We recently connected with Ryan Roy and have shared our conversation below.

Ryan , appreciate you joining us today. Can you recount a time when the advice you provided to a client was really spot on? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)

**”The best advice I’ve ever given to a member? Have an open mind to a new concept.”**

While saunas and workouts are age-old practices, combining them into one, as we do at HOTWORX, is relatively new. In fact, HOTWORX has only been around for seven years, and many people are resistant to change, especially when it comes to fitness. However, when members open their minds to the benefits of working out in a sauna—benefits that go far beyond weight loss—they often experience life-changing results.

Working out in the infrared sauna offers a range of advantages: stress reduction, detoxification, lowered blood pressure, improved skin health, and an overall sense of well-being. I always encourage members to embrace these holistic benefits rather than limiting their expectations to just weight loss.

One story that truly stands out is David’s. He struggled with psoriasis, and the fear of being judged at traditional gyms kept him away. Despite knowing that exercise could help his skin condition, the embarrassment he felt often outweighed his motivation to show up. But when he discovered HOTWORX, things changed.

David decided to give it a try. He was excited by the variety of over a dozen guided workouts and the 24/7 access, which gave him the flexibility to fit workouts into his schedule. Most importantly, he loved the semi-private environment that allowed him to focus on himself without feeling judged by the masses.

Almost immediately, David started feeling the results. He stuck to a routine, and within months, his body began to detoxify. Not only did he win his battle with psoriasis, but his energy levels surged, his confidence skyrocketed, and he lost 30 pounds. Today, David works out five days a week and loves his new self. His story is a powerful reminder that with an open mind, incredible transformations can happen.

Ryan , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Ryan, and my journey into the fitness industry began with a passion for health and well-being, both physically and mentally. I’ve always been fascinated by how fitness can positively transform people’s lives, not just physically but in ways that extend to mental clarity, stress relief, and overall quality of life. When I discovered HOTWORX, I knew I had found something truly unique.

HOTWORX offers infrared sauna workouts, which combine the benefits of heat exposure with low-impact, guided exercises. What really sets us apart is that members can get the best of both worlds—strengthening their bodies while recovering at the same time. One thing I’m particularly proud of is how these workouts are designed to help with recovery and lessen the chances of injury, which is a major concern for many people in fitness. Too often, people push themselves with over-lifting or high-intensity exercises that lead to injury. With HOTWORX, we focus on strengthening the body while minimizing that risk by incorporating the infrared sauna’s therapeutic heat.

This approach is one of the reasons why HOTWORX has exploded in popularity, with over 700 studios opening in just seven years. At my HOTWORX studio in Marietta East Cobb, we offer 12 different workouts in eight saunas, all designed to help our members reach their fitness goals in a safe, efficient, and enjoyable way. Whether it’s weight loss, stress reduction, detoxification, or improving overall health, our members leave feeling better than when they walked in.

What makes me proud is seeing how our unique concept really changes lives—not just in terms of fitness but in building confidence, improving recovery, and making fitness sustainable. It’s more than just a workout; it’s about feeling your best, inside and out.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots I’ve experienced was when my wife and I decided to explore the opportunity of opening a HOTWORX studio during COVID. We fell in love with the concept and the business model, and initially, we thought we’d open a location close to home—within 10 miles, where we had our social capital and network already established. However, after two years of searching for the perfect spot and enduring three failed lease negotiations, we found ourselves purchasing an existing location 22 miles away in a city where we weren’t known.

This pivot was twofold: first, it was our introduction to being first-time fitness studio owners; second, we were now first-time studio owners in a community where we had to start from scratch and establish ourselves. It was a challenging realization because, as many know, people tend to do business with those they know, like, and trust.

At first, the challenge was figuring out how to run and operate this type of business. Then, it became about earning the trust of the community and getting our name out there. Both of these are still a work in progress. The key has been hiring the right team, building relationships through community events, and joining various networking groups to make ourselves known.

The biggest lesson we’ve learned is to dive in headfirst and focus on connecting with others. Establishing relationships, providing value, and offering exceptional customer service are at the heart of what we do. Pivoting wasn’t easy, but it pushed us to grow, adapt, and ultimately succeed.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Being a small business owner is, in many ways, the epitome of resilience. My journey with HOTWORX is a perfect example. From the beginning, my wife and I faced several setbacks while searching for a studio location. We had multiple failed attempts at securing the right space and ultimately ended up buying a location 22 miles away from our social circle—far from where we had expected to open.

Diving into a new community where we had no connections was challenging, but it didn’t stop there. We had to hire a new team, learn the ropes of running a brick-and-mortar business—dealing with everything from technology to licenses, permits, payroll, and all the responsibilities that come with entrepreneurship.

Let’s face it, as a small business owner, everyone gets paid before you do. The path to profitability takes time, and in the early stages, you bear all the risks. It requires a long-term mindset. You’re not just investing in a business; you’re investing in your ability to persist, adapt, and keep pushing forward.

Resilience has been key throughout this entire process. Each hurdle has reinforced my belief that success isn’t about avoiding challenges; it’s about embracing them and finding ways to grow through them. Being a business owner means playing the long game and understanding that perseverance is what ultimately leads to success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hotworx.net/studio/marietta-eastcobb
• Instagram: @hotworxmarietta
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HOTWORXMariettaEastCobb
• Other: tiktok – HotworxmariettaEC

Image Credits

These are all stock photos from the HOTWORX back office. I personally don’t have any good pictures of myself. I apologize in advance – just that crazy tik tok image capture