Franchise owner and Army veteran Michele Durham signs lease with Continental Realty Corporation at 110,000 square foot neighborhood shopping center located at 5335 Airport-Pulling Road
(Photo courtesy Continental Realty Corporation)
HOTWORX, a 24-hour exercise studio featuring a virtually-instructed exercise program within a 125-degree infrared sauna, has chosen Ridgeport Plaza as the site of its first location in the greater Naples, Florida area. Franchise owner Michele Durham signed a lease with Baltimore-based Continental Realty Corporation (CRC) for space within the 111,106 square foot shopping center located at 5335 Airport-Pulling Road, and expects to open this fall. Kelsi Holman of CRC and Tara Stokes of IPC represented the landlord and Ian Laskowski of Morrow Hill represented the tenant in this lease transaction.
The HOTWORX mantra (More Workout, Less Time) enables users to experience the benefits of infrared heat absorption while completing a 30-minute isometric workout of Traditional Yoga, Traditional Pilates, Warrior, Core, Buns, Bands, Barre, and Stretch, or a 15-minute High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session. An infrared sauna is preferrable because the light penetrates and heats the body directly, rather than a traditional sauna, which heats the surrounding air first. The infrared process is more effective at penetrating muscles and joints at the cellular level.
Additionally, there is a functional exercise “FX” zone providing HOTWORX members with an area for productive use of time before, after, or in-between infrared workout sessions having bands, weights, ropes, and other equipment available for any combination of functional training exercises and routines. A “silent trainer” video is displayed on a monitor with various routines for recommended use of the FX Zone. Studio benefits and results include acceleration of workout recovery, reduction in cellulite and stress, maximized calorie burn, and pain relief.
Durham expects to open at least two additional HOTWORX franchise locations in the Naples area.
“Having worked for more than 20 years in the technology industry, I recognized the extreme healing powers of this invisible light and am convinced through experience and medical studies that the regular use of infrared light can have a transformative impact on people’s bodies and overall health,” stated Michele Durham. “The healing benefits occur at the cellular level and this is what I believe makes the difference. Many infrared sauna concepts are available to consumers, but this takes things to the next level with its combination of the workout element. I always wanted to add movement to my sauna routine rather than just meditating and remaining in a stationary position.
“HOTWORX also has a customized app to track calories burned during and after each session, book appointments, unlock rewards based on personal goals and compete with other HOTWORX members for the competitive at heart,” she added.
“Ridgeport Plaza was my first choice for the inaugural HOTWORX because of its tremendous road visibility and the high density of residents within a one-mile radius, as well as its existing tenant mix, which will expose us to new customers,” Durham added.
Ridgeport Plaza, positioned at the intersection of Airport-Pulling and Pine Ridge roads, features nearly 30 restaurants and retailers, including Einstein’s Bagels, The Local, Skillets, Mattress Firm and Plato’s Closet. Nearly 140,000 people reside within a five-mile radius of the center, with an average household income exceeding $140,000.
“HOTWORX stands out as a rapidly expanding fitness phenomenon and will complement the tenant mix at the center,” stated Kristina O’Keefe, CRC’s Vice President of the Commercial Division. “The addition of HOTWORX will bring a dynamic and innovative fitness concept that aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing diverse and exceptional offerings for our community.”
Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland and founded in 1960, Continental Realty Corporation is a full-service commercial real estate and investment company focused on acquiring and operating retail and multifamily properties. The privately held firm owns and manages a diversified portfolio of retail centers consisting of nearly eight million square feet of commercial space and over 9,000 apartment homes across 11 states, with a portfolio value exceeding $3.7 billion. For additional information, visit www.crcrealty.com
