Sauna workout in Covid-era fitness

Fashion, Beauty and Health by Denise McNamara

The hottest place I’ve ever been in my life was the dessert in Egypt when temperatures reached nearly 50 degrees. It was so hot we had to remain inside for most of the day and only venture out in the early evening or before the sun rose.

One Christmas in Sydney the temperature hit a sweltering 45 degrees and day after day we hit the beach to get some relief from the humidity. One park beach with spectacular city views had harbour water so warm it felt like stepping into a giant bath.

So when I was invited to try out the new Hotworx Fitness Studio where workouts are done at 52 degrees I was reticent to say the least.

Bikram or hot yoga was popular a few years ago, promising excellent results due to the amount you sweat and the idea that your muscles move better when warmed up.

This is a whole new step up from that in a concept imported from the US by owner Ray Sheeran. The Galway branch on the Tuam Road is the first in Europe with plans to go 24 hours and expand across the country and Europe.

It is a type of fitness which is perfect in the Covid-era. Workouts are done via a virtual instructor in private saunas using your own resistance bands, grip towels and foam rollers. Apparently, the virus does not survive over 45 degrees.

Workouts take 30 minutes with a choice of 12 different classes as well as 15-minute high intensity sessions on bikes or rowing machines – all in the stifling dry heat of a sauna.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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