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Choosing an infrared workout machine comes down to the type of movement you prefer, your fitness level and how comfortable you feel on different equipment.
At Body Lab Studio in Myrtle Beach, every machine is heated by its own infrared lamps, and the options are the Infrared Treadmill, Infrared Stairstepper, Infrared Elliptical, VacuTherm Treadmill (a walking infrared sauna) and VacuTherm Recliner Bike.
The main differences are the movement involved, your exercise position and whether the machine uses an enclosed lower-body chamber.
If you already enjoy walking, the treadmill is a familiar starting option. One thing before you choose: if you are pregnant, have a heart condition or take blood pressure medication, check with your doctor before a workout in heat.
Which Infrared Workout Machine Should You Pick? The Short Answer
Pick by the kind of movement you want:
- I want the most familiar start: Infrared Treadmill
- I like the feel of climbing stairs: Infrared Stairstepper
- I want smooth, full-body cardio without foot strike: Infrared Elliptical
- I want a sauna and a walk in one: VacuTherm Treadmill, our walking infrared sauna
- I prefer to sit, with my back supported: VacuTherm Recliner Bike
- It is a rest day: Infrared Body Roller or Infrared Wellness Pod, which are for recovery, not workouts
The best option depends on the movement you prefer, your fitness level and any physical limitations that may affect your choice.
Before You Pick: Check With Your Doctor First
Every machine adds heat to exercise, so please check with your doctor first if you:
- are pregnant
- have a heart condition
- take blood pressure medication
- are sensitive to heat
- have had recent surgery
The two chamber machines, the VacuTherm Treadmill and the VacuTherm Recliner Bike, also ask anyone with varicose veins to check with their doctor first.
If you are unsure whether exercising in a heated environment suits you, speak with your healthcare provider before booking, and tell our team about anything that worries you. Consider your mobility, exercise experience and comfort with each type of movement when choosing a machine.
Still not sure which machine is yours?
Book a free consultation and we will talk through your options before your first session.
Book A Free ConsultationThe Five Infrared Workout Machines at Body Lab Studio in Myrtle Beach
Body Lab is Myrtle Beach’s infrared fitness and recovery studio, and all five machines are described in more detail on our Infrared Fitness sessions in Myrtle Beach page. Although all five machines use infrared heat, they differ in posture, movement patterns and physical demands. Two also use enclosed chambers: the VacuTherm machines wrap a sealed chamber around your lower body, with air pumping in and out, and the other three do not.
Machine | Movement | Sealed chamber | What to consider |
Infrared Treadmill | Walking or running, standing | No | Familiar movement, but you bear your own weight and need standing balance |
Infrared Stairstepper | Repeated stepping, standing | No | A continuous stepping motion that may demand more from the legs |
Infrared Elliptical | Gliding, standing, feet on pedals | No | Needs standing balance and coordination, with arms and legs moving together |
VacuTherm Treadmill | Walking, standing | Yes, sealed at the waist | Walking combined with heat around the lower body |
VacuTherm Recliner Bike | Pedaling, seated and reclined | Yes, sealed at the hips | Back support, but pedaling still bends the knee, so seat position matters |
Which machine are you curious about?
See all five infrared workout machines and what each one involves.
Explore The MachinesInfrared Treadmill
The Infrared Treadmill follows the familiar design of a conventional treadmill, allowing you to walk or run at a pace that suits your fitness level. If your walking endurance is limited, choose a pace you can sustain for the whole session.
If you want to know how it differs from a regular treadmill, read how an infrared treadmill differs from a regular one. You can book it from the Infrared Treadmill page.
Infrared Stairstepper
The Infrared Stairstepper is an infrared stair climber, and you may see it listed on our website as the Infrared Climber. It uses a continuous stepping motion, so it is a good fit for people who enjoy stair-climbing workouts. Because each step lifts your body, it may demand more from the legs than seated cycling or walking on a flat treadmill, so consider your fitness level, balance and comfort with repeated stepping before choosing it.
Check out our Infrared Stairstepper page for more details.
