A fitness club in Manchester is expanding its offerings to add heat and red-light therapy in a dedicated new studio.
The Edge Fitness Clubs Manchester is opening the chain’s second infrared yoga and Pilates studio in Connecticut at its 49 Pavilions Drive location. The new offering is designed to support recovery, mobility and mindful movement through the use of heat and red-light therapy, according to the club. The room replaces the former cinema room.
There will be a soft opening on April 27, and the grand opening and ribbon cutting will be held on May 7.
Two variations of yoga and four Pilates-based classes are among the studio’s six unique class formats that are aimed at helping members to strengthen their core, improve flexibility, and enhance overall wellness.
“This is an amenity that not a lot of other gyms offer,” General Manager of The Edge Fitness Clubs Manchester Ashlyn Desmond said. “I’ve also traveled out of state, and this isn’t something you see often. We do have our Fairfield location and it’s been a hit.”
The Fairfield location, at 500 Kings Highway Cutoff, launched the heat and red-light therapy classes in November.
The Manchester studio will be heated to about 100 degrees for these classes with the goal of allowing members muscles to effectively warm muscles, increase circulation and have a deeper sweat during workouts.
“We have heat panels and it’s going to warm your body directly,” Desmond said. “It’s going to be about 80 to 100 degrees in the actual room, but it’s not going to be humid. It feels more penetrating.
“You are going sweat, but it’s easier to breathe. It’s not going to be as harsh as standard hot yoga, but it helps with deeper muscle relaxation. It’s going to increase flexibility. It helps with circulation. You’re going to be sweating and it’s very therapeutic.”
The red-light technology is designed for all fitness levels and also adds a wellness component including relaxation, skin health and mental well-being. It is reportedly a trend across the country.
Desmond said members are advised to be hydrated before taking the class. Desmond said he led a few classes in Fairfield, and she was surprised how much she perspired, but said the heat penetrates skin and warms the tissues directly.
“It helps with blood flow and it’s going to bring more oxygen to your muscles and will help with stiffness,” Desmond said. “The Pilates classes are going to help promote strength and stability and it’s going to help with your body control as well.”
The programming is designed for all fitness levels and also relieves tension, reduces stress and supports hormonal and metabolic health.
Desmond said the red-light technology classes will cap at between 20 to 24 people per class.
For more information about upcoming classes visit the gym website or call (860) 432-4760.