Surely you’ve heard that saying, “don’t sweat the small stuff.” But what if…you did sweat out the big stuff? Like toxins and stress, for example.
That’s the idea with infrared saunas. Infrared saunas are similar to the sauna you may have tried before, in that they are encased in wood and it gets really hot in there. But according to sauna purveyors, infrared is a bit different.
Infrared warms your core temperature instead of the air around you, as a traditional sauna would. Infrared light makes your body sweat at a lower temperature that what you would get in a regular sauna, because it penetrates your skin, muscles and joints to purportedly release toxins—and maybe even burn some fat.
Infrared puts your body in a fever-like state, so you can burn around 200-300 calories per session, and experience a cathartic, euphoric feeling afterward as your endorphin levels increase. Some people use it for weight loss, and others with chronic illnesses, like Lyme disease or eczema, swear by its soothing, healing effects.
As a fan of hot yoga, I’m no stranger to sweat. And I had heard of the benefits of infrared saunas before. But it sounded like something extra fancy that I’d have to go to Beverly Hills to try.
Turns out you can turn up the infrared heat right here in town, at Perspire Sauna Studio. While they have grown to offer locations throughout the country, Perspire’s flagship location is right on the corner of 17th and Irvine in Eastside Costa Mesa.
Co-Founder, Lee Braun, at the Flagship Perspire Sauna Studio in Eastside Costa Mesa.
Photo: Samantha Chagollan
It started here, almost 10 years ago. Co-founders Lee Braun and Ken Arsenian opened the first Perspire in 2010, after smartly pairing the benefits of infrared with a more comfortable setting. Before Perspire, most people tried infrared at a doctor’s or chiropractor’s office, or if they could afford it—in their own home.
But Ken and Lee wanted to bring the experience to everyone. They started with this space in a corner strip mall, taking over an old tanning salon. The duo completely renovated the space, installing cedarwood saunas in 8 private rooms. Over the years, they have continually upgraded and updated the space. Each room now features smart TVs with an entertainment suite, including Pandora, Netflix, and more.
When I walked in the doors of Perspire, I was welcomed by co-founder Lee. He gave me a tour of the studio, and we sat down to chat more about why so many people love Perspire.
“If you need to hit the reset button or shift your energy, this is a painless, non-invasive treatment that will help you feel so much better,” says Lee.
That’s the goal of Perspire. One of their guiding principles is to ensure that every guest, team member, vendor—anyone who walks through their doors—leaves feeling better than when they came in.
You can feel that vibe throughout the studio, from the greeter at the front desk, to the small details within your private room. Helpful instruction sheets are offered, along with a cool, eucalyptus-scented towel to refresh you after your session.
Sweat Happens: Turning Up The Heat at Perspire Sauna Studio in Costa Mesa.
Each suite is equipped with special, colored lights for chromotherapy, a method of light therapy that users say can help shift your mood. The cooler colors let you relax and chill, while the warmer light can help energize you.
A session is 40 minutes long, and Lee stresses the importance of the duration as opposed to temperature. While the heat is set to the maximum temperature of 158° when you arrive, you have controls inside the sauna, and can lower the temp to your comfort.
“It’s better to maximize your time inside at a lower tempechrature, like 130°-140°, than to max out your heat and have to get out early,” Lee explains.
In my session, I set the lights to blue, for soothing and relaxation, and turn the temp down to 145. It’s hot, but I’m completely comfortable and the heat feels amazing. Lee encourages me to bring the smart TV remote into the sauna with me, and as I stretch out on a big, fluffy-white towel, I cue up some spa music to chill.
Photo: Samantha Chagollan
While the sauna space itself is small, it’s encased in glass, so I don’t feel any sense of claustrophobia. I can see through the walls to the smart TV just outside, and even the ceiling is glass. I can adjust the temperature, lighting and sound at any time during my session, and can keep an eye on my remaining time with the digital panel inside.
As the minutes tick by, I am starting to sweat. But not in a gross way! As Lee had mentioned before I went in, infrared kills bacteria, and the cedar is antimicrobial, so this is not your average, stinky sweat. I click my way through some Netflix favorites and land on something that will help me relax and enjoy my time.
If you crave a more intense session, request hand weights at the front desk. Since infrared waves already help burn calories, some guests like to ‘up the burn’ with weighted exercises. Perspire provides a helpful guide inside each room, with images and instructions for simple stretches, too.
By my last 10 minutes, the sweat is real. I don’t want my infrared time to end! But the eucalyptus towel is an amazing finish.
After each guest’s session is over, the staff gives the suite a thorough, non-toxic cleaning, and prepares the room for the next guest.
Photo: Samantha Chagollan
As I head out, I definitely feel lighter and more refreshed. At the front desk, I ask about Perspire’s other locations. Here in Orange County, you can find other studios in Newport, Huntington and Laguna Niguel. But you’ll find Perspire in Atlanta, Georgia, and Austin, Texas too.
Costa Mesa is the birthplace of so many cool and amazing brands, and Lee’s Perspire is definitely one of them. When he’s not helping Costa Mesans feel the burn, Lee tells me he loves to grab lunch at East Borough or sushi at Shunka, and he swears by the shave ice at Milk + Honey.
But mostly, it’s the Costa Mesa community he loves. As a Costa Mesa resident, going on 10 years, Lee says he thinks of it as the undisputed food and art center of Orange County. Now, that’s hot. ♥
_________________
To book an infrared session at Perspire, make an appointment online or through their app. One-time sessions, packages, and monthly memberships are available. Find Perspire on Instagram or Facebook too.
