The yoga studio at Pura Vida Fitness & Spa in Denver, Colo., is Tracy Mcllroy’s “happy place.” Mcllroy joined Pura Vida in 2011, and has enjoyed taking yoga classes upwards of four times per week at the state-of-the-art facility.
In fact, Pura Vida’s expansive yoga offerings were what enticed Mcllroy to join Pura Vida. The club offers 10 different types of yoga classes approximately 40 times per week. In order to function properly, the club employs 10 yogis to its studio. “I knew Pura Vida was the best fitness club in Denver, but more importantly that it offered a wide variety of yoga classes with the best instructors in town,” explained Mcllroy.
Aditionally, the yoga studio is climate-controlled and expansive, featuring beautiful hardwood floors, pleasant lighting and an artistic backdrop.
“The minute I walk in [to the yoga studio] I decompress,” explained Mcllroy. “The lighting, mirrors, temperature and the music are all contributing factors. Another really important feature to note is that the studio has a very quiet heating and cooling system. I don’t even notice it. I have been in beautiful yoga studios that are so loud that I am not even able to hear the instructor. In true yogi form, I must also mention the intangible — the studio just has good ‘energy.’”
A distinguished yoga student, Mcllroy has practiced yoga at multiple studios inside and outside of Denver. She explained that Pura Vida’s yoga classes are held at a different level. “A lot of yoga studios have depth. I don’t want to knock other studios, but at Pura Vida you get an additional level of professionalism and attention to anatomy and form. You get a good, safe workout where you feel like you’re learning each time and improving your practice.”
Mcllroy said she loves yoga due to the mental and physical focus it brings to her everyday life. “Yoga is the means by which I ground myself, find gratitude and focus on what is really important in life,” she said. “I love how yoga makes me feel. After practicing for over 10 years I am still challenged every class. That is largely due to the caliber of instructors at Pura Vida.”
Mcllroy’s favorite class is Power Yoga, an invigorating class that places emphasis on strength and flexibility, taught by Billy Potocnik. “[Billy] is just an amazing instructor,” said Mcllroy. “He really knows the human body, form and proper alignment, so you feel like you’re getting taught by an experienced yogi. We have upwards of 60 people in a class sometimes, and he knows every single person by name. It’s incredible.”
Outside of yoga, Mcllroy also enjoys Pura Vida’s atmosphere and host of amenities, such as the locker rooms and other Group X classes, including Spinning® and ballet.
“Members at Pura Vida are offered the best,” said Mcllroy. “From the minute you walk in the door after a rough day, and are consistently greeted by the friendliest front end team, to the spa-like locker rooms, classes [and] easy and covered parking, Pura Vida is truly the best of the best. Knowing I get to go there at the end of the day makes me feel very grateful.”
Take note from Mcllroy’s experience with yoga at Pura Vida, and let no small detail go unnoticed when it comes to your yoga offerings. From instructors, to varied classes, to the yoga studio’s atmosphere, Pura Vida has become known as a hub for high-class yoga for yogis and students alike.
Photos courtesy of Kimberly Wolff Photography.
By Rachel Zabonick
