A while ago I published my first experience with sweating, you know...REALLY sweating at Shape House. I became an instant addict. For flushing out a cold, a hangover or burning off holiday indulgences, infrared saunas have become my go-to secret weapon for a quick reset. Too much champagne and Christmas cookies over the last month? Suffering from a winter flu? A deeply detoxing sweat, the kind you can only get from far infrared sauna waves can be a godsend. While I still love Shape House, I have unearthed a handful of alternatives around New York City, all with their own little twist to the experience. Here are my faves!
BRRRN
Flatiron NYC
COST
$34, deals and packages available
THE DEAL
It’s communal! Meaning you may be sharing with up to 6 others, which keeps the cost down. It’s fun to book with a buddy, or they encourage making friends with fellow sweaters. However, in my experience there is rarely more than 1-2 others at a time, and very often I get the whole thing to myself. Score! Also, Brrrn is all about extreme temp fitness, and their schtick is HIIT workout classes in frosty classrooms. So you can crush a cold workout and then warm up in the sauna.
THE CATCH
It’s communal! So - if you are scared to share, you may wanna look elsewhere.
NAO WELLNESS
West Village NYC
COST
$45-$65 for 30-60 minutes. $15 more with a friend. Memberships available.
THE DEAL
This boutique experience is cozy and calming and offers the chance to sweat with a buddy if you choose. They’ve got a great library of reading materials to borrow, and nice extras like electrolyte mineral water and showers with (my favorite) organic Intelligent Nutrients products to use. They may be small, but Nao Wellness is mighty; also offering reiki, energy healing and chiropractics, food intolerance/allergy testing and nutrition services as well as hosting workshops and counseling for eating disorders. Phew!
THE CATCH
It’s small so times book up quickly.
Just as it sounds, Clean Market is a one-stop marketplace for all things wellness...Think kombucha on tap and adaptogenic powders for sale, plus a spa offering both Cryogenic therapy and Far Infrared saunas, plus IV drips and vitamin booster shots. It’s bright, airy and very Instagram-worthy.
THE CATCH
For me as a downtown dweller, it’s not the most convenient location. But of course that’s completely subjective and it’s quite close to many offices and trains. Otherwise it’s not much of a downside here!
SHAPE HOUSE
Multiple locations, NYC and LA
THE COST
$50-$70 depending on the location, deals, memberships and packages available
THE DEAL
Unlike typical saunas, here you’re wrapped up in a sleeping bag, watching your own personal TV. There’s a cool down zone with tea and orange slices and everything nice..s.
THE CATCH
It ain’t cheap, and I have found that unlike saunas that stay heated, morning appointments where the bed isn’t warmed by previous clients can delay your sweat. I recommend afternoon or evening for the full effect.
Bicoastal living means scheduling time for fitness, even during travel. LA kicks NYC’s butt in boutique fitness, and these 3 workouts will kick yours. But in the prettiest studios with EXTRA PERKS that make the most of your time and your moola (or Classpass credits). Promise!