HOTWORX to open Starkville location

BY MARY RUMORE life@starkvilledailynews.com

A HOTWORX Infrared Fitness Studio will open its doors on University Drive in Starkville late this summer.

The location is co-owned by Mississippi State University graduates Rob Thornton and John Thomas.

Thornton said HOTWORX uses heat, infrared and isometrics during their virtually-taught hot yoga, hot pilates, cycling and rowing classes for a variety of health benefits.

"Some of the benefits of this is it helps you sleep better, it reduces cellulite, it releases a lot of toxins and helps increase your metabolism," Thornton said.

Thornton said the studio features 10 studios that hold three people, and members can sign up for the classes they want to take with the HOTWORX smartphone app. Classes range from 15 to 45 minutes.

"There are 10 different saunas, and they're nine-by-seven with the footprint, so you can put a maximum of three people in each class," he said. "So you may be in there by yourself, or your may be in there with two other people or you may be in their with your friends if you come in a group."

Thornton said the small classes offer a more intimate setting that reduces stage-fright.

"Some people don't like being in a big group, especially if it's their first time," he said.

HOTWORX will be open 24/7, and members can access the studio using their app or by a code at the door, Thornton said, and the studio will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Thornton said the new studio will create one full-time manager job and six to 10 part-time jobs.

Thornton said monthly memberships are scheduled to go on sale in June for $29, and then the membership cost will increase until reaching the normal $59 monthly rate.

"The people who come in early and sign up will get the best deals," he said. "And our goal is to be open and have the doors open by August by the students get back."