pura vida seaglass

pura vida fitness and spa and spavital

M A R C H  1,  2 0 1 1
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Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter for up-to-the-minute info on classes and everything happening at the club!

Pura Vida Video

 

pura vida video

 

Watch the Pura Vida
Yoga Video

 

Watch the Pura Vida Experience Video

Pura Vida Social
edge

Mix & Mingle with
our amazing members!

Thursday, March 24th

6:00 - 9:00 pm

 

Edge at the Four Seasons

14th & Arapahoe

 

edgerestaurantdenver.com

 

Read about EDGE below.

Share the Experience

VIP share the experience

a monthly guest
for all members

MARCH 5TH
is the last day to add your 
VIP guest for the month.


Invite your friends to experience
5280 Magazine's
Top of the Town
"Best Health Club"

Contact your membership consultant today
303.321.7872

Ashley DeLong ashleyd@puravidaclub.com
Juliet Dawkins julieth@puravidaclub.com
Phoebe Zelenka phoebez@puravidaclub.com
Pura Vida Gives Back

impact

Sunday, March 27th
12:00 - 4:00pm


The club will be open to the public with access to fitness and classes. All monetary donations benefit the cause, including a one-day pass and chance to win a SPAVITAL massage.

The March Impact Program
will benefit
Project Education Sudan.
 Project Education Sudan helps communities build schools in the war torn region of southern Sudan.

projecteducationsudan.org

Help us make an impact.

Questions? Contact Juliet at

julieth@puravidaclub.com

PUR-A-THLON

 

 pur-a-thlon

SAVE THE DATE

 

Friday, June 10th
6:00am - 6:00pm

We'll feature Cycling and Rowing classes outdoors, as well as Zumba, willPower and grace, Ballet Body and yoga indoors.  All other regularly scheduled classes this day will be cancelled. 

 

All participants must register for classes at brentsplace.org.

 Complete schedule is coming soon. Check the website for more details.

 100% of the proceeds go Brent's Place.
We'll finish the day with the VIVA LA VIDA BASH!

 Open to the public.  

If you're interested in donating items for the silent auction, volunteering for the event or corporate class buyout opportunities, please contact Julie Gart at 

jgart@brentsplace.org.

Contact Heather for more information about this very special event at 

heatherb@puravidaclub.com

Members Spa Discount

spa vital

vital massage

Pura Vida members receive a 10% discount on all full price services, skincare and retail products Monday-Friday.

TMOM
tim harris
Tim Harris
Team Member of the Month 

First Job:
Building hot tubs. I think I lost 7 years off my life from that stint.

Your Wellness Philosophy:
Still trying to figure that out. It has changed three times since I worked here. I'd hate to have a temporary one in print.

Childhood Ambition: I wanted to be a place kicker in the NFL.

Proudest Accomplishment: Married someone better looking than me.

Indulgence: Double whiskey rocks with a whiskey back and stickers. They're fun to collect.

Inspiration: As long as I have four vacations planned in a year: One to a foreign country, one to a beach and two to Las Vegas and every weekend filled until then, it's easy to get out of bed every morning.
Pura Vida Gym Bags


Buy One, Get One Half Off

Ogio Gym Bags

 

ogio gym bag
Visit our 2nd floor

retail area to get your

Pura Vida gym bag today!

 

Special runs March 1st - 15th.
Sweaty Bands

Pura Vida now carries

Sweaty Bands Headbands.

 

headband 

Sweaty Bands are the ultimate sport and fitness headband and  best of all - they stay in place!

 

Sweaty Bands can be found in the second floor retail area and are a great way to accessorize your workout. Come browse our newest selection of bands!

Phone Policy

cell phone

CELL PHONE USAGE
IS NOT PERMITTED
ABOVE FLOOR 2 OR IN
THE LOCKER ROOMS.


You may make calls
in the
lobby only.
Locker Rentals

Lockers are available to rent
in both the men's and women's locker rooms.
 
locker room
Rentals start at $35 a month and include laundry service.

Inquire at Member Services.
Corporate Memberships

Does your company qualify
 for a corporate membership
at Pura Vida? 


