Mist-ical Benefits
Hot Hollywood fitness phenomenon sweats into South Austin
Paying to sweat may seem like an absurd idea when it's 105 degrees outside, but a new studio dropping into South Austin believes that perspiring on purpose provides almost "mist-ical" health benefits.
CYL Sauna Studio, taking over Spartan's former locale at 215 S. Lamar Blvd., uses infrared light to produce the "deepest, most detoxifying sweat," a technique supporters claim provides massive health benefits including detoxification, pain relief, skin rejuvenation, lower blood pressure, and weight loss.
Clients sit in a personal sauna suite for a 30- to 40-minute session during which the body is exposed to heat and far infrared light. "[Far infrared light is] part of the sun’s invisible spectrum, has the ability to penetrate the human tissue, and is completely healthy and safe for skin exposure," the company says in a release.
According to CYL, as the heat warms the body, the light is able to penetrate joints, muscles, and tissues, purportedly providing pain relief while inducing a state of relaxation.
“I truly believe in the benefits of far infrared therapy from both a personal and medical perspective," says Brooke Stubbs, MD and owner of CYL Sauna Studio Austin, in a release. "I hope that people will find it a valuable addition to their regular health and wellness routine.” The process has also developed a cult-like status among Hollywood celebs like Jennifer Aniston and Lady Gaga.
Memberships to CYL include drop-in rates ($30 for your first session, $45 per session after that) and monthly packages ranging from $59-$150 per month.
The company's South Lamar studio is officially open to the public now and will celebrate its grand opening on August 12 with beverages and giveaways from 8-11 am and complimentary, pre-booked sweat sessions from 11 am-2 pm.
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