Vital Yoga

I don’t know how to write this review since I have had great experiences here in the previous three years, but I just wanted others to know that Vital no longer allows you do to do drop ins for classes. I was turned away from a class because I hadn’t taken a beginner course for their new alignment flow. I used to be a monthly member here and I always enjoyed the classes, so I’m not trying to rip on the studio.
The women explaining everything to me was kind and nice, it just kind of stunk to drive all the way to class in cold snowy weather and get ready only to be turned away from practicing, especially being 7 months pregnant! In my decade of practicing yoga this was certainly a first for me. I ended up just doing some yoga at my house. I also called twice prior to driving there to check and see if I could drop into the class but no one answered the phone both times. Hopefully they will update their website soon to make it clear on their drop in policy and then this won’t happen to anyone else! Happy practicing everyone.

After attending more classes I am happy to say the other teachers have been wonderful in their receptiveness and instruction. I’d avoid Jolie’s classes if you are a newer practitioner or are tender of heart.

I have been to probably a dozen yoga studios in Denver. And even though it’s not convenient anymore for me to get to Vital, I go. Because this is hands down the best yoga studio I’ve ever practiced at.
Why? Consistency. At Vital they teach Sridiva alignment, which is a little different than other studios alignment teachings, but once you «buck the tuck», you’ll never go back. In fact, since starting to practice at Vital, I’ve literally walked out of yoga classes at other studios telling me to tuck my tailbone, among other incorrect cues, and just keep going back to Vital.
Even better, at vital EVERY SINGLE INSTRUCTOR teaches to the principles of Sridiva. No matter which class you go to, you get consistency. Crappy classes don’t exist at Vital.
I have no lower back pain and have never felt better. I love love love love Vital yoga.

This place is amazing! I always feel awesome after practicing yoga at Vital Yoga. The atmosphere is great and some classes are challenging while others focus more on clearing your mind. I was very stressed and anxious this morning and I went to the Vital Roots class and I left the class feeling refreshed and calm. Whittney was the instructor, she was awesome!!!

I have been a member of Vital Yoga for over a year now and still love it as much as I did the first day I walked in.
What I like most about the studio is that I can get what I need no matter what I am feeling. There are times when I am very centered and want to focus on my practice and my alignment so I will attend a Vital Roots class with Desi Springer. Sometimes I need to work late or have an event but still want to get my day started with either Casey Kowal or Jennifer Wright’s classes first thing in the morning (which is the best way to start your day). And sometimes, when I just need to get my ass kicked, I turn to Scott Anderson for some amazing power yoga.
Overall, the classes are wonderful, the teachers are inspiring, and their message is clear.

The best teachers, classes and yoga you can find. Very welcoming for new comers and regulars alike. Love this place!

I like Vital a lot. I woke up one morning, thought, «I want to go to yoga,» and went to Vital. I ended up in a Vital Roots Highland class with Micah Springer. It was amazing. I felt so much better when I left, shoulder blades touching, more aligned than ever. I bought a month unlimited, and I have been back multiple times and cannot wait to go back tomorrow.
This place is definitely process oriented (very hippy-​dippy-​in a good way), and the teachers have a lot of experience, and desire for their students to grow. There is a lot of diversity between types of of classes, and the other night in a Vinyasa class, we did partner work. I didn’t come with anyone, so I thought it would be weird, but I ended up with a lovely yogi who works at Vital, and helped me get upside down. What! What! It was such a great feeling. I really want to try a WAY Power class, but they are never at a convenient time for me. I wish they had a later night class – just one, so that it was convenient for those of us who work interesting evening hours.
Very excited to keep returning, learning, and growing.

This place is fantastic! As someone who stays physically fit with weight lifting, running, and cycling, I was initially skeptical of Yoga. Scott and Jennifer’s Warrior yoga is the hardest thing I have ever done physically. It is so challenging that I am slipping in my own sweat by the end of the class.

Vital Yoga is fantastic. I typically catch the WAY classes (Warrior Academy), that include WAY 2 Tuff, WAY Tuff, and WAY hard. These classes are appropriately named, and you should expect to get your butt kicked all over your yoga mat by the amazing WAY instructors, Scott Anderson and Jennifer Lux. They push your body to the limit, and challenge you with every twist and stretch. You’ll be stronger, more flexible, and more centered, even after just a couple weeks. Their new studio in the Highlands is beautiful, and a perfect setting for yoga. Bring a mat, a towel and a water bottle (you can fill it there) and you’ll be ready to go.
I should mention that I had only tried yoga once before dropping in on Scott’s class and now I’m hooked. Be prepared… this could happen to you too.
Go take a Vital class, your mind body and soul will thank you.
Namaste