Contact

membership@puravidaclub.com

for more information.

H20

water bottles

Fresh, filtered water is
located throughout Pura Vida
for your convenience.


Bring your reusable water bottle with you when you work out and fill up at either the water machines on the 2nd and 3rd floor or at the water sinks on each floor.

We also have Fiji Water available for purchase on the second floor, if you forget your water bottle.

Look for recycling containers throughout the Club to dispose of your Fiji bottle.
MAT

MAT


MAT improves the body's ability to achieve optimal levels of function by increasing the body's range of motion, restoring muscular alignment and eliminating compensation patterns.

Spring is almost here, so get ready for those outdoor activities. Come in for an
MAT tune-up.

Half-hour appointments
available in March.

Check it out on the lower level
or call 303-999-2999
Organic Cleaning

the green shirt

Denver's first true full-service 100% organic laundry & dry cleaning service


Pick up Tuesday and Friday.  Stop by Member Services to start your order today!
 

greenshirtdenver.com

feeback Let Us Know
We Love Feedback!

Send us your suggestions!

Join Our Mailing List
A MESSAGE FROM KEITH
Keith MooreOur second annual club survey went out two weeks back and I want to thank everyone for taking the time to respond and give your input on how Pura Vida can improve...and specific things you enjoy about the club. The goal of these annual surveys is to give you, the member, the opportunity to speak up and let us know what makes you happy, frustrated or indifferent about the way we operate the club.

This year's responses run the gamut of "love everything you are doing" to "changes need to be made." It's an emotional process to review each response, but an important one.

First things first: Club over-crowding. Pura Vida opened in April of 2008. Undeniably the worst month and the worst year for a high-end health club to open. The club struggled to attract new members for many months to follow, primarily due to the economy. The Pura Vida staff worked tirelessly to get the word out that the club was open and that in terms of exceptional fitness and amenities, Pura Vida could not be beat. Many nights were spent at social functions around town, above and beyond the average work day, to insure that the Denver community understood we were a different type of health club. Our staff has always made the difference in who we are, and I felt strongly if we could get our group involved in the community, the community would respond. As well, consistency and excellence was our mantra.

Things began to change at Pura Vida in 2010. We grew over 40%. Denver was abuzz with becoming involved with the club. Our social functions attracted hundreds of people, our involvement in philanthropy and charitable functions solidified, and by December, we were growing at a pace that exceeded our expectations. All good, right? Well yes and no. Quick growth is painful (I talked about this last month) and yet at the same time, exciting. As much as I would like to say "Yes, our group fitness classes have 10 people in them at all times," it's simply not our reality any longer. Nor would it have been viable if it continued. Our need for members has diminished considerably, however we are a business first and foremost and natural attrition will always create space for new friends to join us.

Our success at Pura Vida goes beyond the treadmill, as I like to say. Building a brand...a culture requires many architects. In the beginning, we knew each and every member...their likes and dislikes, what time of day they visited, books to recommend, places to hang out together. As the club has grown by leaps and bounds, it concerns each and every one of us that we may have lost some of what made Pura Vida special from the start. When I see someone in the club I have not met yet, it worries me that I am not as available as I used to be. When I hear that a class is full, I race upstairs to do a head count. When I see trash in the parking garage...I wonder: "Has the membership lost pride in their club?" I hope not. Pura Vida was a special place from inception and we work doubly hard, now, to keep it that way. But if there is a message here, it is that we continue to take an enormous amount of pride in Pura Vida and in you, our member.

Today we will be raising the Initiation Fee of the club due to unprecedented membership growth. As almost every health club in Denver remains at a zero joining fee, I feel it says something about Pura Vida that we must begin anew and step back to the original vision that J. Madden had over three years ago. The timing feels right. Who knows if the economic storm has blown over, or if there are dark clouds around the corner. I do know however that we at Pura Vida continue to work diligently to insure that you are having the best experience possible at a health club.

Do we have the best fitness classes, trainers, yogis, Pilates and spa staff in Denver? Unquestionably yes. But we also have the best members, and frankly that's what makes a truly great club.

Thank you for your support.

