SEATTLE — Temperatures might be dropping outside, but inside this Seattle spa, things are heating up.
City Sweats specializes in infrared therapy which is a wellness treatment that promotes a healthy body and mind.
"Infrared therapy is like nature meeting technology," said owner Dee Alams. “Our main source of infrared is the sun. And so what infrared does it has the ability to detoxify your body utilizing light and heat penetrating on the cellular level."
Alams discovered infrared therapy in 2009 during a trip to Canada.
“The moment I tried it I immediately knew it was like one of the best wellness tools out there,” said Alams. “I felt relaxed. My skin was glowing. I slept so well. I felt this overall inflammation was just way less than normal."
When Alams returned to Washington she couldn't find an infrared spa. So, she decided to start her own. City sweats now has four locations around the Seattle area and a lot of happy clients.
"Coming here I get to detach myself from a very intense lifestyle,” said client Isaac Global. “I rejuvenate and come back out in a perfect zone."
"I first started doing it to combat seasonal depression which has helped a lot just having a nice warm place to go that's good for your mental health," said client Cora Boyd. "I love doing sweats socially. It's a really fun thing to invite friends to do or even gift to people sometimes.”
City Sweats offers other services like Lymphatic Drainage Massage which Alams says helps maintain proper immune functions and blood circulation. But nothing will get your blood pumping like taking a cold plunge. The spa’s newest service has clients soaking in a bath that’s chilled to around 39 degrees. It’s said to reduce stress, boost your energy and help you focus.
"It reminds me that I'm blessed to do hard things and I'm grateful to endure when I step in,” said customer Jeremiah Captain.
So, whether it's hot or cold – or both, City Sweats wants to help everyone feel their best.
"I want everybody to feel included and welcome here,” said Alams. "We want to let people know that they need to take care of themselves. It's a necessity. Not an option."
City Sweats has locations in Bellevue, Madison Park, Wallingford and West Seattle.
You can support City Sweats and other Black-owned businesses by taking part in Black Black Friday. You can buy a prepaid card and save 20% when you shop at participating businesses around Puget Sound this Black Friday and beyond. The initiative is made possible by Intentionlist and DNA with support from BECU.
Sponsored by BECU.
KING 5's Evening celebrates the Northwest. Contact us: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Email.