I’ll admit it-I’m a bonafied Yoga whore.
I’ve been touring the various studios around town trying to see what would be the best fit for me. Vital Yoga is conveniently located in my neighborhood and the class times work well with my schedule!
I have a 10 pack that I got through one of the deal sites and it was the perfect opportunity for me to check out the various classes and teachers. So far, I have done Vital Roots which is Hatha-​Based, and Anusara-​inspired Vinyasa taught by Desi, one of the owners of the studio.
The Roots class is their signature class. If you like to hold poses and not move as quickly this would be the class for you. The teachers are all very knowledgeable and are quick to correct your alignment if needed. Desi’s class was amazing, and TOUGH. She makes those inversions and handstands look like a piece of cake, all while I am struggling just to lift myself up off the floor. She’s very energetic and passionate about the practice. I was sore for 2 days after that vinyasa class!
I’m going to try out a couple more classes and I’m fairly sure I’ll be back after my 10 pack is used up. They are moving their studio down the street towards 38^th so it will be even closer to me now. The classes are also 90 minutes long on average. They do like to talk so don’t expect to be doing Yoga the entire time :)

On my last day in Denver I write this review with a heavy heart because I was not able to make it back to Vital after my first free week. I kept meaning to but moving across the country is quite a chore. I’m excited to move back home; Chicago, but at the same time I wish Vital Yoga was also in Chicago. I really loved the classes, Scott’s, Kitty, Desi, they were all great and kicked my ass in ways I most definitely needed and appreciated.
I didn’t think I liked Hot yoga or bikram since I’d tried it once before and had an awful experience but after going to Vital it changed my mind and I wanted it all the time. Problem about moving is also makes you broke!
The one thing I would say they need to work on is starting classes on time. I went to 5 classes or maybe 4 and all with different instructors, well every time they started class at least 5 minutes if not 10 minutes late. This annoyed me a bit.
Other than that this place is great! Oh yeah, and all the cool kids go there :)

Good range of classes and good teachers.
The main studio in Highlands is much better than the «back» kitchen studio.
I haven’t had all the teachers, but Desi is my favorite.
Scott’s Power yoga is more of a fitness/​western yoga workout, and is one of the more physically challenging classes ive taken, even though most the his «upbeat» music is terrible – think early 2000s teeny pop.
I could do without the well intentioned but somewhat forced storytelling session that begins and ends every class. Cut the story and make classes 1hr 15 mins.

I love this studio and the teachers!!! 8 months after relocating from LA, I can finally say that I’ve found a studio that I feel at home at. The studio itself, is exactly what I expect from a yoga space — nothing too fancy, just a warm, inviting room.
I try to vary the type of yoga I practice but must admit that Anusara resonates the most with me. As such, my favorite teachers at the studio are Desi Springer and Madhuri Martin — both really stress the importance of proper alignment. I also really enjoy Kitty’s classes.
When I want to really sweat, I take Scott Anderson’s power/​flow classes (plan on getting there early as his classes fill to the brim).
All the teachers I’ve taken classes from (the four mentioned above) at this location are amazing — they’ve all made an effort to get to know me and it’s a big reason why I keep coming back.

I can not begin to express how grateful I am for Vital’s donation based drop-​in policy. I am an extremely busy and extremely broke college student who still wants to be active and fit. The fact that I can still practice, when I find the time (and even if I can’t find the resources) is such a relief. We all have the right to be healthy and fit regardless of our financial situations.
Not only is this policy wonderful but the teachers and classes are incredible. Every class I have taken here has been inspiring, helpful, and fun! Scott’s popular Power Yoga classes fill up FAST and for a reason so make sure to get in a little early to get a space. I am no yogi by any means but I have never felt out of place or intimidated in any of the classes I have attended. Quite the opposite in fact! Highly HIGHLY recommend this studio.

The website (and other reviews) tell you that they «don’t ever want you to miss out… because you’re a little short on funds some week» and they say «We want you here. Period.» Nice caring introduction, right? However, this was not my experience… When the combination of their class schedule and my work schedule only permitted me to try the 2 beginner classes 8 days apart, they were 100% stubborn that my «free week» was over and they wanted cash. Period. No consideration. No mention of anything except the $ 15 class fee accompanied by a cold stare. Was it because I was new to yoga? I don’t know, but I turned around and left and have pursued yoga elsewhere where they practice what they preach EVERY day and to EVERY one.

