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May is mental health awareness month, and it is important to know how to strengthen your mental health; one of those ways is through exercise. At HOTWORX, the use of infrared saunas is a unique approach to working out that helps the body and the mind. "Inside the infrared sauna, we offer three things: heat, infrared energy, and exercise," says HOTWORX Franchise Owner Lisa Gelinas. "When you're working out, and you're detoxing your body by sweating through the infrared sauna, then you're also getting some clarity in your body … getting the mental health component. You're also getting that detox that helps with that as well." Mental clarity is one of the big benefits of exercising in an infrared sauna. "For the mental clarity, infrared energy improves blood circulation and oxygen flow, which can have a positive impact on cognitive function in the brain," says Gelinas. In addition to increased mental clarity, exercise within the infrared sauna offers several other therapeutic benefits. "Infrared energy is well known for its therapeutic benefits to aid and reduce stress, penetrating into the tissues and increasing blood flow. As a result, infrared energy can be found to be good for reducing the effects of stress and depression, " says Gelinas. "In addition, infrared energy promotes a better mood and increase in your energy level, which aides in higher level of focus." So, whether it's hot yoga or a cycling class, HOTWORX is helping people invest in and hopefully improve their mental health through exercise. "Mental health is such a big issue … and I think we are a lot more aware of it … whether you're looking to boost your productivity, improve your creativity, or enhance your focus, HOTWORX infrared workouts are an excellent way to boost your mental clarity," says Gelinas. HOTWORX is a 24-hour infrared fitness studio. Gelinas owns two of the HOTWORX franchises in Albuquerque. To check out a HOTWORX studio near you, click here. Sponsored content disclaimer: The information and advice displayed in this story are those of individual sponsors and guests and not Nexstar Media Group, inc.