Sauna-based Hotworx gym opens new location in Bloomingdale

Bloomingdale is now home to a new 24-hour athletic facility that aims to help clients work up a sweat beyond exercising.

Having opened earlier in November, Hotworx is a sauna-based gym that focuses on quick, intense exercise sessions to burn calories after the workout stops. The facility is located at Stratford Crossing on 146 S. Gary Avenue.

The program's saunas use infrared heating during virtual workouts for faster results and quicker sessions, which can last from 15 to 30 minutes. The sauna rooms start at 108 degrees and go to as high as 125 degrees.

Nate Olson, manager and part owner of the Bloomingdale location, opened the facility with Dave Albin and his brother-in-law Dan Benson after operating multiple Elements Massage locations.

"After losing 70 pounds from 2012 to 2013, I always have had a passion for helping people with their fitness journeys," Olson said. "I appreciate the opportunity of helping people better themselves."

The facility features eight different saunas that hold up to three people, with four saunas focused on isometric workouts such as yoga and Pilates for 30-minute sessions that are taught virtually. The other four saunas focus on HIIT (high intensity interval training) workouts for 15-minute workouts.

Olson said Hotbox follows a "3D Training" model that focuses on heat, infrared and exercise to maximize the amount of calories burned. The sessions are intended to have participants burn calories after the sessions is over.

Olson said the enrollment fee is $99, with a $59 a month plan to access only the Bloomingdale location or a $69 option where you can access all 400 Hotworx locations nationwide, including the facilities in Chicago and Wheaton.