This Infrared Fitness Franchise Is Heating Up the Franchise 500

HOTWORX has built a 24-7 fitness studio concept around heat, infrared energy, and short, efficient workouts. Members step into patented infrared saunas for Virtual Instructor-led HIIT and isometric sessions that last 15 minutes or 30 minutes. They experience the 3D training environment and leave feeling the results of a much longer session.

That concept is catching on fast.

On Entrepreneur‘s 2026 Franchise 500, HOTWORX ranked #58, jumping 37 spots from the year before. The brand landed in the top 2% for size and growth and posted a strong financial score, reflecting a system that’s scaling quickly and cleanly. Over the past three years, HOTWORX has more than doubled the number of open locations.

This specific growth doesn’t come from novelty alone. It comes from a model that works.

Each HOTWORX studio runs on proprietary Virtual Instructor software to lead every workout session. This structure removes the need for live instructors. It ensures consistent workouts, minimal staffing, and lower labor costs compared to traditional fitness concepts. Members book sessions through a mobile app and access studios using a cloud-based entry system to make workouts available 24/7.

The studio delivers impressive variety per square foot. A HOTWORX location uses patented infrared saunas that double as training rooms. Each studio offers multiple workout formats including, but not limited to yoga, Pilates, barre, cycling, and rowing. The layout includes a Functional Exercise (FX) Zone with bands, weights, ropes, and other equipment available for any combination of functional training exercises and routines. A single location can deliver dozens of session types around the clock.

For members, the appeal is simple. Infrared heat helps with muscle activation, cardio conditioning, and detox. Members get accelerated results. The brand calls this More Workout, Less Time.

For franchisees, the appeal is structural. HOTWORX charges a flat royalty fee. It also requires local advertising spend rather than collecting a national marketing fund. This strategy ensures every dollar directly benefits the specific studio.

The brand celebrated its 8th year of franchising with major milestones. HOTWORX opened its 800th studio and launched its first locations in Canada and Dubai. It awarded master franchise rights for Mexico and Quebec. One presale broke records, selling 605 memberships in a single day. The brand also rolled out Scan 24/7, a fast and convenient app payment and checkout system. It released Season 4 of the HOTWORX VI Competition Show to highlight its instructor recruitment process.

The growth engine isn’t slowing down

HOTWORX uses technology, including AI, to improve operations, streamline systems, and refine the customer experience. Franchisees are supported by a dedicated Franchise Performance Coach, onboarding systems, and a community of existing owners. The leadership team brings over 30 years of experience as a franchisor.

HOTWORX’s climb to #58 on the 2026 Franchise 500 reflects a studio model that runs efficiently. It scales globally and delivers results for members and franchisees alike.

Click here to learn more about HOTWORX and their exciting franchise opportunities.