe twice a week, rather than as my only training, and paying for two memberships would be a stretch.

If you prefer lighter resistance, mobility-focused sessions and a simple routine you can stick to, you might see it completely differently. The big question is whether the format suits your goals and whether you’ll turn up often enough to get your money’s worth. Check current membership options and prices directly with your local studio.

My Verdict on J.I.M Infrared Fitness

Would I recommend J.I.M? Absolutely, to the right person. I had a blast during my 21 days at J.I.M Bellambi. The welcoming, respectful crowd, the no-fuss 30-minute format and that addictive heat made showing up consistently feel easy.

It won’t replace heavy strength training for me, and I’d love to see more personalised movement guidance. But if traditional gyms make you nervous, you’re short on time or you simply prefer low-impact training, J.I.M is well worth a look. I walked in curious and a little sceptical, and I walked out a convert to the heat.

Frequently asked questions

What is J.I.M infrared fitness?

J.I.M, short for Joy in Movement, is an Australian fitness studio brand offering 30-minute, low-impact workouts in infrared-heated rooms of around 40°C. Workouts are led by an instructor on screen rather than a coach in the room.

Is J.I.M suitable for beginners?

The movements are relatively straightforward and the mirror-free studio feels welcoming, so many beginners will be comfortable. There’s no instructor in the room to correct technique, though, so newcomers may benefit from some individual guidance first.

How hot does a J.I.M workout get?

J.I.M studios are heated to around 40°C, so expect to sweat a lot. Sweating more doesn’t necessarily mean burning more calories or building more muscle.

What should I bring to a J.I.M class?

Bring a water bottle, a full-length towel to cover your mat and a smaller towel for sweat. Mats and workout equipment are provided.

How often can you attend J.I.M classes?

J.I.M Bellambi advertises more than 100 classes a week, running from roughly 5am to 9pm, and each class lasts 30 minutes. How often you should train depends on your fitness and recovery needs.

Can you do J.I.M with an injury?

The workouts are low impact, but not every exercise will suit someone managing an injury, and there’s no instructor in the room to offer individual modifications. Get advice from a physio or other qualified health professional before you start.

Is a J.I.M membership worth the money?

It depends on how often you’ll attend and what your goals are. Regular members after convenient, low-impact exercise may find it good value, while people keeping another gym membership may find the extra cost harder to justify.

Disclosure: J.I.M provided a complimentary trial for this review. The observations and opinions are based on my personal experience.

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