As the temperatures drop for the fall, HOTWORX Garwood is heating up. Less than a year after opening the infrared exercise space -- Robin Pritzlaff and her husband Donny officially opened for business in January 2024, with the grand opening happening in March -- membership is growing monthly. Robin Pritzlaff is not surprised at all by the fast-growing popularity.
“We were so excited to bring HOTWORX to the community because we personally experienced how the infrared just changes your life,” she said. “My husband loves saunas so when he went to see a friend in North Carolina they visited a HOTWORX and he was immediately hooked. My older daughter went to a franchise in Arizona when visiting our younger daughter at a Scottsdale dance academy. Both of my girls realized the benefits of using the infrared saunas to feel great and recover.”
While there were other HOTWORX franchises out west and down south, Robin and Donny opened one of the first franchises in New Jersey, and Robin believes that opening in Garwood was hugely beneficial. “I think Garwood is the perfect location,” she said. “It’s an ideal location for everyone that lives in Union County. We are conveniently placed in Garwood Plaza and there’s free parking, which is always an added bonus.” She also shared that she’s hoping to open a second location in New Jersey.
While exercise was not new to the Pritzlaffs -- Robin worked as a pilates instructor, Donny coaches wrestling, and their daughters are also physically active -- the infrared was a revelation. According to the website, “Infrared energy has the effect of strengthening and activating the regenerative processes in the human body.” Infrared is said to be helpful in muscle recovery, detoxification, cellulite reduction, and other benefits.
Yet, Robin says that at first, people weren’t sure what an infrared sauna was. Free trials brought in some newcomers. Now, the isometrics classes are full, and people who hadn’t worked out for years previously are coming in three to five times per week. For $79 monthly, clients have unlimited access to weight training and classes such as High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) -- “HIIT means cardio,” Pritzlaff explained -- pilates, yoga, and more. “It’s not for everyone,” she said. “You’re working out in 125 degrees. Most people love it. They’re hooked. Our members are wonderful and they spread the word.”
For the holiday season, she plans to continue mobilizing the community. As she’s done for the past six years, she’ll spread the holiday spirit to those who need it most. She has a connection to a shelter in Elizabeth, New Jersey. “I am tied to the St. Joseph’s giving tree,” Pritzlaff explained. “We start working at the end of November, putting together gifts with volunteers. Every holiday, I make all the bags for the children, so I'm going to get my Hotworx members involved by asking them to bring donations to the studio so they can help too.” If altruism isn’t enough motivation, she plans to use HOTWORX to provide extra incentives. “There’s a raffle for people that bring in a donation. If new members enroll, the rate will be discounted,” she said.
“In one goody bag, a child might receive a toy along with some gum, toothbrush, notepad, pen, an outfit, pajamas, socks, a hat and gloves. Adults receive a gift card, an outfit, a hat, gloves, socks, and toiletries,” she continued. “My family just loves the holiday season, and we make it special for us, and I felt like making it special for other people. Everybody deserves a special thing like this.” As in her professional work, Pritzlaff’s charitable endeavor will keep people warm, both in body and in spirit.
“My family just loves the holiday season, and we make it special for us, and I felt like making it special for other people."