HOTWORX Franchise Expands to Alaska, Starting in Wasilla

July 10, 2026 - 22:17

A new fitness franchise is bringing heat to the Last Frontier. HOTWORX, a chain known for combining high-intensity interval training with infrared sauna technology, has announced its first Alaskan location will open in Wasilla. The expansion marks a homecoming for the franchise owners, a group of former Alaskans who say they missed the state's community and saw an opportunity to introduce a workout style that thrives in cold climates.

The concept is simple but distinct. Members enter a sauna heated to around 125 degrees and follow along with pre-recorded 15-minute sessions of hot yoga, hot pilates, or hot cycle. The infrared heat is designed to warm the body from the inside out, promoting deeper muscle flexibility and increased sweat production. Proponents argue the heat helps prevent injury and accelerates recovery, making it an appealing option for Alaskans who spend much of the year bracing against the cold.

The Wasilla studio will feature multiple private sauna rooms, allowing members to work out alone or with a small group. The franchise owners say they chose Wasilla for its growing population and lack of similar heat-based fitness options. They plan to open additional locations in Anchorage and Fairbanks if the Wasilla launch proves successful.

For locals used to layering up for outdoor runs or squeezing into crowded gyms, HOTWORX offers a controlled, sweat-heavy alternative. The studio is expected to open by late spring, with pre-sale memberships already available. Whether the concept catches on in a state where people often seek warmth rather than more of it remains to be seen, but the owners are betting that Alaskans will embrace the heat.