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TAKE THE HEAT

Surely you’ve heard that saying, “don’t sweat the small stuff.” But what if…you did sweat out the big stuff? Like toxins and stress, for example. That’s the idea with infrared saunas. Infrared saunas are similar to the sauna you may have tried before, in that they are encased in wood and it gets really hot in there. But according to sauna purveyors, infrared is a bit different. Infrared warms your core temperature instead of the air around you, as a traditional sauna would. Infrared light makes your body sweat at a lower temperature that what you would get in a regular sauna, because it penetrates your skin, muscles and joints to purportedly release toxins—and maybe even burn some fat. Infrared puts your body in a fever-like state, so you can burn around 200-300 calories per session, and experience a cathartic, euphoric feeling afterward as your endorphin levels increase. Some people use it for weight loss, and others with chronic illnesses, like Lyme disease or eczema, swear by its soothing, healing effects. As a fan of hot yoga, I’m no stranger to sweat. And I had heard of the benefits of infrared saunas before. But it sounded like something extra fancy that I’d have to go to Beverly Hills to try. Turns out you can turn up the infrared heat right here in town, at Perspire Sauna Studio. While they have grown to offer locations throughout the country, Perspire’s flagship location is right on the corner of 17th and Irvine in Eastside Costa Mesa. It's Cooler At The Coast: Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa, Orange County, California. CO-FOUNDER, LEE BRAUN, AT THE FLAGSHIP PERSPIRE SAUNA STUDIO IN EASTSIDE COSTA MESA. I Heart Costa Mesa: Co-Founder of Perspire Sauna Studios, Lee Braun, at his flagship location in Costa Mesa, Orange County, California. (photo: Samantha Chagollan) Photo: Samantha Chagollan It started here, almost 10 years ago. Co-founders Lee Braun and Ken Arsenian opened the first Perspire in 2010, after smartly pairing the benefits of infrared with a more comfortable setting. Before Perspire, most people tried infrared at a doctor’s or chiropractor’s office, or if they could afford it—in their own home. But Ken and Lee wanted to bring the experience to everyone. They started with this space in a corner strip mall, taking over an old tanning salon. The duo completely renovated the space, installing cedarwood saunas in 8 private rooms. Over the years, they have continually upgraded and updated the space. Each room now features smart TVs with an entertainment suite, including Pandora, Netflix, and more. When I walked in the doors of Perspire, I was welcomed by co-founder Lee. He gave me a tour of the studio, and we sat down to chat more about why so many people love Perspire. “If you need to hit the reset button or shift your energy, this is a painless, non-invasive treatment that will help you feel so much better,” says Lee. That’s the goal of Perspire. One of their guiding principles is to ensure that every guest, team member, vendor—anyone who walks through their doors—leaves feeling better than when they came in. You can feel that vibe throughout the studio, from the greeter at the front desk, to the small details within your private room. Helpful instruction sheets are offered, along with a cool, eucalyptus-scented towel to refresh you after your session. I Heart Costa Mesa: A couple takes a sauna at Perspire Sauna Studio in Eastside Costa Mesa, Orange County, California. (photo: Samantha Chagollan) SWEAT HAPPENS: TURNING UP THE HEAT AT PERSPIRE SAUNA STUDIO IN COSTA MESA. I Heart Costa Mesa: Benefits of Infrared Therapy at Perspire Sauna Studio in Eastside Costa Mesa, Orange County, California. (photo: Samantha Chagollan) I Heart Costa Mesa: Sweat and Detoxify at Perspire Sauna Studio in Eastside Costa Mesa, Orange County, California. (photo courtesy of Perspire Sauna Studio) Each suite is equipped with special, colored lights for chromotherapy, a method of light therapy that users say can help shift your mood. The cooler colors let you relax and chill, while the warmer light can help energize you. A session is 40 minutes long, and Lee stresses the importance of the duration as opposed to temperature. While the heat is set to the maximum temperature of 158° when you arrive, you have controls inside the sauna, and can lower the temp to your comfort. “It’s better to maximize your time inside at a lower tempechrature, like 130°-140°, than to max out your heat and have to get out early,” Lee explains. In my session, I set the lights to blue, for soothing and relaxation, and turn the temp down to 145. It’s hot, but I’m completely comfortable and the heat feels amazing. Lee encourages me to bring the smart TV remote into the sauna with me, and as I stretch out on a big, fluffy-white towel, I cue up some spa music to chill. I Heart Costa Mesa: Smart remote at Perspire Sauna Studio in Eastside Costa Mesa, Orange County, California. (photo: Samantha Chagollan) Photo: Samantha Chagollan While the sauna space itself is small, it’s encased in glass, so I don’t feel any sense of claustrophobia. I can see through the walls to the smart TV just outside, and even the ceiling is glass. I can adjust the temperature, lighting and sound at any time during my session, and can keep an eye on my remaining time with the digital panel inside. As the minutes tick by, I am starting to sweat. But not in a gross way! As Lee had mentioned before I went in, infrared kills bacteria, and the cedar is antimicrobial, so this is not your average, stinky sweat. I click my way through some Netflix favorites and land on something that will help me relax and enjoy my time. If you crave a more intense session, request hand weights at the front desk. Since infrared waves already help burn calories, some guests like to ‘up the burn’ with weighted exercises. Perspire provides a helpful guide inside each room, with images and instructions for simple stretches, too. By my last 10 minutes, the sweat is real. I don’t want my infrared time to end! But the eucalyptus towel is an amazing finish. After each guest’s session is over, the staff gives the suite a thorough, non-toxic cleaning, and prepares the room for the next guest. I Heart Costa Mesa: Co-Founder, Lee Braun, in hearts at Perspire Sauna Studio in Eastside Costa Mesa, Orange County, California. (photo: Samantha Chagollan) Photo: Samantha Chagollan As I head out, I definitely feel lighter and more refreshed. At the front desk, I ask about Perspire’s other locations. Here in Orange County, you can find other studios in Newport, Huntington and Laguna Niguel. But you’ll find Perspire in Atlanta, Georgia, and Austin, Texas too. Costa Mesa is the birthplace of so many cool and amazing brands, and Lee’s Perspire is definitely one of them. When he’s not helping Costa Mesans feel the burn, Lee tells me he loves to grab lunch at East Borough or sushi at Shunka, and he swears by the shave ice at Milk + Honey. But mostly, it’s the Costa Mesa community he loves. As a Costa Mesa resident, going on 10 years, Lee says he thinks of it as the undisputed food and art center of Orange County. Now, that’s hot. ♥ _________________ To book an infrared session at Perspire, make an appointment online or through their app. One-time sessions, packages, and monthly memberships are available. Find Perspire on Instagram or Facebook too.

