A Running Coach's Perspective: Trial Workout Session at HOTWORX

I recently joined HOTWORX in Moorhead MN, a small studio franchise that shows virtually instructed HIIT and Isometric workouts in private infrared saunas.

I have been going to HOTWORX multiple times a week for the last 2 months and I love it!

My Free Trial Session at HOTWORX

I was scrolling FaceBook when I came across a paid ad by the Moorhead location to try a free session at the HOTWORX nearest to me. I do live in Fargo ND, but less then a half mile from the state border. So, even though there is a HOTWORX studio in West Fargo, ND, the one closest to me is the studio in Moorhead.

I had driven by the studio numerous times and was curious about what it had to offer. The marketing is on point. I love the color scheme and the logo itself is eye catching. As a minimalist, I also appreciate the small and well used space of the studio. I had wandered aloud many times to my husband while passing the studio, what it might be like to train there. So, when they showed up in my algorithm offering a free workout I couldn't resist!

I clicked on the add, and it prompted me to enter my location and my phone number. That same day I received a text asking when I would like to schedule my free workout. Just as easy as 123, I had scheduled a training session and was ready to try this place out!

When I arrived I was greeted by a friendly faced employee. She had me sign a few waivers before getting started, which was very fast because it was all electronic. Then she gave me a tour of the facility. From the moment I walked in I felt like it was a very clean and welcoming place! There was an array of trendy merch to the right as I entered. Looking forward I noticed some cute Halloween decor (it was October). The help desk was immediately to the left. Also to the right as I walked in I noticed a space to remove and place my shoes and coat. I would need to leave my shoes there because there are no outdoor shoes allowed past the entrance. 

My friendly tour guide showed me eight personal infrared saunas and how to work them. Four of the saunas were dedicated to Isometric workouts, two to HIIT cycle workouts, one to HIIT rowing workouts, and one to HIIT elliptical workouts. She also brought me to the FX area. A strength training area that has just about anything that you could need for a great strength training workout. The FX area is not in a sauna it is out on an open floor and equiped with prerecorded workouts that you can follow along with if you would like to. 

After gathering a signature HOTWORX mat and mat towel (a slightly larger than the mat, towel that covers the entire mat to add more grip and catch sweat) for me, she left me to get my sweat on with a Hot Pilates session. And get my sweat on is what I did!!

I had the heat set to 130 degrees, which the highest it will go, and followed along to my first Pilates workout and certainly my first sauna workout ever! At the finish, collapsed on my back in a pool of my own sweat, I  stared at the beautiful brown wooded ceiling of the sauna and knew, I was addicted. 

I came out of the sauna and walked to the front and excitedly signed up for a membership. It was around 100 dollars to start up. I chose the option that includes a towel and a mat and agreed to pay 59.99 a month.