HOTWORX: The Heat is On – A Louisiana Success Story
From the vibrant heart of New Orleans, Louisiana, a fitness revolution has been steadily turning up the heat.
HOTWORX, the 24-hour infrared fitness studio franchise, has recently achieved remarkable milestones, cementing its position as a powerhouse in the global wellness industry. At the helm of this innovative brand is Stephen P. Smith, a Louisiana native, former collegiate athlete, and visionary entrepreneur whose journey from a single tanning salon to a global fitness empire is nothing short of inspiring.
This article delves into the origins of
HOTWORX, the science behind its success, and its recent accolades, including a prestigious ranking in Entrepreneur Magazine's 2026 Franchise 500 list.
The Genesis: From Planet Beach to HOTWORX
The story of
HOTWORX
begins long before the first infrared sauna was patented.
Stephen P. Smith, a former competitive bodybuilder, NPC National Collegiate Champion, and arena football player, possessed a deep-rooted passion for fitness and competition . In 1995, seeking to diversify his health club business, Smith opened a tanning salon in uptown New Orleans .
Operating on a tight budget, Smith repurposed the existing "Electric Beach" signage, changing just one word to create "Planet Beach" . On April 1, 1996, the Planet Beach franchise program was born . Recognizing shifting consumer trends away from UV tanning and toward holistic wellness, Smith pivoted Planet Beach in 2005 into a fully automated spa concept, offering affordable, push-button spa services .
However, the true "lightbulb moment" occurred in 2014 during a trip to Jamaica . While discussing his experiences with Bikram yoga, a friend suggested combining yoga with a sauna environment . Smith returned home and immediately began developing the concept. It took approximately nine months to design the technology, integrate the software, and bring the first prototype to market .
In 2014, Smith patented a revolutionary infrared fitness sauna designed to accommodate three people working out to virtual instruction . In 2017, the first HOTWORX 24-Hour Infrared Fitness Studio opened in Oxford, Mississippi, officially launching the franchise .
The Science of 3D Training
HOTWORX differentiates itself through a proprietary methodology Smith calls "3D Training" . This innovative approach combines three distinct elements to maximize workout efficiency and results:
1.Heat: Raises the core body temperature, accelerating the metabolism and increasing calorie burn.
2.Infrared Energy:
Penetrates the skin to detoxify the body, improve circulation, and aid in muscle recovery.
3.Exercise:
Isometric postures (like yoga and Pilates) or High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) (like cycling and rowing) to build strength and cardiovascular endurance.
"The combination of heat, infrared energy, and exercise training in a 3D environment greatly accelerates your metabolism."
– Stephen P. Smith
Members have 24/7 access to these patented saunas, where they can participate in 30-minute isometric sessions or 15-minute HIIT workouts guided by virtual instructors . This tech-forward model not only provides ultimate flexibility for consumers but also optimizes labor costs and operational efficiency for franchisees.
A Meteoric Rise: The 2026 Franchise 500 Recognition
The fitness industry has taken notice of HOTWORX's disruptive model. In a powerful validation of its momentum, HOTWORX was named No. 58 on Entrepreneur Magazine's prestigious 2026 Franchise 500® list, a significant leap from No. 95 in 2025 .
Even more impressively, within the highly competitive fitness sector, HOTWORX secured the
#3 spot among the Top 10 Fitness Franchises for 2026, trailing only industry giants Planet Fitness and Crunch .
2026 Top 5 Fitness Franchises (Entrepreneur Magazine)
- Planet Fitness
- Crunch
- HOTWORX
- Club Pilates
- Anytime Fitness
Source: Entrepreneur Magazine, May 2026
This ascent reflects strong performance across key metrics, including unit growth, financial stability, and brand power .
"Reaching 800 studios is a moment that really makes us stop and appreciate how far this brand has come. This isn't just about a number, it's about hundreds of franchisees who believed in our concept and thousands of members who show up every day because they feel the difference infrared training makes." – Stephen P. Smith
Global Expansion and the Road Ahead
As of late 2025, HOTWORX surpassed the monumental milestone of 800 open studios and over 250,000 active members . The 800th location opened in Salem, New Hampshire, underscoring the brand's expansive reach across the United States .
The company's ambitions extend far beyond domestic borders. HOTWORX has already established a presence in Ireland and has signed master franchise agreements for expansion into Mexico, Dubai, Canada, and Saudi Arabia, with further European expansion on the horizon .
Smith’s vision is clear and calculated. In the U.S. and Canada, the brand targets one location for every 100,000 people, actively expanding into smaller markets where the efficient, low-overhead model thrives .
A True Louisiana Success Story
From the gridiron to the boardroom, Stephen P. Smith has leveraged the discipline of a professional athlete to build a global enterprise. By consistently innovating and prioritizing both franchisee profitability and customer experience, Smith has transformed a single New Orleans tanning salon into a revolutionary fitness empire.
HOTWORX is not merely riding a trend; it is defining the "Bold New Infrared Fitness Frontier" . As the brand continues to climb the ranks and expand its global footprint, Stephen Smith and HOTWORX stand as a shining example of Louisiana entrepreneurship, proving that with the right vision, the heat is always on.
A Personal Note from Rene' Manfre:
The reason I chose to share this article is deeply personal. I have known Stephen Smith for over 30 years, and I have had the rare privilege of watching this incredible story unfold in real time — from the early days of a single tanning salon in New Orleans to a global fitness empire with over 864 studios worldwide. Not everyone gets a front-row seat to greatness, and I am grateful to say that I have.
Stephen's journey is not just a business success story — it is a testament to vision, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of innovation. To see HOTWORX now ranked among the Top 3 Fitness Franchises in the nation by Entrepreneur Magazine is nothing short of extraordinary, and it is a recognition that is deeply deserved.
I wanted to share this on my platform because stories like this matter. They remind us what is possible when passion meets perseverance. To my friend Stephen — this is a well-earned honor, and it has been an absolute privilege to watch your success grow over the years. Congratulations on everything you have built. The best is clearly still ahead.
— Rene' Manfre
References
[1] "Hot Exercise," HOTWORX.net.
[2] "About Planet Beach," PlanetBeach.com.
[3] "HCM People: Stephen P Smith," Fit Tech Global, 2024.
[4] "HOTWORX Franchise Overview," Franchising.com.
[6] "HOTWORX INFRARED SAUNA WORKOUT BENEFITS," YouTube, Apr 8, 2020.
[8] "HOTWORX Surges to No. 58 on Entrepreneur's 2026 Franchise 500®," PR Newswire, Jan 21, 2026.
[9] "These Are the Top 10 Franchises in Every Industry in 2026," Entrepreneur, May 12, 2026.
[10] "HOTWORX Achieves 800 Studio Milestone as Infrared Fitness Movement Accelerates Worldwide," PR Newswire, Dec 2, 2025.
