By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
A new workout studio is coming to Hays in March.
Hotworx, 1218 E. 27th, will have eight private infrared saunas.
This will be the first studio offering infrared workouts in Hays and the only Hotworx franchise in the state outside of Wichita or Kansas City.
The infrared light and heat offered in the Hotworx saunas promises to help you burn more calories in less time.
Owner Cari Readle said most people will burn about triple the calories in a 30-minute Hotworx workout compared to a standard one-hour gym workout.
It claims to also assist with muscle recovery, pain relief, stress reduction, weight loss, body detoxification, lowering blood pressure, cellulite reduction and improved circulation.
The saunas are built to optimize infrared light absorption and boost your detoxifying workout, sweat and calorie burn, Readle said.
Most of the sauna classes are 30 minutes. Hotworx also offers some high intensity interval training classes that use cycles or rowing machines that are 15 minutes.
"For people who are limited on time restraints for being able to get to the gym, this an ideal place for them to go for them to be able to get in and out quick," Readle said.
The saunas are 7-by-9 feet. You can have up to three people in a sauna if you find more motivation in working out with friends.
As the infrared light is also a component of sunlight, it may help some people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder, a depression that often affects people during the winter months when they are exposed to fewer daylight hours.
All the workouts are virtual. Members can access the center 24/7 and will book saunas using an app. The facility will have two bathrooms, one of which will have a shower.
The 30-minute classes in Hays will include:
Hot Isometrics
Hot Buns
Hot Yoga
Hot Pilates
Hot Bar None
Hot Bands
Hot Warrior
Hot Core
The 15-minute classes include a spinning or rowing machine or a Hotworx-patented water rowing machine.
Isometrics are sustained stretching exercises — for example flexing your bicep and holding it for a certain amount of time. It builds flexibility and muscle tone, Readle said.
You should check with your physician before stating any workout program, but Readle said Hotworx can be used by people of all ages.
Some older customers are seeking to ease arthritis pain and promote flexibility, she said. Younger customers like the endurance they can build with the workouts, Readle said.
The saunas are adjustable, and the temperature can be lowered.
The Hotworx studio is still under construction. Readle said she hopes to be open in March. The studio is pre-selling memberships for $49 per month with a $15 joiner fee. Memberships will go up once the studio opens.
Drop-in appointments also will be available for $20 each. The studio will have staffed hours for drop-ins, but those hours have not yet been set.
The studio will also have a retail space, which will include clothing, nutrition line, mats, towels and foam stretching rollers.
Readle, who is an occupational therapy assistant, said she fell in love with the Hotworx saunas after she booked a workout in a studio in Wichita on a visit there. She said she is excited to bring the franchise to Hays.
You can follow Hotworx Hays on Facebook or find out more information on the business's website. You can also call 785-621-4278.