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HOTWORX Ascent From #95 to #58 on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 List

The rise of HOTWORX from its debut last year at #95 to #58 on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list this year is far more than a numerical improvement, it is a chart topping, powerful validation of the brand’s momentum, relevance, and long-term staying power in a highly competitive franchise landscape.

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February 11, 2024

HOTWORX Opens 600th Location

This past week on Thursday the HOTWORX franchise crossed another expansion milestone. The 600th location opened for business. That makes 600 openings in the 6th year of business since the first location opened in 2017 in Oxford, MS.

February 4, 2024

The World’s Most Unique Fitness Competition TV Show Release

Season three of the HOTWORX Virtual Instructor Competition TV Show has just been released, and there is no other fitness competition like this one.

January 28, 2024

You Don’t Know What You’ve Got Until It’s Missing

Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the detox, the mental clarity, the anabolic effect, the balance improvement, the cardio gains, the accelerated fat oxidation, the metabolism boost, and the skin glow that comes with infrared training at HOTWORX.

January 21, 2024

The New Infrared Workout: HOT STRETCH is a Hit

Based on the feedback from HOTWORX customers, hot infrared stretching as a workout is a hit. We released the new workout on December 27 just after Christmas and the feedback is now in.

January 14, 2024

Consistency, Prana, and HOTWORX

HOTWORX was inspired and then willed into existence out of the practice of hot yoga. The franchise developed as a way to go beyond just hot yoga with the use of infrared and multiple workout types, but it did indeed spring out from the practice of hot yoga and carried with it some of the proven yoga philosophies and practices that date back to ancient times.

January 7, 2024

HOT STRETCH: A New Year, a New Way to Stretch

We all know that stretching is good for us. But, who said that stretching was only for warming up and cooling down? It certainly is, but it can also be a workout in and of itself.

January 1, 2024

Lessons Learned from Hiking for Heroes on Pico De Orizaba

The months of hardcore training to prepare for this climb has reminded me of one fact…life is about the journey man!

December 24, 2023

Power Through the Holidays with Infrared Cardio

Don’t let the holidays set your fitness into a state of regression this year. Get out in front of the massive calorie intake and counter it with massive calorie burn this year.

December 17, 2023

3D Training for a Climb to the Top of Mexico

This will be the third year for the HOTWORX climbing team to scale a mountain and raise money to benefit the Sacred Mountain Retreat Center for wounded veterans, Gold Star families and first responders.

December 10, 2023

The Power of Neighborhood Fitness Convenience

A couple of years ago a good friend, who happens to be a banker from New York, said to me, “Steve, the thing that people like about HOTWORX is the fact that it checks off all of the boxes.” I had never really thought about it that way until he said it.

December 3, 2023

HOT EXERCISE, A Top 10 Best Seller

Three years ago on December 7 my book, HOT EXERCISE, was officially published and released on Amazon and to all HOTWORX franchise locations. Since that time it has been made available in paperback, hardcover, Kindle version ebook and in audible version.

November 26, 2023

Torch The Excess Holiday Calories with Infrared

Here we are again. Another year, and it’s the week after Thanksgiving…the annual battle of the bulge begins.

November 19, 2023

The Right Fitness Tool Makes All the Difference

A high powered tool can improve the quality of any task. But, the tool can’t do it all. People have to make the tool work for them.

November 12, 2023

A New Product From HOTWORX Hits the Shelves

There’s no doubt that people need proper nutrition, and with the busy lifestyles that most of us have, eating balanced meals complete with all of the required nutritional components can be challenging.

November 5, 2023

Weight Loss With No Exercise is a NO NO

As a fitness trainer, it’s motivating to see studies that add to the mounting body of evidence proving how important exercise is to human health. The truth is, weight loss without exercise is just not enough.

October 29, 2023

It’s All About the Results for Fitness Customers

Sometimes people get so caught up in the hype of a product that they forget the real purpose of its existence. Joining a gym is about one thing first and foremost!

