Sauna-based hot workout studio HOTWORX opens in Gurnee

A new 24/7 fitness studio from a fast-growing franchise offering guided hot workouts inside saunas is open at 6641 Grand Ave. in Gurnee.

The first HOTWORX opened in Oxford, Mississippi, in 2017 and the 500th location opened in June. The Gurnee location is the first between Chicago and Milwaukee, and owner Ankit Modi said more than 220 members have signed up in the first two months.

"We've had a very good response from the community," Modi said. "There is nothing like this around."

Modi's studio has eight infrared saunas that members can sweat in while following along to virtual instructors doing programs like hot yoga and hot Pilates. The franchise claims on its website that working out in infrared heat accelerates detoxification among other health benefits.

The studio is available to members all day and all night, so there are several safety features in place such as video monitoring, Modi said.

Modi, who has lived with his family in Gurnee for 13 years, said he purchased a franchise license in August 2021 and spent around 18 months finding the perfect location. Even with the new studio getting underway, Modi continues to work as a physical therapist for geriatric patients.

Gurnee Mayor Tom Hood and trustee Quin O'Brien were on hand for the studio's soft opening Sept. 15. Guests who traveled the furthest to be there for the ribbon cutting were Modi's parents from India.

Modi said he plans to hold a grand opening once the studio reaches 500 members. He hopes to reach that milestone in the spring.