A new wellness concept has arrived in the retail space at The Gramercy in Arlington, and it’s already finding its place in the National Landing community.

SweatHouz, a contrast therapy studio centered around infrared saunas and cold plunges, opened its doors just three months ago and has quickly welcomed clients from the community. Built around the idea of “one suite, two temperatures, three experiences,” each private suite includes an infrared sauna, cold plunge, and vitamin C shower, giving guests a full hour to recover, recharge, or simply disconnect from the pace of everyday life.

Unlike a traditional sauna, SweatHouz’s infrared saunas heat the body directly rather than warming the air around it. Sessions can reach temperatures up to 170 degrees and are designed to support everything from muscle recovery and circulation to stress relief and improved sleep. The cold plunge, kept between 48 and 55 degrees, brings a different kind of reset, helping reduce inflammation, sharpen focus, and boost recovery through deliberate cold exposure. 

The contrast between hot and cold is what makes the experience unique. Some guests come in after intense workouts, while others are simply looking for a mental reset after a stressful week. Morgan Van Alstine, Operations Manager at SweatHouz National Landing, says the studio’s client base has been far more varied than many people expect.

“We have people who have never worked out in their lives, military professionals with stressful jobs, athletes training for endurance events, and people managing chronic pain or illness,” she shared. “There really isn’t just one type of client.”

That accessibility was part of what drew the local franchise group to the brand in the first place. After years in the fitness space through F45 studios, the team saw SweatHouz as a natural extension of the growing focus on recovery and long-term wellness. National Landing, Van Alstine said, felt like the right fit from the start. “The energy here is high. The neighborhood is growing quickly, and Arlington already has such a strong wellness community.”

For many first-time visitors, the cold plunge is the biggest hurdle and usually the biggest surprise. “People think they know what to expect from the sauna, but the cold plunge can feel intimidating,” Van Alstine explained. “Then they finish their session and can’t believe how relaxed they feel afterward.”

Each visit can be customized depending on what someone is looking for. Guests are guided through recommended protocols, but the experience is intentionally flexible. Some people alternate between hot and cold several times throughout the session, while others ease into the process more gradually.

The response from the Arlington community has exceeded expectations so far. “The welcome has been incredibly warm,” Van Alstine shared. “People are excited to have something like this in the neighborhood.”

As the brand continues expanding nationally, the team hopes the Arlington studio becomes more than a one-time wellness experience. “Our goal is to help people build wellness into their routine,” Van Alstine said. “We want them to notice the positive difference over time, physically and mentally.”

For those curious to try contrast therapy for themselves, SweatHouz is currently offering first-time guests a 60-minute session for $40, half off the standard drop-in rate.