Relax, Unwind, and Break a Sweat
The Sauna Lab is the newly opened infrared sauna spa on 11th and Hope St. We decided to check it out and had an interview with the owner, Laura Weiss.
Upon entering, we were warmly greeted by Kyle, another South Park resident, who gave us a tour and walked us through the different rooms and session types. Behind curtains separating each room, Kyle showed us their offerings: the Sauna Box, Sauna Pod, and Sauna Bag. The sauna box has several different settings to select based on what areas you want to target. They also have an LED light therapy add-on that boosts collagen, reduces wrinkles, and improves damaged skin.
We decided on ‘Detoxification’- “A 35-minute session that starts at a high intensity to increase the body’s core temperature, then reduces to a lower intensity. Mid and far infrared combination improves vascular access flow to reach toxins at the cellular level.” Since we were new to the infrared process, Kyle customized our box to give us a 10-minute warm-up to acclimate us to the full heat. Then it was time to kick back, relax, and of course - sweat. We loved the tranquility of the experience and can’t wait to try the sauna pod next!
What was the inspiration behind creating your business?
LW: “A void in our community, a passion for wellness, and a love of saunas. Gone are the days of only going to a traditional gym and the days of sitting in a traditional sauna with 5-10 other people. Today, we prefer personalized treatment and training or bespoke fitness like cycling, yoga, and HIIT. As Angelenos we
understand the importance of wellness and whether you just finished a PT
session at Urban Med or a HIIT session at OrangeTheory, The Sauna Lab is a
great addition to your personal weight-loss and wellness goals.”
Can you explain how The Sauna Lab’s saunas use infrared technology and how they differ from non-infrared saunas?
LW: “The Sauna Lab specializes in infrared technology using near, mid, and infrared light (wavelengths) that offer a more enjoyable, pleasant experience. It warms the body from within instead of just heating up the air around you. The intensity of these infrared wavelengths are what provide a range of health benefits beyond traditional saunas to detoxify, lose body fat, recover faster, sleep better, and age well.”
How do the sauna boxes and pods switch through the sessions, and what makes each session different?
LW: “Our saunas are equipped with 6 preset sessions which provide a unique
combination of infrared heat (near, mid, and far) along with a set time to help
you achieve the goal of your session. Programs include detoxification, muscle
recovery, skin/anti-aging, boosting immunity, heart health, relaxation, and weight-
loss. Each session is up to 45 minutes long, and your Wellness Coordinator will
review the session options with you during check-in so they can make sure to set
you up with the appropriate session.”
Is there an ideal time to visit the sauna?
LW: “We are currently open Saturday-Sunday 9AM to 9PM. It’s always a great time to use the sauna, whether you are incorporating it into your workout or weight-loss routine or looking for a place to relax and find your center.”
Tell us about the moss wall that you’re designing for social media!
LW: “Everyone loves an Instagram room! And you’ll find one at The Sauna Lab with our slogan written in neon blue (to match our logo of course). On one side is a live moss and flower wall that symbolizes the world we stand on and on the other
with white, bohemian dreamcatchers that symbolize the world we go to while we
are asleep. The whole thing is a vibe!”
What kind of atmosphere are you trying to create for your customer’s experience?
LW: “One word: Zen. If there is anything we’ve learned over the past 3 years is the
importance of mental health. We want our customers leaving relaxed, centered,
and lighter than when they came in. We hope to be a place where people go
when they need to break away from the hustle and bustle of downtown life and
take 45-minutes to themselves.”
The Sauna Lab
1100 S Hope St, C-1
Los Angeles, CA 90015
By Aileen Coyle & Jessica Kasbaum