Workouts, but make it hot: Heated + infrared gyms, saunas and more in the Charlotte area
While I was distracted on a recent work call, my dog Charlie decided to chew up the remote control to the heater I use for my virtual hot yoga classes. And my body does not like to do yoga in “normal room” temperatures.
If you’re reading this and you’re a hot yoga person, you’re probably empathizing with me right about now. And if you’re not a hot yoga person, I bet you’re wondering why I’d want to make my flow classes more difficult with 95+ degree heat in the room. I once was in the latter camp myself — ‘til I tried it.
Since I discovered Charlotte’s hot yoga scene a decade+ ago, I’ve been an exercise heat-seeker. I even prefer running on my garage treadmill in July vs. December. I know this not the norm — but I also know I’m not alone.
In the past few years, heated workouts have — well, heated up in popularity. Along with traditionally heated spaces, infrared and red light therapy have started filtering into targeted ads and conversation with wellness-seeking buddies alike. But what does it mean? Here’s a brief explanation:
Red Light therapy: Red light therapy uses “specific wavelengths of light to stimulate biological processes within cells and tissues,” according to Found My Fitness. Benefits include collagen stimulation, which helps with anti-aging and reduction of wrinkles, muscle recovery, hair regrowth and reduction of inflammation. It’s most beneficial for treatments on the surface of the skin.
Infrared heat: Infrared heat penetrates further into the skin than red light therapy, and studies have shown it may benefit heart health, according to Everyday Health. It can also help with chronic pain and exercise recovery. Near infrared, mid range and far infrared heaters all work a little bit differently. Often, infrared saunas will deploy a mixture of these wavelengths.
As the season inches toward (and beyond) false fall, it’s a great time to check out Charlotte-area gyms, spas and infrared sauna places offering various heated experiences. There are so many in the area that we couldn’t include them all, but here’s a list to start:
Hot yoga
Arrichion Hot Yoga: Arrichion calls itself the hottest yoga studio in town, and it was also my introduction to hot yoga. Its classes are popular with power yoga fans and despite its extreme heat, the studio is beginner-friendly. It doesn’t matter if you can’t touch your toes, you’re a yogi here. Pro tip: If it feels too hot, just lay on your mat and let your body adjust. I speak from experience. (I’ve done more than 1,000 classes there over the years!)
[2024 CHARLOTTE RUNNING GUIDE: Local run clubs, races, shoe stores, hot yoga recovery.]
Charlotte Family Yoga: With locations in Concord and Charlotte’s Oakhurst neighborhood, you have two options when it comes to heated classes with this studio. The long, slow deep classes include a room heated to 98 degrees. You won’t have a care in the world when you leave the studio after that.
CorePower Yoga: Work on your form using the mirrors at CorePower Yoga’s classes. Its Y2 series is my favorite, which is a flow that offers a “challenge pose” at the end (you’ll spend the first part of class warming up to be able to try the challenge pose). Some classes are up to 110 degrees, and low-heat classes can be as low as 75 degrees, for those who might prefer a more “warm yoga” session.
Khali Yoga: Khali offers far infrared heat, which is known for helping with pain relief and soothing tired muscles. Pair it with a deep stretch class and you’ll reach a new level of zen.
Y2 Yoga: Y2 is known for its fast-paced class series, and if done in one of its heated rooms you’ll be guaranteed to get your heart rate up.
Infrared saunas + red light therapy relaxation
Beem Light Sauna: At Beem Light Sauna, you can book either a 40-minute infrared sauna session, a 15-minute red light therapy session or both. Local locations include Charlotte, Huntersville and Fort Mill, so there’s probably one nearby.
Lotus Acupunture: Lotus Acupuncture offers sessions where you can sit or stand in the space that offers both red light and near infrared therapy. The sessions only take about 10 minutes, so you’ll be in and out.
Mood House: The more infrared sauna sessions you book with Mood House, the more benefits you’ll see, the spa’s website states. In fact, you may not sweat at all at first, but with more sessions, your body will start sweating more efficiently. How cool (I mean, hot!).
Re Salon and Med Spa: Book a red light therapy session at Re Salon and you’ll spend time in a machine that resembles a tanning bed, but instead of dangerous rays, you’ll be getting healing light energy. The sessions combine red light therapy with infrared light energy.
[EXERCISE, BUT MAKE IT FANCY: Come with us to some of the best luxury gyms in the Charlotte area.]
Heated cardio
HotWorx: HotWorx is a franchise with several locations in Charlotte, Lake Norman, Fort Mill and Rock Hill. It offers infrared heated workouts 24 hours a day. Sign up for a 3 a.m. heated cycle class, if you wish. Other options include HIIT, water rowing classes and more.
MG Body Space: At this luxurious workout space, your body temperature is increased based on the infrared heat on the machine itself. You’ve seen the equipment on “Selling Sunset,” and you can try these glowing red light machines for yourself — choose between Vacutherm treadmill, Vacutherm recline bike, climber machine or body roll.
[TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF: 7 luxury spa experiences within a 3-hour drive of Charlotte.]
