The seed of Upswell Studio was planted while Heather Holland was upside down on a yoga mat.
It was June 2020, and the world was still deep in the throes of the Covid-19 pandemic. Holland was busy taking care of an infant, a preschooler and her elderly mother, exhausted from trying to keep everything in her life together.
Then, she began meeting up with a few friends at Washington Park for some outdoor yoga.
“We moved,” she writes. “We laughed. We breathed. It felt good, so we did it again. And then again.”
The yoga classes turned into walking dates, then into a pop-up studio in Glendale. Holland, the former chief operating officer of CorePower Yoga, decided to make it her mission to create spaces for movement, connection, levity and good vibes for as many individuals as possible.
“Maybe I couldn’t help everyone, but I could serve some some, and the collective ripple effect would be a force for good in the world,” she adds.
Thus, Upswell Studio was born. The neighborhood wellness club opened its first location on South Broadway in Denver in 2023, with a goal of offering active recovery, mindful movement and social connection in a friendly, inclusive environment. It was so successful the company opened a second location in Central Park the following year.
Now, it’s growing yet again. This summer, Upswell Studio debuted its third location in RiNo.
“We’ve reimagined boutique fitness at Upswell to be simple, feel-good wellness without judgment or expectations, and we’re so excited to bring that energy to RiNo,” says Holland, the founder and chief executive officer of Upswell Studio. “We hope to see Upswell RiNo become another neighborhood wellness club where members know each other by name, like we’ve seen at South Broadway and Central Park.
Upswell aims to be a “third space,” another social environment outside of home and work where people can connect and build community. Its model also allows visitors to try out various science-back active recovery and mindful movement practices to figure out what serves their needs best.
The active recovery modalities include cold plunging in a tub of 40 to 50 degree water for improved circulation, reduced stress and mental resilience, There’s also a traditional sauna heated up to 180 degrees to help improve cardiovascular health, boost immunity and relieve pain.
The infrared sauna, heated up to 175 degrees, uses red-light therapy to promote deep relaxation and regulation while also enhancing heart and skin health. And the air compression and heated pulsed electromagnetic field therapy mats are designed to help boost circulation, reduce swelling and speed recovery. Guests can also soak in 98- to 104-degree water to help reduce inflammation, improve circulation and relieve stress.
Mindful movement classes are also available, at temperatures between 75 to 80 degrees, to help ease tension, sooth the nervous system, build strength and improve mobility. They include yin-inspired, restorative classes, gentle yoga-inspired flows, high intensity vinyasa classes, mat Pilates-inspired classes and gentle yoga paired with soft tissue release and a live sound bath meditation.
Guests are encouraged to book experience one at a time, or schedule several back to back. Stop by on your own, or come with friends and family. Upswell’s philosophy is that you should come as you are to receive what you need.
Class drop-in rates are $29, while all-day access passes are $49. Monthly memberships are $189 and yearly memberships are $1,899. Also available are 10-session packs for $209. All membership/pricing options are HSA/FSA eligible through a partnership with TrueMed.
“More than anything, we hope our members come to Upswell to find joy in movement, growth in stillness and a sense of belonging—to keep doing what they love, for years to come,” says Holland.