October 22, 2023

Far Infrared Molecular Vibration Therapy

Far infrared (FIR) radiation, sometimes referred to as thermal radiation, has the ability to penetrate the skin and underlying tissues up to 1.5 inches from the surface of the skin. When FIR radiation penetrates human cells, it generates heat, but it also changes the molecular vibrations. In other words, the waves of FIR cause new vibrations at the cellular level. These new “vibes” are beneficial to your health.

October 15, 2023

It’s All About the Value of the Brand

As any brand becomes established it carries with it a reputation. In the case of the HOTWORX fitness franchise, the brand grew out from one location in Oxford, MS in 2017 to over 500 in 2023 and will cross the 600 mark in the beginning of 2024.

October 8, 2023

HOTWORX and the Evolution of Yoga

With yoga, HOTWORX launched a deliberate and very visible program to change the way yoga is delivered to fitness customers.

October 1, 2023

Infrared Workouts Release Endorphins

Sometimes I witness people who allow their emotions to overtake their ability to behave in a sensible and/or reasonable manner. When I see this it makes me think how they could live a happier life if they would just begin a consistent practice of infrared fitness.

September 24, 2023

Warrior, Winner, or Both?

Do you want to be a winner for your health and fitness? Or, do you want to be a warrior for it? Why not be both?! It boils down to discipline.

September 17, 2023

The Importance of Infrared Resistance Training for Women

Traditionally, resistance training has been equated to weight training, and has been viewed as a workout more popular with men. Modern fitness protocols, however, incorporate more than just weights for resistance, and more women are now embracing the benefits.

September 10, 2023

A Fitness Challenge with a Purpose

As a fitness professional, I am convinced from experience that one of the best ways to stay in shape is to schedule a trip, or a vacation that involves a fitness challenge.

September 4, 2023

Make Fat Scream with Infrared Training

Infrared workouts, like those associated with the HOTWORX infrared sauna or infrared heat therapy, have various health benefits, including potential fat-burning effects.

August 27, 2023

The History of Cardio HIIT and Cardio ISOMETRICS

HOTWORX made the decision early on, prior to the opening of its very first studio, that the use of isometrics and HIIT would be the most effective approach to infrared fitness training, and therefore, would be the basis for all of the workouts that would be offered in each of the patented HOTWORX workout saunas.

August 20, 2023

Workout Flow Consistency is Vital for Best Results

Workout consistency means more than just showing up to the gym on a regular basis. The consistency of the workouts that you do is just as important. That requires a workout sequence that remains the same with very little variation. I call this the principle of sameness.

August 13, 2023

Heart Rate and Infrared Training

When you manage your heart rate appropriately during exercise you can govern the physiological response in a way that gets you to your fitness goals in a fast and efficient manner.

August 6, 2023

Fasted HIIT Workouts Burn More Fat

High Intensity Interval Training sessions, AKA HIIT, are fast and can help you burn more fat while getting your cardiovascular system in shape. When HIIT is combined with good nutrition and intermittent fasting, the results can be transformational.

July 30, 2023

Elevate Your Cardio Workout with Infrared

I recently had an encounter with a treadmill. Normally, for me, I will avoid treadmills because I like cardio that is more interesting.

July 24, 2023

Fitness Momentum

Like any athletic endeavor, fitness is also a game of momentum. In this game it is you versus you though.

July 16, 2023

Fitness Innovation

When I think about fitness innovation, I am reminded of a quote from what I consider to be the greatest locker room speech of all time to come out of Hollywood.

July 9, 2023

Fitness Requires Discipline

It doesn’t matter whether you are a fitness beginner or a professional athlete. It’s the same when it comes to what it takes to achieve your goals. It takes discipline and there is going to be some level of discomfort when you practice discipline.

