When you stop by Hotworx in late July, welcome Cole and Megan Komar back to Spring Branch.

Their soon-to-be-open gym at 1473 Wirt Road features infrared saunas in which clients can perform high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and isometric workouts. The HIIT workout is restricted to 15 minutes per session, with isometric classes 30 minutes long.

While the sessions are brief, the gym operates 24 hours a day, every day of the week.

“It’s different heat than your typical sauna,” said Megan. “It’s infrared heat. It does not have that humidity that wet or steam saunas do. I’m not saying you’re not going to sweat. The whole point of it is to sweat. But in our saunas, you only work out 15 minutes because you’re in heat and your heart rate does go up and we want you to be safe.”

The Komars’ venture into the business started about a year ago, after they visited their financial adviser and learned about Hotworx, a franchise that started in 2017 in Oxford, Miss., and now has about 500 outlets worldwide.

Megan, who said she has been doing dance and yoga her whole life, had completed a yoga instructor course and was weighing opening a studio or just teaching at a gym.

But then came COVID-19 and their second child. After their introduction to Hotworx, they were convinced they wanted to take this journey into the fitness world.

“It’s been a wild adventure,” said Megan.

Finishing touches were being completed at the studio at the end of June in the Hillshire Villages Shopping Center at Wirt Road and Westview Drive. Visit https://www.hotworx.net/studio/houston-springbranch for updates.

Cole grew up in Memorial and Megan used to live in Spring Branch. So, when they looked for a site for Hotworx, the neighborhood was a natural fit.

Megan Komar, left, & Brianna Kilner

“This was our Kroger,” said Megan. “We still know some of the people at Walgreen’s. It was meant to be. That was even before I saw the (economic) revival going on . . . It’s exciting right now in Spring Branch – all the new stores and restaurants. It just seems like people are realizing what Spring Branch has to offer.”

The studio contains eight saunas. Four on the left side as you enter are isometric saunas, which are used for holding static poses as with yoga, pilates and barre.

On the right side are the high-intensity interval training saunas. The first two each are equipped with bicycles and called Hot Cycle. Another will feature “Hot Thunder” with rowing machines that contain water and were designed by the national company’s chief executive, according to Megan.

“Called Thunder Row, and it’s no joke,” she said, “It’ is intense. You get your heart rate up on that one.”

Hot Blast is the fourth HIIT sauna and it involves the client using a Keiser Total Body Trainer for a full-body workout. The FX zone at the rear of the studio functions as a mini gym for cross-training.

To stay open 24-7, Hotworx features virtual instruction, rather than in-person staff. The five staff members include sales associates and general manager Brianna Kilmer, who has a lifelong interest in dance and yoga, like Megan. Marketing and cleaning are among their duties.

Staff hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays.

Customers use an app to register for a class. They enter a code to open the studio when staff members are absent. The company uses installed video cameras to monitor activity; customers are provided with necklaces that can be used to summon emergency help.

“I’m very meticulous about keeping it clean and nice,” said Megan. “Sweat is yucky. Our main concern is making members feel safe and welcome and keeping it clean and inviting here.”

The Hotworx outlet is offering a special rate for now with enrollment at $10 and then $44 a month for unlimited access. Members must be at least 18 years old.

“Everyone gets their first session free,” Megan said. “The first session is on me.”

https://www.hotworx.net/studio/houston-springbranch

— by Karen Zurawski