From saunas to red light and Pilates to plunges, Asheville’s wellness scene is heating up (sometimes literally). Whether you’re looking to feel stronger, sleep better, or simply slow down, here’s what’s trending in the wellness space and where you can try it.
Contrast therapy
What it is: Alternating between heat (like a sauna) and cold (like a plunge) exposures to stimulate circulation, reduce inflammation, and enhance recovery
Why it’s trending: Enhances athletic performance + helps with pain relief and overall wellness
Where to find it:
- Sauna House | This bathhouse offers a guided hot-cold-relax circuit with saunas, cold plunges, and heated lounges — all in a phone-free, community-focused space that encourages connection and digital detox.
- Drip Sauna | Step outside of the Nordic wood-fired sauna to be met with gorgeous, sweeping
Red light therapy
What it is: Specific light wavelengths to boost collagen, reduce inflammation, and speed healing
Why it’s trending: Non-invasive anti-aging, pain relief, hair growth, and skin rejuvenation benefits
Where to find it:
- Asheville Cryotherapy and Recovery | Red light therapy works well with the center’s other services, like compression therapy, cryotherapy, and infrared sauna.
- Inner Peace Wellness Co.| The spa uses PlatinumLED BioMax 900 panels to deliver skin health and pain management benefits. New clients can get their first session for $30.
- Triveda Wellness | If you have questions about the service, you can book a consultation to see if red light therapy is right for you — Triveda also offers a myriad of other services, from massage to acupuncture, to aesthetics.
Wellness retreats
What it is: Immersive experiences focused on relaxation, mindfulness, and healing
Why it’s trending: Stress reduction, digital detox, and holistic mental and physical rejuvenation
Where to find it:
- Asheville Wellness Tours | Whether it’s an hour of goat yoga or an overnight excursion scoping out Blue Ghost fireflies, this tour company offers retreats that are good for the soul.
- SoHum Mountain Healing Resort | Book a stay at the luxury Ayurvedic retreat for nature activities, plant-based dining, and personalized therapy experiences — you can also opt for a day at the spa.
- Art of Living Retreat Center | Conde Nast Traveler named this Boone wellness sanctuary one of the best destination spas in the US.
Pilates
What it is: Strengthens core muscles + improves flexibility, posture, and balance
Why it’s trending: Injury prevention, longevity benefits, and a holistic physical and mental well-being approach
Where to find it:
- Echelon Pilates | Owner and teacher Erin Brown has a wealth of knowledge on this classical movement method, training with first-generation teachers.
- Cisco Pilates | To get a feel for the classical Pilates practice, you can try one of the free classes taught at Pack Memorial Library — also, look out for the special Pilates with Puppies classes held at Asheville Humane Society.
- South Slope Pilates | SSP offers a fusion of Pilates and Lagree-style fitness programming. Class types include flow (a mix of Pilates and yoga), sweat (a total body workout), and sculpt (a strength-building workout).
- Scorch Fitness | Head to this gym for a full-body workout using The Lagree Method (think: high-intensity, low-impact). Each 45-minute class incorporates core stabilization, strength training, and cardio movements.
Underground Fitness offers a full-body workout featuring elements cardio + strength training.
Photo by @undergroundfitavl
Strength training
What it is: Exercise focused on building muscle strength and endurance by working your muscles against resistance
Why it’s trending: Functional + empowering fitness with science-backed results
Where to find it:
- Underground Fitness | The group classes are designed to increase your strength, power, and stamina using a variety of weightlifting, cardiovascular, and gymnastics movements.
- Rebel Strength and Rowing | Thanks to Rebel, you don’t need to head to the nearest body of water to practice your rowing — get stronger with the rowing workout that utilizes nearly 84% of your body’s muscles.
- Strength Ratio | Get started with strength and conditioning classes, then move on to the big leagues with powerlifting and bodybuilding classes.
- MADabolic | These high-intensity strength training classes use a training system with three signature interval series: Momentum (a 2-to-1 work-to-rest ratio), Anaerobic (a 1-to-1 work-to-rest ratio), and Durability (a 3-to-1 work-to-rest ratio).