July 2, 2023

HOTWORX Announces New “Power Gummies”

As a follow up to last year’s introduction of the Burn Off App nutrition update “Diet Trax,” HOTWORX is announcing a new supplement line that will be on the shelves of all studios this fall.

June 26, 2023

Hattiesburg, MS is the 500th HOTWORX Location!

By all standards, reaching 500 open brick and mortar franchise locations is an incredible accomplishment for any brand. Indeed, only 4% of franchises make it to that level.

June 18, 2023

HOTWORX Grows From Zero to 500 Open Locations in 6 Years

As I sit in front of my Mac and write this blog article on this beautiful Friday evening in New Orleans, I am reflecting on the past 6 years and a labor of love I know as HOTWORX Franchising.

June 12, 2023

Infrared Training Elevates Heart Health

Better cardio conditioning leads to a much higher quality of life. Indeed, breathing and the process of oxygenation through blood circulation pumped by the heart is the key to living a fit and healthy life.

June 4, 2023

Dr. Ahmed Soliman - Cardiologist and HOTWORX Franchise Owner

I had the pleasure of speaking with cardiologist Dr. Ahmed Soliman this week, who also happens to be a new franchisee of HOTWORX in the Houston, TX market.

May 28, 2023

The Importance of Infrared Saunas and Heat Shock Proteins

A person who wants to achieve higher levels of fitness can use an infrared sauna to better condition themselves to manage other forms of daily stress.

May 21, 2023

The Good Vibes of Infrared Training

Infrared energy, specifically in the form of infrared light, interacts with cells in the body through a process known as resonant absorption.

May 15, 2023

Speed Up Results with Infrared Training

Fitness, like everything else, is evolving, and people are gravitating towards routines that are more effective in less time.

May 7, 2023

A Boutique Fitness Studio with Big Box Capacity

Most boutique fitness studios offer only one workout type, or maybe a few versions of let’s say yoga, or Pilates, or Barre. The problem with this approach is that there is little or no opportunity to practice cross-training.

April 30, 2023

A Workout That’s Not a Chore

I received a message from a HOTWORX customer recently on Instagram requesting advice on how to properly hydrate and how to use creatine as a supplement. I was happy to respond to her with a few suggestions.

April 23, 2023

Fasted Infrared Training

A well designed fitness program can use various stressors to promote hormesis. Examples of this would be training in a fasted state, or training in an infrared workout environment like that of the patented HOTWORX workout sauna.

April 16, 2023

Glowing Skin from Infrared Workouts

In my travels to different HOTWORX locations for book signings I have the pleasure to meet customers from all walks of life, and there is one comment that I continually hear at all locations. Customers rave about the improvement in their skin tone as a result of the exposure to infrared while they train.

April 10, 2023

Trim Down, Tone Up and Detox with Infrared Workouts

The fitness “trifecta” will always be the simultaneous goals of shedding excess body weight, firming and strengthening the muscles and, of course, ridding the body of unhealthy substances, aka detox.

April 2, 2023

The Book HOT EXERCISE is an Amazon Best Seller

Last week HOT EXERCISE reached #7 on the Amazon Best Seller list for the Business Franchise category.

March 26, 2023

What Does an Infrared Sauna and Skiing Have in Common

Snow skiing and workouts performed in an infrared sauna each require you to step outside of your comfort zone, one for cold and one for heat. Both forms of exercise generate massive calorie burns for each session, much more than traditional exercise in an air-conditioned gym. So, why not practice exercise in an environment that yields greater results in a shorter amount of time?

March 19, 2023

Infrared Training Accelerates Fat Burning

The moment you walk into an infrared sauna to do a workout your metabolism begins to go faster. You immediately begin to burn calories at an accelerated pace because your body’s core is heating up.

March 13, 2023

Infrared Training for Cardiovascular Health

Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in high-income countries like the United States? Infrared training can help to improve this statistic.