Infrared Elliptical
The Infrared Elliptical, also called the infrared cross-trainer, uses linked arm and leg movements while your feet stay on the pedals the whole time. That avoids the repeated foot strikes of running, although the standing position and range of motion may not suit everyone. Because your arms move too, it works the upper body as well as the legs. If balance is a concern, ask our team before you start.
Check out our Infrared Elliptical page for more details.
Walking Infrared Sauna (VacuTherm Treadmill)
The VacuTherm Treadmill is a walking infrared sauna for your lower body, and some people search for it as an infrared vacuum treadmill. Six infrared lights line your legs and hips inside a chamber sealed at your waist with a skirt, and the air pumps in and out while you walk for a 30-minute workout.
Because this machine combines walking with heat inside an enclosed chamber, review the heat precautions above before booking, and ask to see the chamber first if enclosed spaces make you uneasy.
Visit the walking infrared sauna page to see how it works.
VacuTherm Recliner Bike
The VacuTherm Recliner Bike is a seated, reclined bike with your back supported and your lower body in a chamber sealed at the hips. The seated design may suit people who prefer cycling without having to maintain a standing position. Seat position changes how far your knees bend as you pedal, so our team can help adjust the seat and settings before the session.
Check out our VacuTherm Recliner Bike page for more info.
Want to see all five in person?
Browse every infrared workout machine at our Myrtle Beach studio and compare them before you book.
Visit The StudioWhich Infrared Machines Suit Achy Knees?
Comparing machines by movement also helps if your knees or joints complain on a normal treadmill. The Infrared Elliptical uses a gliding movement without repeated foot strikes, while the VacuTherm Recliner Bike lets you exercise in a supported seated position.
Both may be worth considering, although comfort depends on your individual mobility and symptoms, and walking, stepping and pedaling all load the knee differently.
For the full picture, read our guide to low-impact infrared cardio for achy knees. If a doctor has diagnosed a knee or joint problem, ask them before you start.
Infrared Recovery Options for Rest Days
Body Lab also offers two non-cardio infrared options for days you do not want a workout. They do not replace exercise.
Infrared Body Roller
The Infrared Body Roller is a rolling massage with an infrared lamp inside, so you get warmth while you roll.
Infrared Wellness Pod
The Infrared Wellness Pod is a reclining infrared sauna with infrared heat plus dry heat while you lie down with your head outside the pod. Learn about our infrared sauna pod in Myrtle Beach.
Both add heat, so the doctor-first list above applies to them too.
Can You Alternate Between Infrared Machines?
You can alternate between machines. People usually do it to:
- vary the movement pattern, such as walking one visit and gliding the next
- choose a seated machine on days when standing is uncomfortable
- avoid treating every session as the same workout
Changing machines does not automatically improve recovery or prevent injury, and we do not set a weekly schedule, because the right frequency varies from person to person. If you have joint discomfort, choose machines based on what your body tolerates and ask a professional, not on variety alone.
For ideas on balancing movement days and rest days, see how heat and movement work together. Ask the front desk how your plan works across machines.
What to Expect During Your First Session
Every machine gives you a 30-minute workout with three heat levels, and a first visit starts on the lowest level. Staff can adjust it from there. If you are unsure which machine to use, ask our team when you arrive.
Tell a team member at any point if something feels uncomfortable. If you feel dizzy, overheated or your pain is increasing, stop, step out of the heat and let them know. Our guide to what your first infrared treadmill session is actually like walks through the experience, and what to wear during infrared therapy covers clothing. You will find us at 5001 N Kings Hwy Unit 110, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.
The Bottom Line
Start by considering the movement you prefer, how comfortable you are with it and whether any health considerations require medical advice. If you are unsure, our team can help you compare the equipment before your first session.
Want help comparing the machines?
Our team can talk you through the options before your first session.
Book A Free ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
References
- Cleveland Clinic. 6 Possible Benefits of Infrared Saunas. Updated October 9, 2026. Used for the general advice to check with a healthcare provider first, the caution for pregnancy, and stopping if you feel dizzy or nauseated.