What Is Light Therapy? From Ancient Medicine to Kanye’s Sunday Service

Amongst the incredible natural healing treatments we have today, one always leaves us in awe and mystery. We’re talking about Light Therapy. Color Light Therapy or phototherapy is a technique of restoring imbalance in human physiology by means of applying color light to the body. However, the treatment helps the body do a number of wonderful things, including reduce swelling, relieve pain, decrease inflammation, decrease recovery time from injuries and operations. But where does it come from? How does it work? We asked Perspire Sauna Studio to give us all the information on the exciting treatment of light therapy. Phototherapy’s Historical Roots Light therapy’s history goes as far back as the Mayan culture. In India, Ayurveda, an ancient form of medicine, is part of the idea that every individual contains five elements of the universe that are present in specific proportions unique to each individual. Ayurveda works with the energies inherent in the colors of the spectrum to restore this balance. However, in China, traditional Chinese medicine incorporates color to be associated with each organ and elemental system. This healing method looks at the idea that every individual is a balance. color light therapy benefits Image: Perspire Sauna Studio The Benefits of Color Therapy or Phototherapy However, the therapeutic applications of light and color are being researched in major hospitals and research centers worldwide. Results also indicate that full-spectrum, ultraviolet, colored, and laser light can have therapeutic value for a range of conditions from chronic pain and depression to immune disorders. Kanye West, grabs inspiration from artist James Turrell and is using light therapy in his Sunday Service performances for therapeutic reasons. “They pull you into a Zen space, and to reprogram … to be calmer, in the moment to be more stable,” explains West in his latest interview with David Letterman. It reduces swelling, relieves pain, decreases inflammation, decreases recovery time from injuries and operations. It helps with Seasonal Affective Disorder by resetting the internal biological clock (circadian rhythms). This helps individuals sleep better and regulate their moods. Promotes anti-aging by energizing the skin cells, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, giving skin back its youthful look. It can be a natural boost of energy, improving mental and physical performance. The Science of Color color light therapy benefits Image: Kanye West’s Sunday Service Every color, each with its own frequency, is a form of vibrational energy. Also, all organs, cells, and atoms exist as energy, and each form has its frequency. Each of our organs and energy centers vibrates and harmonizes with the frequencies of these colors. However, various parts of the body deviate from these expected normal vibrations. One can assume that the body is either diseased or at least not functioning properly. The vibratory rates inherent in color (chromotherapy) are such that they balance the diseased energy pattern found in the body. Colors generate electrical impulses and magnetic currents or fields of energy that are prime activators of the biochemical and hormonal processes in the human body. If you want to try light therapy for yourself, visit Perspire Sauna Studio here. While you’re here, check out the six coffee-based beauty products we love for a morning wake-up.