Vital has an incredible team of caring and knowledgeable instructors. One of my favorite aspects about Vital is the many classes that are «outside the box» … A few examples:
Yoga with Live Drums
Yoga and a movie
Different ways to get people involved and connected.

Like a previous reviewer, I was drawn to Vital’s donation philosophy. I am in OK financial shape right now, but I like knowing that I would still be welcome if I wasn’t, and that it’s not «all about the money.» Some of the more fitness-​focused studios in Denver have left me cold.
I was warmly welcomed the first time I walked in – it made me feel so happy to be there. During my first week, I took three classes. Scott remembered my name after only having seen me once earlier in the week. I signed up for a pass after my free week expired and have since taken classes with a couple of other teachers.
«Vital Roots» is the studio’s signature class, featuring a great series that emphasizes strength, openness and flexibility. The studio hosts a wide variety of special events for all tastes. I know that yoga is what you make of it, but this studio seems to offer a good balance of physical and spiritual development AND social interaction and fun.
Most importantly, I believe that the owners and instructors sincerely care about you and your yoga practice. I have nothing but warm fuzzies for Vital Yoga.
Edit: You have GOT to see Vital Yoga’s new space at 3955 Tennyson St. It is much bigger than the old studio, and it is breathtaking. I feel so lucky to be able to practice there. Check it out!

So right now, my tree pose looks more like a lumberjack attacked me.
But I never felt pressured to do more than my body would allow. The guided meditation is calming and spiritual, the studio itself a piece of art. This place truly represents the tranquility, creativity and uniqueness of the Highlands.
No wonder Ganesh ji is smiling when you walk in, he looks content overlooking such a positive place. Their underlying mission as a yoga studio is also very humbling and like Kym B. mentioned, you can drop into any class and pay what you can afford (suggested $ 15 donation). During these rough times, nothing can beat the energy of yoga with such a beautiful community of people.
Definitely coming back again to meet the rest of the staff. Desi was extremely knowledgeable, extremely inspiring… and extremely cute!

What first drew me to Vital Yoga is their Donation philosophy. What with the economy being what it is, my finances aren’t exactly riding high right now. «Extras» such as yoga must really be considered and negotiated before being worked into the budget. An average class price of $ 15+ in Denver, coupled with the need to really be able to practice yoga three or more times per week to feel/​see any benefits, well… you get the picture. Not exactly cheap.
Enter Vital Yoga. They have a drop-​in Donation policy that says a donation is just that. You pay what you can. They suggest $ 15, but if you can’t swing it they’re just happy to receive what you can give. Fan-freakin’-tastic! After my first free week was up, I felt a little awkward at my first paid class, as I was only able to scrounge up a spare fiver. I was nervous I’d get that «whoa, cheapskate!» look you get sometimes when you partake of the free samples at the Farmer’s Markets and then opt not to buy. You know the look I mean, right? Well let me assure everyone that I did NOT get such a look at Vital Yoga! True to their policy, they were happy with my measly $ 5 and welcomed me with open chakras.
I’ve taken a few different classes since, and they’ve all been fabulous. More often than not, I’m taking the Vital Roots class, which is their signature thang. It’s similar to Bikram (hot! hot! awesome!) but they don’t call it that. I’d definitely recommend it for beginners, of which I am definitely one. Not so flexible yet, me. Most of my Vital Roots classes have been led by Micah, and she is beyond great. I’m kind of a down-​to-​earth type of person, and über-​flighty talk like «let your breath leave your body like a swarm of butterflies,» doesn’t really sit right with me. There’s none of that nonsense at Vital Yoga! I totally appreciate Micah’s realism as she offers up the day’s Dharma and guides us through class with good-​natured humor and honestly helpful suggestions to improve your poses. My kind of girl!
I’ve taken one Vinyasa class (from which I am still sore… but in a good way), and totally look forward to trying more of those. I’ve also done the Mommy and Me Yoga, which I would definitely recommend for moms (or dads, or anyone with a little one) with babies of pre-​walking age. My kiddo, at age 19 months, wasn’t really down with sitting still for the singing and flying and the other fun stuff the baby-​babies got to do. But the wee ones seemed to be digging it!
For so many, many reasons, I give Vital Yoga a super-​enthusiastic five stars. I’d give ten if I could!

The Bikram Yoga class is wonderful! (Scott is an AMAZING instructor.) And the studio is perfect– I absolutely love the skylight that provides an amazing glow in the studio! The space is brilliant, to say the least.
Your first week (8 days, to be exact) is totally free right now. Check the website for the class schedule– you won’t be disappointed by what you uncover!
I was willing to shop around for my new yoga studio in Denver, and I’m so glad to say that I’m staying with this one!