6 minute read
Healthy Perspiration
Perspire Sauna Studio provides infrared saunas, red light therapy, color therapy, and more.
By Pamela Spradlin Mahajan
Photos by Molly Kuplen
Ready to elevate your wellness routine? Perspire Sauna Studio, which opened last year in Leawood’s Park Place, may be the solution.
Whether you’re struggling with an illness or striving to feel your best, Perspire offers an innovative approach to health and relaxation.
“I was driven by my own personal struggles with autoimmune disease for over 10 years,” co-owner Leena Bhakta says of her decision to open the franchise with husband Premal Bhakta.
While Bhakta’s health journey motivated her to open Perspire, her clients’ health transformations have been inspirational.
“We hear incredible stories from people who have experienced better sleep, improved workouts, mental clarity, pain relief, clearer skin, and overall wellness. My favorite part is talking to someone about how they feel before their session and them walking out of a session feeling and looking completely energized,” Bhakta says.
Positive Response
Each of Perspire’s nine private suites has an infrared sauna, television, as well as red light and color therapy (chromotherapy). Sessions are 40 minutes. The sauna is a full-spectrum infrared sauna, which means that the wavelengths are broad—near, mid, and far—for a deeper benefit.
Since opening Perspire, the owners have experienced impressive growth and a positive community response.
“Every day, we’re seeing more people integrate these therapies into their wellness routines, which has been so rewarding,” Bhakta says.
Zaina Juracek began visiting Perspire Sauna Studio last fall after a doctor recommended three sessions a week to treat a variety of health issues.
“After a few sessions, I began to notice improvements,” Juracek says. “Among many things, my skin has cleared up dramatically, my sleep is deeper and more restful, and my joints are less achy. On top of the physical benefits, it’s been invaluable time for myself, where I can relax, reflect, and recharge.”
The Mayo Clinic confirms that preliminary studies have shown that saunas may benefit people with high blood pressure, headaches, arthritis, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, among others. Some of the studies were performed using infrared saunas, and some were conducted using regular saunas. No negative health effects were reported.
So what is the difference between an infrared sauna and a regular sauna? The main differences are the way in which the saunas are heated and their maximum operating temperatures. Traditional saunas heat the air around you, most commonly using wood, electric, or gas heaters. The temperature in a regular sauna is usually between 150 degrees F and 195 F. Infrared saunas use infrared lamps, which heat your body directly. They operate at a lower temperature than traditional saunas, typically between 120 degrees F and 170 F.
Roberta Curtin began working at Perspire Sauna Studio last August. Passionate about her health, she was excited to join this new business.
“What I love about working at Perspire is the feeling I have being there,” she says. “It’s a spa-like atmosphere that makes me feel relaxed and stress-free as soon as I walk through the door.” Her role comes with a bonus: unlimited access to the sauna, where she can recharge and relax. Since using the infrared sauna, Curtin has noticed fewer aches, less joint pain, and an overall boost to her immune system. The red light therapy has improved her acne scarring.
“When I come out of the sauna and leave Perspire, I feel amazing every time,” she says. “It’s essentially the same feeling you get once you’ve completed a strenuous workout. Endorphins are flowing, you’re less stressed and your muscles are relaxed.”
Great Location
Bhakta was thrilled to open her business in Leawood’s Park Place. It had long been a destination for date nights, anniversaries, or casual dinners. Since opening Perspire, she’s been welcomed warmly by other Park Place business owners.
“I’m so incredibly grateful for other women entrepreneurs in Park Place who reminded me that they are cheering me on, or they provided partnership ideas or community event ideas,” Bhakta says. “Owners of The Bar Method, Alysa Rene Boutique, Maison de Marnie, Panache, Bamboo Penny’s, the team at Everyday Beaut and Upgrade—all have been amazing business supporters. We also received support from Aixois, 801 Chophouse, Outta the Blue, and Lalli’s Boutique during our opening weekend by contributing to our swag bags.”
Even for someone committed to healthful living, it’s all too easy to burn the candle at both ends. On her entrepreneurial journey, Bhakta has discovered it’s essential to have a support system and ask questions.
“I’ve learned I can only solve one problem at a time and to prioritize when the to-do list feels so long. I’ve learned to leverage my family. I couldn’t have done any of this if my husband wasn’t home doing homework with the kids, taking them to soccer, and making them dinner. He has been an incredible supporter,” she says.
Bhakta’s hard work is paying off because clients such as Juracek have enjoyed a transformative health experience.
“I’m sincerely grateful for Leena and her team for their exceptional service and support,” Juracek says. “The sauna has had a positive impact on my health and overall well-being. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking both physical and mental rejuvenation.”
Customizing the sauna experience for each of their clients is integral to Perspire.
“We love personalizing each suite for our members based on their individual wellness goals,” Bhakta says. “That means we set temperatures and color light preferences to help our members achieve their goals, whether it’s detoxing, relaxation, or pain relief. We can talk sauna all day, so let us help you create a space—just for you.”
By the Numbers
• 40 minutes: length of each session
• $20: price of an introductory session
• 9: number of private suites
• 120 degrees F to 170 F: typical temperature of an infrared sauna
Benefits of an Infrared Sauna
• Relaxation
• Detoxing your body
• Burning calories
• Boosting your immunity
• Improving sleep
• Helping treat long-term illnesses, including high blood pressure
• Rejuvenating skin
FOR MORE
Perspire Sauna Studio
11556 Ash St., Park Place
Leawood, KS 66211
913-374-7608
