Step into wellness: 26 Renew offers infrared sauna

Imagine 30 minutes in a warm, soothing environment that claims to deliver health benefits like easing chronic pain, reducing stress and even promoting weight loss. Thanks to 26 Renew, area residents can now experience these perks by booking time in an infrared sauna located in the heart of Orchard.

Owned by Alexa Simons, 26 Renew operates out of the former girls' locker room at the Orchard Community Center. Simons, originally from Sutton, moved to Orchard in 2023 with her husband, Tristan. Despite being new to the village, Simons has strong ties to the area-her mother, Jennifer Kester Johnson, is a Clearwater native.

"I've wanted a sauna for a long time," Simons shared. Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air around you, this sauna uses infrared light to heat the body directly. The result? A gentle, penetrating warmth that delivers a host of wellness benefits.

"During COVID, I started digging into holistic stuff," Simons explained. "It's something I've been thinking about for a long time." By 2024, Simons began scouting for a location and found an opportunity at the Orchard Community Center.

"I wanted a setup where people could pop in and out without having to rearrange their whole day," she said.

Discussions with Stephanie Cleveland, the village board chairman, led to repurposing the old locker room. Soon after, the lockers were removed, a designated outlet was installed, and a few benches were taken out.

"It all came together fast and furious," Simons recalled. Her vision became a reality by mid-December, with the first appointments booked during Christmas week. Since the new year, interest has been steady.

"The community response has been great," Simons said. "I've been impressed with the level of interest."

26 Renew offers individual sessions at $25 or bundled options-five sessions for $100 or eight for $150, usable within 30 days. Simons is flexible and willing to customize packages based on customer schedules.

Booking is easy through Booksy, an online scheduling platform. Once a session is confirmed, customers receive details, including building access and sauna preparation. Sessions are typically 30 minutes long, with a 15-minute preheating period. Recommended attire includes swimsuits or shorts and sports bras for women, and shorts for men.

"The goal is exposure to the light," Simons explained.

Manufactured by Sunlighten, a company based in Overland Park, Kansas, the sauna programs vary by the intensity and type of infrared waves. Near-infrared light aids wound healing, mid-infrared supports detoxification, and far-infrared penetrates up to 1.5 inches into the skin, promoting cellular health.

"It's like capturing sunlight and bringing it indoors," Simons said. "For anti-aging sessions, all three wavelengths-near, mid, and far-are used. Detox sessions focus on mid and far wavelengths."

Infrared therapy stimulates circulation, elevates heart rate, and dilates blood vessels, helping flush toxins from cells to the skin's surface. It also aids muscle recovery, bolsters the immune system, and can enhance relaxation, sleep, and weight loss.

Sauna users can enhance their experience with chromotherapy-colored lights that promote relaxation-and connect to Bluetooth to play music or audiobooks. However, phones are best left outside to prevent overheating.

Simons notes that individual sweat levels increase with regular use. "Consistently using the sauna makes a big difference," she said.

As for her own routine, Simons said, "I use it about twice a week. I definitely enjoy the benefits."

To learn more, visit 26 Renew's Facebook Page or visit 26renew.booksy.com/a to book a session.