HOTWORX Tops 900 Studios, Enters Alaska Market

HOTWORX, the 24-hour infrared sauna fitness franchise, has crossed 900 open studios worldwide and now serves more than 400,000 members, putting it on pace to reach 1,000 locations by spring 2027. The brand hit the milestone the same year it opened its first Alaska studio and rolled out its biggest technology upgrade to date.

A Franchise Pipeline Built From Members

Most HOTWORX franchisees join the system as members first, then convert to ownership once they know the workout and the business from the inside. Company leadership credits that pipeline with producing operators who understand member retention before they ever sign a franchise agreement, a structural advantage over brands that recruit owners cold.

Alaska Signals The Next Growth Phase

HOTWORX entered Alaska this year through a four-unit development agreement, with its first Wasilla studio opening in August. The brand is also developing its first Mexico locations, extending a footprint that already spans the United States, Canada, Ireland and Dubai. Additional territory remains open across both established and emerging U.S. markets.

Why Boutique Fitness Operators Are Watching

HOTWORX jumped 37 spots on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 this year and landed on the Inc. 5000 for the first time, recognition that typically accelerates franchise development inquiries. For multi-unit fitness operators evaluating new concepts, the brand's owner-conversion model and steady international expansion offer a template for growing a 24-hour, low-staff fitness format without the overhead of a traditional gym.