If the phrase “heat therapy” conjures images of spa fluff and cucumber water, it’s time to raise your core temperature—and your expectations. At Perspire Sauna Studio Ballantyne, the infrared sauna experience isn’t about pampering. It’s about performance, recovery, and actual clinical results.
Founded by Demetrius Jackson and Paul, two IT escapees with a shared obsession for wellness and temperature control, Perspire Ballantyne offers a 40-minute escape that trades chatter for calm, calories for sweat, and fluorescent lighting for seven hues of chromotherapy. And yes, there’s Netflix.
What Is Infrared Sauna Therapy, and Why Does It Work?
Unlike the searing, damp infernos of traditional Finnish saunas, Perspire uses full-spectrum infrared heat—a combo of near, mid, and far wavelengths—to warm your body from the inside out. This means lower ambient temps (~130°F), but deeper, more effective sweat.
According to Cleveland Clinic, “Infrared saunas directly heat your body using infrared lamps, raising your core temperature more effectively without overheating the surrounding air.”
It feels gentler, but it goes further. That deeper sweat carries with it not just moisture, but the hope of less inflammation, fewer headaches, and better sleep. The science? Let’s sweat through it.
Clinically Supported Benefits of Infrared Sauna Use
Lower Blood Pressure, Especially for Non-Smokers
In a 2021 study published in Medicine (Baltimore), hypertensive patients experienced a drop of up to 15 mmHg systolic after multiple infrared sessions. It wasn’t magic—just dry heat, 15 minutes at a time.
“Repeated infrared sauna sessions significantly lowered blood pressure in non-smoking patients with hypertension.”
Faster Muscle Recovery (and Fewer Grimaces Tomorrow)
In Biology of Sport (2023), a single post-exercise sauna session helped preserve leg power and reduce soreness the next day.
“Infrared sauna use attenuated the loss of explosive power and improved recovery in resistance-trained athletes.”
Lifting Moods and Treating Depression
Far from just a recovery tool, infrared sauna shows promise in treating major depressive disorder. A 2024 study in International Journal of Hyperthermia paired infrared sessions with CBT. The result? 11 of 12 participants no longer met the criteria for depression.
“Combining infrared sauna with cognitive behavioral therapy significantly reduced depressive symptoms.”
Perspire’s Full-Spectrum Experience: More Than Just Heat
Each suite includes:
- Medical-grade red-light therapy (RLT) for collagen support, inflammation, and skin texture
- Chromotherapy: Seven LED colors targeting mood modulation
- Private entertainment options: Netflix, Hulu, or curated stillness
- SNØ Shower: A Nordic-inspired 45°F blast post-session for vasoconstriction and adrenaline-fueled bragging rights
Perspire doesn’t upsell these add-ons—they’re included. So is the four-towel ritual (cold eucalyptus included), HEPA filtration, and a disinfecting routine that rivals an ICU.
Who’s It For?
If you’re a Peloton dad, a CrossFit millennial, a sleep-deprived parent, or just someone whose HRV scores haunt them, Perspire might be your new happy place.
The most common member feedback? Better sleep after just one visit.
Start Slow, Sweat Smart
First-timers are guided through the experience: what to wear, how to hydrate, when to towel off. (Tip: No shoes in the suite.) Staff never rushes, and memberships are designed around your recovery, not a hard sell.
And if you’re the type who likes to check the science before the sweat, feel free to click through the clinical research above. Your mitochondria will thank you.
Fuel Before or After at Einstein Bros. Bagels Ballantyne
If sweating out 400 calories leaves you dreaming of breakfast sandwiches, you’re in luck. Einstein Bros. Bagels Ballantyne is right down the road at 13736 Conlan Cir, slinging cheddar-bacon-syrup bombs and honey almond shmear from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.
They’re a Mercury launch partner too, so yes—we think they deserve your lox.
Want to Try It for Yourself?
Visit Perspire Sauna Studio Ballantyne, or stop by the studio at 14835 Ballantyne Village Way. Questions? Call 704-285-0097 or email ballantyne@perspiresaunastudio.com. And if you go, send us your photos and stories at ballantyne@strollmag.com. Everyone has a story worth sharing!
About the Author
Nell Thomas is a senior writer for The Charlotte Mercury and an enthusiastic contributor to Strolling Ballantyne. Most days, she can be found writing in the corner booth at Einstein Bros. Bagels Ballantyne, sipping dark roast with oat milk and eyeing her next order of hashbrowns.
She covers the best of local hospitality, people, partners, and a few absurdities from politics to pets. Explore all categories at StrollingBallantyne.com, part of the Mercury Local family.
Creative Commons License
© 2025 Strolling Ballantyne / The Charlotte Mercury
This article, “Beyond the Sweat: How Infrared Saunas Boost Your Body and Mind,” by Nell Thomas is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0.
“Beyond the Sweat: How Infrared Saunas Boost Your Body and Mind”
by Nell Thomas, Strolling Ballantyne (CC BY-ND 4.0)
