September 7, 2021 Kelly Kalyan opened Sweatland, Austin’s first infrared sauna studio. Sweatland offers two different types of infrared saunas and light therapy facials, in addition to a bonus exquisitely curated retail section. Like many people, we were curious on what exactly infrared saunas do, so we caught up with Kelly to learn more.
SUITE Sweat is your signature experience. What is that?
It’s a unique and luxury experience that’s proven to more effectively raise your core body temperature by providing you with a super-sweat and a myriad of health benefits. You lie on a plush infrared heating bed and pull an infrared telescoping dome over your body while your head remains outside the dome allowing you to comfortably breathe naturally ambient cool air. The SUITE sweat delivers only far infrared wavelengths which penetrate your body at the deepest cellular level. You can relax and destress, improve circulation, boost your immune system, burn up to 600 calories, and naturally detoxify your body easily and effectively in only 30 minutes. Clients also have the option to add on a medical grade GLOW light therapy facial that assists with anti-aging, acne, wound healing, pain relief and more.
We also have the Cabana Sweat, a traditional walk-in infrared sauna that most people are familiar with when they think if an infrared sauna. Ours are patented full-spectrum infrared saunas, and the world's first and only sauna that allows you to customize each wavelength to optimize the specific health benefit you want to achieve.
What led you to opening Sweatland?
I’ve always had an interest in cutting edge technology and alternative treatments to health and wellness. I studied Biology/PreMed and began my career as an ICU Nurse in New York City and then spent 15 years working in sales and surgeon training for one the world’s largest medical device companies. I had the pleasure of taking some time off to enjoy my son’s first few years when we moved from NYC to Austin and now I’m following my true passion as both a business owner and someone spreading opportunities for wellness in our community.
How did you become interested in infrared treatments?
I began learning about the healing power of infrared and light therapy in 2010 when I had to have a series of major surgeries on my hip due to a congenital condition. I wanted to do everything in my power to have the best possible outcome and healing experience. I was impressed with the research NASA had published about using Red Light Therapy in space to grow plants in the absence of sunlight and the accelerated tissue regeneration, healing and pain relief benefits. I purchased my first medical grade RED light in 2011 and started seeing the benefits first-hand.
What are the biggest benefits to infrared?
A single infrared sauna session can be considered a passive workout and studies have shown that people can burn up to 600 calories in only one session! Regular infrared sauna use can help detoxify, support and boost the immune system, treat a variety of chronic health conditions, improve heart health, rejuvenate your skin, provide pain and stress relief, increase athletic performance and aid in injury and workout recovery.
What’s the most popular color requested?
Red tends to be the go-to for most as the data is robust to support its many benefits like:
1. Improving cellular health across the entire body including skin health and anti-aging.
2. Inflammation and Pain Relief
3. Recovery from illness or injury
4. Improving Physical Fitness and Performance
5. Supports longer, more restful sleep
6. Improved mental acuity and brain health too
What do you think is the biggest misconception about infrared?
You can’t see infrared light and it’s not well understood by the general public. I predict this will change in the coming years as people begin to better understand the many applications. The data is overwhelmingly positive.
What’s the most challenging part about owning Sweatland?
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, so we are excited to grow quickly. The challenge is deciding which markets will take top priority in our growth plan.
Where will the next one would be?
We’re currently looking at two additional spaces in Austin, one in Houston and one in NYC. Stay tuned!
What’s the best advice you’ve been given on running (or owning) a business? It’s actually a movie quote that my husband told me when I was in the planning stages of Sweatland, “When it feels scary to jump, that is exactly when you jump, otherwise you end up staying in the same place your whole life…”