Why Red Light Therapy is the Ultimate Anti-Aging Tool

Red light therapy (RLT) has been around for a while, but it has only recently found itself on the lips (and in the blogs) of myriad mainstream beauticians, skin care specialists, and celebs because of it's promising benefits. But, what exactly is RLT? The “red lights” used in RLT are healing, low-level wavelengths of light. Believe it or not, RLT was originally utilized by scientists as they attempted to grow plants in space. As in: outer! When scientists caught on to the fact that RLT helped facilitate plant cell photosynthesis and growth, they wondered, “what other groovy stuff can these lights do?” (Okay, they probably said something more science-y.) RLT was later applied to humans. Specifically, it was used to treat atrophied muscles, help wounds heal properly, and ease the side effects of chemo. There are different types of RLT that target various issues. But, what does RLT have to do with aging? In recent years, RLT has been found to reduce the appearance of many skin conditions such as wrinkles, stretch marks, and psoriasis. It is widely believed that red light strengthens mitochondria which helps cells function optimally, eventually repairing and restoring themselves. And, RLT is ideal for skin issues because, unlike laser treatments, it does not cause damage to the surface of the skin. Glamour quoted Dr. Lamb, “Science shows that red light therapy protects existing collagen and boosts new production, plus it helps with texture, tone, pore size, and wrinkles.” Red Light Therapy's Two Top Benefits To get a deeper understanding of Red Light Therapy we spoke with Lee Braun, CEO & Co-Founder, and Colton Khan, Marketing Manager at Perspire Sauna Studio. Below they discuss two top benefits of RLT on our body and skin. 1) Reducing Inflammation "Color light therapy has been used for centuries for restoring balance to the body. It has been scientifically studied as an effective non-invasive way to repair the body inside and out," says Braun and Khan. "We've seen this is amplified when combined with Infrared—another light on the color spectrum that is actually invisible to the human eye but experienced as warmth. The combination of the two increases circulation by means of energizing the cells, enhancing the metabolism, opening the blood vessels and increasing the heart rate. This all works together to deliver oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, especially the areas that need it most to help reduce swelling, pain, tension, and soreness." 2) Reducing the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles They note that over the years "so many"guests comment on how much their skin has improved—in as little as two 40-minute sessions. "Color light therapy, especially when combined with Infrared energize the skin cells, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, giving skin back its youthful look. Additionally, the increased circulation from the Infrared draws your skin’s own natural nutrients to the surface. As a result, your going to see improved tone, elasticity, texture and color—and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, and age spots." Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Jessica Alba, and Chrissy Tegan have all lauded RLT for its benefits concerning psoriasis, improved skin tone and a reduction in wrinkles. But, you don’t have to be a star to experience RLT. While some salons have added RLT beds to their inventory, there are other options available for those who would like to create an exciting salon experience in their very own homes. Screen Shot 2019-08-16 at 9.44.47 AM Joov Go - Red ($295) is a great at-home and travel-friendly option. A fan favorite of celebrity esthetician Shani Darden, “2 of my clients used Joovv every day for 8 weeks. Christine wanted to cut down on fine lines and wrinkles, and Tasha was hoping for a natural acne treatment. Christine’s skin looks WAY BETTER after 8 weeks of Joovvin.’ RLT panels can be purchased in a range of sizes, from small to full-body. The panels are hung on the wall while the user sits or stands, absorbing the red light. Therapy sessions can be done at your leisure and discretion. But, if you think all that sounds good, hold on to your hats, because RLT isn’t just skin-deep. The therapy sessions are believed to go beyond improving the surface of the body to positively affect mood disorders such as depression, SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and insomnia. If red light therapy interests you, check out Joovv. When you purchase a Joovv device through Organic Authority and use the code, OA, you'll receive a free gift with purchase!

