Latest Obsession: Hotworx

Sauna + workouts = the ultimate habit stack

I have been in a workout funk lately and have been trying some other classes/workouts.

I tried Evlo for their free trial, and while I really enjoyed it the first week or two, the workouts started feeling repetitive very quickly. I went back to my tried and true, Yoga Joint, but their classes are pricey and it is difficult for me to plan out my visits especially since the popular classes and times fill up quickly. Will I want to take hot yoga next Sunday at 9am? HELL IF I KNOW! I’m a ‘day of’ workout decider, maybe a day or two ahead if need be.

Then a friend of mine told me about HOTWORX, where she takes part in “virtually instructed fitness sessions performed in infrared-heated saunas, combining heat, infrared energy, and exercise to maximize calorie burn and detoxification.” (yes, I grabbed that explainer directly from the website)

The place is basically a hallway lined with three-person saunas. Some have rowers, others have exercise bikes, and most are empty. Each one has a TV screen running nonstop classes, 24 hours a day. This setup is what makes Hotworx AMAZING—no matter what time I go, I can always find a class I want to take, since a new one starts every 15 minutes. They also have a full weights section with dumbbells, a functional trainer with all the attachments, ropes, TRX, and more.

My usual routine? I check what classes are coming up, pick one based on my mood, and make sure no one else is signed up. The saunas fit three people, but unless we’re besties, I don’t want to be sweating up close with strangers. Thankfully, with so many saunas and class times, this has never been an issue. When you sign up, you can see if anyone else is already in that session, making it easy to avoid a social sweating situation. ;)

I like to give myself 15-30 minutes to check if my sauna is fully heated—if not, I crank up the temp. While it warms up, I head to the weights section for some strength training. By the time I’m done, it’s sauna time. I’ve tried almost every class, and I’ve enjoyed them all. My favorites? Hot Buns, Bands, and Hot Core, plus all the 15-minute classes that use the cardio equipment. For those, I turn the volume off, follow the video cues and subtitles, and listen to an audiobook or podcast instead.

Another huge perk: Hotworx is open 24/7. They have an app scanner that lets you into the building at any time, and since the videos are always running, you don’t even need an employee to get started.

Each class has multiple variations, with new ones added monthly. I’ve repeated a few classes, but each time, there’s a different instructor or a slightly different version of the workout, which keeps things interesting.

So, there you have it—everything you ever wanted to know about Hotworx! I’m sure I’ll get sick of it eventually, but right now, I’m in full obsession mode. If you want to give it a try, the first class is free. :)

Enjoy! xo – Lauren