Sauna goers can work up a sweat at new Chico location

Perspire Sauna and Studio is bringing the heat to Chico.

Chico location owners Rachel Bartlett and Gina Caianiello are opening up a new studio location in Chico as part of the Perspire franchise. The first studio opened in 2010 and the company began to branch out in 2018.

“There are locations all over California and it’s growing rapidly,” said Bartlett.

The studio, which will open its Chico location in July with both grand and soft openings, will consist of seven saunas and a front office, water fountain and laundry area. The saunas are private, although if a client wants to bring a significant other or friend they are allowed to do so. The saunas can hold up to two people.

Bartlett and Caianiello are currently receiving the equipment for the studio. Equipment and products come from a warehouse.

The saunas are unique in that they use infrared and red light therapy, according to the business.

“It penetrates on a deeper cellular level,” said Caianiello “The heat has a ton of healthy benefits which help to detox the body. It also relaxes the mind and is therapeutic. A 40-minute session burns 200 to 400 calories. It mimics a cardio vascular workout.”

Clients can exit from the sauna if it gets too hot or decrease the temperature. The sauna doors close and lock while clients are inside.

“The heat is bearable, but you’re still breaking a sweat. There are benches inside you can lay down on or sit up on with glass surrounding you plus heat and light,” said Bartlett.

Bartlett said the sauna experience at Perspire is different than gym saunas.

“It’s an upgraded experience,” said Bartlett. “There are televisions outside the sauna which can be controlled by a remote control inside so people can watch YouTube or Netflix while using the sauna. You get a cold washcloth afterwards and put on a bathrobe. It’s a spa-like experience.”

Each session costs $40 but Bartlett and Caianiello will offer membership prices in the future.

“It’s an elevated experience and unique,” said Bartlett.

The membership will be $69 month. The owners plan to offer half off sales and pre-sales at a discounted price.

“You’re getting the same experience at each location,” Bartlett said.

The Chico studio will have a staff of seven to 10 people.

Perspire will be located at 2760 The Esplanade. The website can be found at www.perspiresaunastudio.com. Click on the Chico location button.