Perspire Sauna Studio on NBC Austin

Interview with Lee Braun, CEO of Perspire Sauna Studio

As a part of my series about leaders who integrate mindfulness and spiritual practices into their work culture, I had the pleasure of interviewing Lee Braun, CEO & Co-Founder of Perspire Sauna Studio . Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you please share your “backstory” with us? At 25 years old, Lee left his career in Construction Management in pursuit of making a difference in the health & wellness of the world, co-founding the first ever infrared sauna studio concept in 2010. Over the last nine years, he has successfully and carefully grown the business from a single studio to a multi-unit national franchise with the goal of making infrared sauna and chromotherapy accessible to the world. Now at 34, Lee is a pioneer in the wellness space, bringing infrared to market years before trend. He saw early on that there is a societal epidemic of stress and an overdependence on pharmaceuticals — and how infrared can help get to the root of these issues and make a difference in people’s wellbeing. “Sometimes those routes are necessary but we are here to encourage people to take a more natural, holistic approach to treat their medical needs (first) and we provide a space and technology to do so.” Now through franchising Perspire, Lee is striving to enlighten the masses on the benefits of alternative health solutions, infrared and chromotherapy, empowering guests on their health journey but also the studio owners to greater fulfillment in business and wellness. He has assembled a team and built a brand that is making a transformational modality accessible to communities across the country. What role did mindfulness or spiritual practice play in your life growing up? Do you have a funny or touching story about that? Growing up in Michigan in the 90’s, I don’t think mindfulness was something that I really grew up with. It wasn’t until I moved to California in 2010 did I really start to pay attention to how mindfulness could be practiced. How do your mindfulness or spiritual practices affect your business and personal life today? I make sure to remember people’s names. I really stress the importance of my Team’s doing the same. It’s important to make people feel remembered and hold space for them, as it’s our primal need. Do you find that you are more successful or less successful because of your integration of spiritual and mindful practices? Can you share an example or story about that with us? Mindfulness enhances your chances of success for sure. By being more present in each moment we are able to more fully think and act in a way that is most beneficial for that situation. By staying in tune with Spirit, Source, Universe, God, whatever you want to call it, you cultivate deeper awareness, compassion, kindness, peace and empathy. By living from this place, your exude a radiance and you naturally attract what you desire and need and one experiences inner and outer fulfillment or “success”. What would you say is the foundational principle for one to “lead a good life”? Can you share a story that illustrates that? When I think of “leading a good life”, I immediately think of my grandfather and his incredible ability to make anyone feel seen in his presence. He is so effortlessly aware of people, and can connect with them in his own special way. I think it’s his genuine interest in getting to know anyone and everyone. He strikes up a conversation with everyone he meets and takes the time to ask questions unhurriedly. None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story? It’s got to be my grandfather, Barry Jacobsen. I’ve mentioned him a few times but he has truly been such an inspiration and source of support for me in my journey — and taught me so many lessons along the way. He’s influenced me and my brothers so much — we all strive to be as helpful and kind as him. My 80 year old grandfather is relentless in his pursuit of helping others and often has to be talked out of getting on a 12’ ladder to help his neighbors trim their trees. Can you share 3 or 4 pieces of advice about how leaders can create a very “healthy and uplifting” work culture? We have a few “policies” in place that are conducive to a healthy lifestyle. For one, our Team has access to incredible infrared sauna sessions and we encourage our teams to use IR frequently. We’ve also set up partnerships with other local health & wellness based companies and studios where staff can drop-in to any class such as spin, boxing, H.I.I.T., floats and/or yoga — it’s important that everyone has access to a variety of ways to make themselves healthier and feel good. We also have semi-flexible work hours at our headquarters, allowing our employees to feel empowered in managing their time and in taking care of themselves. This leads to a greater feeling of autonomy and an overall better quality of life. It’s really important to be mindful about what we are putting in our bodies as it greatly affects our gut and brain health and therefore how we are experiencing the world throughout the day, performing at work and engaging with others. Whenever we are doing our weekly group lunches whether they be out or catered in, we chose establishments that offer organic, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options to accommodate everyone’s individual dietary needs and so they can make choices that will positively impact their wellness and make them feel their best. At corporate, in our weekly Monday all-hands meeting, we each go around and share something we are grateful for and something we are anxious or stressed about, allowing each other to open up and center ourselves in gratitude. This leads to more empathy and compassion for another. It sets a really good tone for the week. You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. ? Well I feel incredibly grateful to be offering infrared sauna therapy in a more accessible way. In growing, we’re really incubating a moment toward alternative wellness solutions here at Perspire, making infrared sauna and color light therapy available to diverse communities across the country and globe. It’s been a very rewarding journey already and I’m so excited to be seeing this come to fruition. I love being a part of the inner healing that alternative wellness can provide people who are looking for something more. Pretty much anyone can benefit from IR Saunas and it’s effortless so there’s no reason not to try it and see if it’s for you. How can people follow you and find out more about you? You can follow the Perspire Sauna Studio brand on Instagram and Facebook. @perpsiresaunastudio Thank you for all of these great insights!