March 5, 2023

Accelerate Metabolism and Boost Workout Recovery with Infrared

Infrared light, especially Far Infrared (FIR) is the best light wavelength for training. Why is this true?

February 26, 2023

The World’s Most Unique Fitness Competition

When HOTWORX introduced 3D Training to the fitness world there was no system for recruiting talent to serve as virtual instructors. Recruitment by referral and scouting at fitness conferences was how it happened. There had to be a better way to find the right talent for the role. The recruitment process should be different in keeping with the unique culture of the HOTWORX brand itself.

February 20, 2023

The History of Hot Cardio Workouts

Let’s explore the origins of this wildly popular form of fitness training practiced everywhere around the globe.

February 12, 2023

Heart Healthy Valentine

Valentines who train together stay together! Train with your valentine and keep your hearts healthy together while you motivate each other.

February 5, 2023

Magic Fitness Powder

I have tried so many different brands and formulas when it comes to an electrolyte and/or branched chain amino supplement, but, I have to say that the HOTWORX formula is by far the best.

January 30, 2023

A Fitness Quest in Argentina

I can’t think of a better way to put a fitness level to the test than climbing a mountain. Different mountains present different challenges. This year the field of play would be a mountain high in the Andes of Argentina.

January 22, 2023

The Will to Succeed

Fitness success requires will, and will requires an acknowledgment that your mind can indeed control where you take your body. Elite athletes know that when your mind is right you can do things with your body that you once thought not possible, and out of reach so to speak.

January 15, 2023

The Power of Fasted Infrared Workouts

Fitness training in a fasted state is a dietary form of hermetic stress. This type of stress is caused by the energy restriction of the fasted state, and when exercise is added to the equation even more stress is created.

January 8, 2023

Training for Cardio with an Infrared Sauna

As I pack for my trip to Argentina tomorrow to climb the tallest mountain in the Southern and Western Hemisphere with our HOTWORX Climbing Team, I am thinking about cardio. Cardio conditioning is the most important physical aspect leading to the success of any mountain climb.

January 2, 2023

Find Your Fitness Momentum in 2023

Just the thought of the word momentum conjures up memories for me of the effort it takes to get something going. The first step of any journey, especially one for fitness, is always the hardest, and it takes momentum to keep it going and growing.

December 27, 2022

Infrared Workouts for Pliability

I watched an interview recently with Tom Brady explaining his training routine. Of course, Tom Brady is playing quarterback on the highest level at the age of 45 in the NFL. He attributes much of his longevity in the league to training for “pliability.” So, what is pliability anyway?

December 19, 2022

Now is the Time for Fitness Franchising

As an entrepreneur, I watch developments in the economy very closely. Most economic outlooks predict a mild recession in 2023 induced by higher interest rates from the Fed. As a fitness franchise professional, and based on my experience with previous down cycles, I can tell you that a recession presents an opportunity in two ways.

December 11, 2022

Dr. Craig Perlman, Endocrinologist - HOTWORX Franchisee

Dr. Craig Perlman is a HOTWORX franchisee and a Board Certified Endocrinologist who has a practice in the same clinic with his brother, Daryl, who is a Board Certified Internist and specializing in obesity.

December 5, 2022

Avoid the Illogical Inconsistency

I was inspired to write about the topic of consistency once again and this time it came from a book I am currently reading. I highly recommend Warrior Cardio by Martin Rooney, COO of the Parisi Speed School.

November 27, 2022

Hiking for Heroes 2023

The HOTWORX Hiking for Heroes team will jump start 2023 by scaling the tallest mountain in the Western Hemisphere (and the Southern Hemisphere) with an expedition scheduled for January 10-22.

November 20, 2022

Dr. Clifford J. Evans, a HOTWORX Franchisee

This week I would like to introduce another franchise owner, Dr. Clifford J. Evans, DO, who is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon.

November 14, 2022

Infrared is Light

There is a lot of confusion out there when it comes to the understanding of what is Infrared. Infrared is light, invisible light.

