Hotworx Sauna

Sweat and Recover: Hotworx in Virginia Beach – The Ultimate Infrared Workout

ByErika

What is Hotworx

Hotworx is a  24-hour infrared fitness studio where you work out in a heated sauna, combining infrared heat, isometrics, and HIIT workouts for a next-level sweat session.

My First Visit

I kept seeing Hotworx but wasn’t sure what to expect. A workout inside a sauna? It sounded intense. But also… kind of amazing? The Hilltop location is sleek, clean, and super welcoming. The staff was friendly, gave me a tour, and helped me pick my first class. 

Hotworx offers a variety of sessions like Hot Yoga, Hot Pilates, Hot Cycle, and even Hot Rowing. I went with the Hot Stretch because I had just come off of an injury and hadn’t been to the gym in forever AND if I’m being honest I was a little afraid of the heat.

What It’s Like Working Out in a Sauna

  • The Setup: Small, private infrared saunas that fit 3 people max, with a screen guiding the session. It’s kind of like a personal trainer but in a cozy, heated space.
  • The Infrared Heat Factor: Unlike a traditional sauna, infrared heat warms you from the inside out. It penetrates deeper into muscles, helping with detox, recovery, and increased calorie burn.
  • The Sweat is Real: By the 5-minute mark, I was dripping. But instead of feeling exhausted, I felt energized. *Fun fact you don’t smell after doing a Hotworx workout. the high heat from the infrared sauna essentially kills the bacteria on your skin that is responsible for creating body odor

Why Infrared Workouts Are a Game-Changer

  • Burn More Calories: Studies suggest that infrared heat can increase calorie burn by up to 30% compared to regular exercise.
  • Detox & Recovery: Sweating helps flush out toxins, and the heat reduces inflammation—great for sore muscles!
  • Improves Circulation: Infrared heat boosts blood flow, which can help with muscle recovery and even skin health.
  • Low Impact, High Results: Great for all fitness levels because the heat helps with flexibility and mobility.

What I Loved

  • ✔ The 24/7 access—perfect for squeezing in a workout anytime.
    ✔ The variety of workouts—whether you want a slow burn or high intensity. They do revamp and refresh the classes from time to time.
    ✔ The post-workout high—I felt detoxed, refreshed, and super accomplished.
    ✔ Solo Workout—I LOVE the fact that you can often have the sauna to yourself if you go off hours.

Things to Keep in Mind

Hydration is key—you will sweat more than usual, so drink up before and after. They do have a water fountain and a vending machine with bottled water.
Come prepared—wear light clothes *You do need to purchase the Hotworx mat and towel.  For your free intro class they will let you borrow one. 
It gets intense—the heat takes getting used to, so pace yourself if you’re new. Don’t worry you’re in control.  Each sauna has controls accessible for both the temperature and volume.

Final Thoughts: Is Hotworx Worth It?

If you’re into workouts that make you sweat, torch calories, and leave you feeling incredible, Hotworx is absolutely worth it. The combination of infrared heat and exercise is unlike anything I’ve tried before—it’s intense but in the best way. I walked out feeling stronger, refreshed, and completely hooked. So much so that I joined immediately!!

Bonus Points

Hotworx has the best rewards system I have ever seen.  You earn rewards just for working out!  Those rewards can be redeemed towards hotworx gear or put towards your membership.

Have You Tried Hotworx?

Have you ever done a workout in a sauna? If so, what do you think? If not, would you try it? Let’s chat in the comments!📍 Follow Along: For more unique fitness finds and hidden gems in Virginia Beach, follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest @DriftandDiscoverVB.