A fitness club in Manchester is expanding its offerings to add heat and red-light therapy in a dedicated new studio.<\/p>\n
The Edge Fitness Clubs Manchester<\/a> is opening the chain\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n There will be a soft opening on April 27, and the grand opening and ribbon cutting will be held on May 7.<\/p>\n Two variations of yoga and four Pilates-based classes are among the studio\u2019s six unique class formats that are aimed at helping members to strengthen their core, improve flexibility, and enhance overall wellness.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is an amenity that not a lot of other gyms offer,\u201d General Manager of The Edge Fitness Clubs Manchester Ashlyn Desmond said. \u201cI\u2019ve also traveled out of state, and this isn\u2019t something you see often. We do have our Fairfield location<\/a> and it\u2019s been a hit.\u201d<\/p>\n The Fairfield location, at 500 Kings Highway Cutoff, launched the heat and red-light therapy classes in November.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have heat panels and it\u2019s going to warm your body directly,\u201d Desmond said. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be about 80 to 100 degrees in the actual room, but it\u2019s not going to be humid. It feels more penetrating.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are going sweat, but it\u2019s easier to breathe. It\u2019s not going to be as harsh as standard hot yoga, but it helps with deeper muscle relaxation. It\u2019s going to increase flexibility. It helps with circulation. You\u2019re going to be sweating and it\u2019s very therapeutic.\u201d<\/p>\n The red-light technology<\/a> 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.<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cIt helps with blood flow and it\u2019s going to bring more oxygen to your muscles and will help with stiffness,\u201d Desmond said. \u201cThe Pilates classes are going to help promote strength and stability and it\u2019s going to help with your body control as well.\u201d<\/p>\n The programming is designed for all fitness levels and also relieves tension, reduces stress and supports\u00a0hormonal and metabolic health.<\/p>\n Desmond said the red-light technology classes will cap at between 20 to 24 people per class.<\/p>\n