November 6, 2022

Medical Couple Weighs in on HOTWORX

It’s interesting to note that there are now 19 HOTWORX franchise owners who are doctors. One of those, a medical power couple in Houston, Dr. Jeffrey Liang and and his wife Lisa who is a nurse, are featured in this article.

October 30, 2022

The Cardio Benefits of Infrared Workouts

I like to tell people that the experience of isometrics performed in an infrared sauna is the best cardio workout that you never know your getting. I say that because the workouts are fast, the infrared feels so good, and your focus is on correct posture form and mind/body awareness.

October 23, 2022

Sweat and Detox with an Infrared Workout

This past week I travelled to Punta Mita, Mexico to attend a Tony Robbins seminar. While attending the seminar I used the hotel gym in the mornings for my workouts. You could have hung meat in that place!

October 16, 2022

The Ultimate Level 7 in Fitness

At the beginning of 2022 we introduced Diet Trax to the HOTWORX lineup. In conjunction with the introduction of Diet Trax we also introduced a new level of fitness achievement, the ultimate Level 7.

October 9, 2022

Time is of the Essence in Fitness

During my flight home to New Orleans yesterday my mind began to reflect on my quick little trip to New York. If you are a business person or a fitness professional, NYC is super appealing because it’s a place that screams productivity, and I love that!

October 2, 2022

The Proper Way to Hydrate for Infrared Training

Common sense tells us that you should drink water or some healthy form of sports drink while you do a workout. Of course you should drink when you’re thirsty!

September 25, 2022

Save The Impact for the Game

Fitness training evolves alongside, and as a result of, advances in athletic training practices. I have observed athletic training and have participated as an athlete in this transformation and then I have noted the adaptations of these new approaches to the fitness industry.

September 18, 2022

Sun Salutation Warm-up

The Sun is our star. As the center of our solar system, it is the powerful symbol of energy and vitality to our planet.

September 11, 2022

What is a SMART Fitness Goal?

It’s not enough to just say you want to lose 20 pounds. In fitness, as in business, everything should be based on a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) goal.

September 5, 2022

The First HOTWORX Level 7 Achievement

Kelly Ham was up for the challenge from the time she joined the HOTWORX location in South Arlington, TX. I had a chance to interview her to find out how she accomplished this feat as the first ever to do so, and with 30k+ calories burned with 100% Diet Trax discipline.

August 28, 2022

Training for a Trip

With fall upon us now and as we look to the holiday season approaching, we might need to arm ourselves with an added means of fitness motivation as this year winds down…

August 22, 2022

Infrared Isometrics Reduces Risk of Injury

There are four main areas of exercise which are endurance, flexibility, strength and balance. Isometric workouts address all four areas very well. No matter your sport, weight training alone is not enough to prepare you for performance.

August 14, 2022

Fasted Infrared Training

Fasted cardio is a buzz term in fitness. So, what is it and why is it gaining popularity?

August 8, 2022

A Laser Focused Convention

The 2022 HOTWORX Franchise Convention theme was “FOCUS”, and it was a laser focused event indeed. From the opening of the first day with a laser light show set to high energy music to the riveting lineup of speakers, the three day event was jam packed with great content.

August 1, 2022

The Pillars of Fitness Franchising

As I reflect back on my career in fitness it dawns on me that I have been directly involved in not only fitness but the franchising of fitness for most of my professional life.

July 24, 2022

Don’t Blow Your Intermittent Fast

Intermittent fasting works! I find that a 16 hour per day fasting period yields great results for a calorie restricting practice and for a general feeling of wellness.

July 17, 2022

Hot Foam Rolling for Better Fitness

In my experience, I know that I can get a deep tissue massage on my own using foam roller. That being the case, why would I spend a hundred bucks, unless I just wanted that experience on a vacation.

