July 22, 2022

By Courtney Collen, for SiouxFalls.Business

A fast-growing national fitness chain is bringing its 24-hour sauna-style workout to Sioux Falls.

Hotworx’ infrared fitness studio is at Lake Lorraine in a retail center along Marion Road. It joins more than 500 others nationwide.

Max Chedester and parents Pat and Stacy are the Sioux Falls family behind the new franchise. Chedester’s three younger sisters also are involved.

“I did my first workout in Omaha more than two years ago, and since then, I’ve been waiting to get this to Sioux Falls,” Chedester  said. “I’m excited to finally open it here.”

The studio offers low-impact, virtually led exercises, allowing members to get the benefits of infrared sauna through cycling, rowing, cardio, strength, high intensity interval training, barre, Pilates, core, bands or yoga, with step-by-step instruction and modification when needed.

If you cross an elliptical machine with a cycle bike, there’s even a machine for that. Plus, there’s a set of three dual water tank, double pulley rowers.

“We have a total of 11 different workouts that are HIIT and isometric, focusing on all different areas of the body, so we can tailor something for each member,” Chedester said.

The infrared fitness studio is available to members 24/7.

Class sessions in one of eight saunas begin every 15, 30 or 45 minutes led by Hotworx trained and certified instructors.

The saunas heat up to between 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

Studies show infrared saunas can provide a range of benefits, including decrease in inflammation, joint pain and other chronic pain.

According to the Hotworx website, the infrared heat penetrates your body, causing you to sweat, and the isometric postures accelerate detoxification by physically removing the toxins from your organs through muscle contraction.

“Your mobility and flexibility improves, and it really aids in muscle recovery as well,” Chedester said.

Like they say in the desert, “it’s a dry heat,” but this infrared sauna heat is said to be breathable, comfortable and conducive to these workouts.

“If you do intense cycling or strength-building exercises in one of these infrared saunas, you step out a new person,” he added. “Plus, you’re burning more calories while your body works harder to regulate temperature as it adjusts to the heat and cools back down.”

During COVID, Pat Chedester said the business model did very well as it shifted operations to allow one member per sauna.

“While infectious diseases are still a threat, we have that scalability to adjust our model and create a safe environment for our members,” Pat Chedester said. “Plus, spending a few minutes in a room at more than 120 degrees can kill viruses.”

In addition to the saunas, there is additional fitness space in the back, which includes weights, medicine balls, dumbbells and kettlebells.

“Our saunas allow up to three people,” Chedester said. “With the semiprivate environment, we want you to be comfortable and to go at your own best pace.”

“If this is your first time working out or first time in a sauna, this is a great place to start.”

Infrared workouts aren’t new to Sioux Falls.

Hotworx joins the market with Ignite Infrared Hot Yoga Studio and Amy Miller Training Hot Yoga, which both heat their studios for yoga and HIIT-style classes. Additionally, 3 Degrees and Sauna Haus offer infrared saunas without the fitness.

Hotworx’ location at Lake Lorraine is in the same strip mall that includes Love Marlow and Sakura Sushi.

Memberships start at $59 a month and operate through an app for scheduling and access to the building and saunas.

Hotworx is open for new members, who have a chance to join at $49 through the end of July. Free trials start Aug. 1.

Find information on the Hotworx website, Facebook page or Instagram. Get a tour of the studio during staffed hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.