Perspire Sauna Studio Announces Expansion To Florida With Multi-Unit Deal

September 03, 2019 // Franchising.com // ORLANDO, Florida - Perspire Sauna Studio is pleased to announce their expansion of infrared sauna studios and chromotherapy to Orlando, Florida. The first opening will be in Winter Park by the end of 2019 with two others scheduled for 2020, also in Orlando. Longtime Central Florida resident and wellness enthusiast, Julie Wordel will be opening the franchise(s). She plans to open multiple studios in the Orlando and Central Florida area. “As an epicenter for hospitality and tourism in the U.S., the Orlando area and its surrounding communities are currently booming with major growth and development,” says Perspire Sauna Studio Orlando Owner, Julie Wordell. “And, the people who live, work and play here are absolutely looking for alternative ways to live a more holistic and healthy lifestyle. By bringing the Perspire Sauna Studio concept, along with its state-of-the-art infrared sauna and medical-grade chromotherapy to our hometown, I feel like I can help contribute to that movement. I honestly couldn’t be more excited to get underway with development.” Perspire Sauna Studio is the original infrared sauna studio in the US. The Perspire experience combines full-spectrum infrared sauna technology and chromotherapy (color light therapy) to rid the body of heavy metals as well as treat muscle soreness, joint, and back pain. 200-400 calories are burned on average with one forty minute session at Perspire. Infrared technology works as near, mid and far-infrared waves are absorbed through the skin and muscle tissue which improves skin health, increases oxygen delivery and blood circulation which decreases inflammation, increases recovery time, and relieves pain on a muscular level. Additionally, the infrared technology penetrates ones physiology on a cellular level, resulting in a deep detox, enhanced metabolism and immune system. All Perspire Sauna Studios are equipped with Clearlight Saunas, the first and only independently tested low EMF & low ELF infrared sauna. Your experience at Perspire is extremely personalized; you choose which of the six chromotherapy colors you would like based on what your body and mind require in that moment. Temperature preference is controlled via internal dial inside the sauna with a range between 125-158°. Entertainment options include Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Spotify, and Pandora and all sessions come with complimentary towel service. About Perspire Sauna Studio Perspire Sauna Studio is the original infrared sauna and chromotherapy studio franchise in the US. Before Perspire, there were no public infrared sauna studios where anyone could go to access the powerful healing benefits of infrared and color light therapy. With a focus on the natural health benefits of infrared sauna therapy, excellent customer service, and unique guest experience, Perspire aims to set the standard for infrared and color light therapy studios as they expand throughout the country. Perspire Sauna Studio’s first sauna studio was founded and is headquartered in Orange County, California, in 2010 and is owned by Lee Braun and Ken Arsenian. Now with six successful locations in California, Atlanta and Texas and now multiple units opening in Orlando, FL. For more information, please visit perspiresaunastudio.com , and follow the brand on Instagram @perspireaunastudio and Facebook @perspiresaunastudio .