July 10, 2022

Infrared Workouts and Hormesis

I had the honor recently to meet Dr. Rhonda Patrick in an online discussion about her upcoming guest appearance onstage at our franchise convention to be held in Scottsdale, AZ this August 1-3. During the meeting she spoke about hormesis and the role it plays in usage of infrared saunas.

July 4, 2022

Fight Fire with Fitness: Remember Our First Responders this July 4!

I thought it to be appropriate on this 4th of July weekend to write an article in honor of our first responders who contribute so much to all of our communities throughout the country.

June 27, 2022

The Power of Virtual Fitness Instruction

HOTWORX established the first ever international fitness competition for virtual instructors in 2018. The annual competition is now in its 5th year and it has become an integral part of how the brand recruits fitness talent to serve as members of the 7 person virtual instructor annual lineup.

June 19, 2022

What is “Overweight”?

Sometimes people will ask me what I think constitutes being “overweight”. Overweight can mean different things to different people.

June 12, 2022

Don’t Skip the Workout Warmup!

Have you ever taken yoga from an instructor who skips the warmup? What about a personal training session with a trainer who starts you off with no warmup sets or active stretching?

June 5, 2022

Infrared Cross Training for Accelerated Performance

By practicing cross training an individual is able to work muscles and make strength, flexibility, cardio and endurance gains from all different angles, thereby reinforcing the performance for the main activity, or sport.

May 31, 2022

Get More From Your Workouts in Less Time

Training inside of an infrared sauna is a fitness game changer for time management. Take back an hour from your weekday and reduce your necessary gym time. Think of what you can accomplish with an extra 5 hours during your work week!

May 23, 2022

Infrared Training and Mental Focus

The importance of the mind/body connection is well documented when it comes to athletics and fitness. It requires mental clarity and focus.

May 15, 2022

Fat Oxidation and Infrared Training

Fat slows you down! If you want to be a lean, mean productive machine, then you need to lose the fat.

May 8, 2022

Do You Have What It Takes to Be a HOTWORX Virtual Instructor? Last Chance!

In order to produce high quality workouts on video to be served up virtually, there still has to be a talented fitness instructor on the set to lead the workouts for filming. This is why HOTWORX decided several years ago to hold an international Virtual Instructor Competition each year at their franchise convention.

May 2, 2022

Infrared Acclimation Training

I am confounded at times when I see a video or read an article from so called fitness experts who extol the ineffectiveness of training in the heat. They even claim that there is no detox from sweating.

April 25, 2022

Infrared Sauna Sessions = More Oxygen, and More Fat Burn

It is well known that infrared sauna sessions can increase blood flow and expedite the absorption of oxygen into the bloodstream. This is due to the nitric oxide effect.

April 17, 2022

Anthony Walker Signs Franchise Agreement for HOTWORX Location in South Florida

Anthony Walker has made a name for himself in the NFL as a linebacker known for his range, physicality and leadership on the field. Recently Anthony decided to put that competitiveness to work off the field as well in the fitness business.

April 10, 2022

A Fitness Ascent Based on Desire

It’s been almost two months since our HOTWORX team climbed to the summit of Kilimanjaro. That magnificent mountain, “Kili”, as it is referred to by the locals, is the world’s tallest free standing mountain.

April 4, 2022

More Than a Quarter Century of Spa and Fitness Franchising

I have to say a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our franchise organization with this article. Last Friday, April 1st, the company turned 26 years old!

March 28, 2022

Infrared Workouts, Intermittent Fasting and Diet Tracking

Research has shown that exercise and exposure to infrared energy and heat can accelerate the metabolism. When infrared training is combined with intermittent fasting and a disciplined logging of food intake, your fitness results can catapult onto the fast lane.

March 20, 2022

Find Your Summer Workout Shred with Infrared

We talk a lot about wellness in this weekly HOTWORX Blog, and rightly so. Infrared training is a super healthy form of exercise.