HOTWORX® Earns Top Ranking Among Boutique Fitness Franchises in New Entrepreneur 2026 Industry Rankings

“Fitness continues to be one of the most dynamic and competitive categories in franchising,” said Stephen P. Smith, Founder and CEO of HOTWORX. “To be ranked among the top fitness franchises in the country and earn the highest placement among boutique fitness brands is a firm validation of our model, our franchisees, and the member experience we have built.”

The recognition reflects interest in a boutique fitness model designed for modern members seeking efficient workouts. With a motto of “More Workout, Less Time,” the program emphasizes 15-minute High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts and 30-minute isometric exercises inside a heated infrared sauna.

The program combines elements of heat, infrared energy, and exercise to create a distinct fitness experience and flexibility in scheduling. The infrared saunas are a feature of the workouts, while a virtual instruction model provides flexibility for users to follow workouts at their own pace.

“HOTWORX was created to challenge the traditional fitness model with a determination to create a category of our own,” said Smith. “HOTWORX gives members an engaging fitness experience they truly cannot get anywhere else, while offering franchisees a business model that is differentiated, technology-driven and built for scale.”

Entrepreneur Magazine’s inaugural list compared 52 franchises included in the publication’s Franchise 500 list. HOTWORX was ranked within the Franchise 500 list.

Since its launch in 2017, the franchise has grown to more than 800 studios and over 400,000 members. Growth is attributed to a model that uses patented equipment for infrared fitness training and digital tools such as TrainingTRAX to help members pursue their goals.