Keith

Keith Moore, General Manager

keithm@puravidaclub.com

Pura Vida Fitness & Spa

p. 303.321.PURA (7872) ext.127
f. 303.321.VIDA (8432)

puravidaclub.com

GROUP FITNESS

SCHEDULE CHANGES

Visit the website for class changes effective March 1st.


MoVe CLASSES 

moveIf you haven't tried a MoVe class yet, it is time!
Our MoVe classes incorporate the MVe (Maximum Versatility Exercise) chair from Peak Pilates.

These classes incorporate the ideal fusion of Pilates and total body fitness.

 

 

 

Choose from the following:
MoVe - the original class!  No previous Pilates experience required.
Tuesday 4:30pm
Wednesday 10:30am
Friday 6:00am
Saturday 8:00am


MoVe:  Healthy Back - Enhance your spinal alignment and articulation, core strength and overall movement confidence!
Monday 6:00am


MoVe & Flow - Tone and strengthen while getting some light cardiovascular benefit
Thursday 4:30pm


MoVe & Define - All of the original MVe exercises and more!  Enjoy additional resistance training and accessories.
Tuesday 11:30am
 
All classes are limited to 12 participants and fall within our reservation policy. Contact Heather for more information at

heatherb@puravidaclub.com


THE CHERRY CREEK SNEAK IS COMING
cherry creek sneakMay 1, 2011
Enjoy a $5 savings on your registration by using the following coupon code: PV2011
Visit www.cherrycreeksneak.com to register.

 


Contact Heather at heatherb@puravidaclub.com if you're interested in joining a team and competing in the costume contest.  


For more information about complimentary classes at Pura Vida, contact Heather at heatherb@puravidaclub.com.
PERSONAL TRAINING

A SNOWSHOE ADVENTURE

snowshoe adventureSaturday, March 12th

10:00am - 1:00pm
Ponderosa/Sister Loop - Evergreen

 

An outdoor Pura Vida adventure featuring BeAdventurous, a Denver-based adventure company offering participants the opportunity to get fit by challenging themselves in urban and wilderness settings

 

Member fee: $69/$79 with showshoe rental.

Fee includes guide instruction, souvenir photos and snacks.

Space is limited. Please contact Adrian for additional information and to make your reservation today at adrianw@puravidaclub.com

 


TRAINER TALK with Master Trainer Tim Harris
tim harris

"What is the best for injury/pain: ice or heat?"

 

 

Traditionally, ice has always been recommended. When an acute injury happens, muscular strain/sprain, there is trauma at the soft tissue. With this, the capillaries that supply blood are disrupted and they secrete blood and serum. This causes swelling. Swelling creates a temporary splint to prevent movement joint/muscle. This swelling decreases circulation. Without a complete supply of blood, the tissue is not getting the nutrients it needs to heal.

Icing inhibits the amount of blood pooling by decreasing the circulation temporarily. Upon the removal of cold, the body then increases circulation to the site in order to get it back to normal temperature. This, increases the supply of nutrients that are needed to heal.

Heat on an acute injury has the opposite affect. When applied, it increase the amount of fluid that is leaking into the injury site. More fluid = more swelling = decreased blood flow after the blood coagulates at the injury site. Heat has been proven as an affective treatment on chronic pain 
before activity, not after. Ice is still the recommended modality.

Cold therapy seems to make the most sense when dealing with acute injuries and on chronic injuries post activity. Heat does slow the healing process, though to many, feels the best. No one likes to put a bag of ice on their skin. Also, there really isn't any harm with cold therapy when applied not directly to the skin and under 20min duration. 

Contact Tim at timh@puravidaclub.com with your fitness questions!  
YOGA 

PRIVATE YOGA SERVICES

private yogaInvest in your personal practice with private Yoga instruction.

 

Whether your goal is to develop a home/travel practice, enhance your current practice or give you the confidence to join any of our classes, private instruction can be beneficial.


Promotional service fee: $99 for private 60-minute session. LIMIT 1 promotional priced service per member. Sessions must be scheduled by March 31st. Please note there is some restricted availability of Yoga studio space.

Contact Heather to schedule your appointment today at heatherb@puravidaclub.com.

 

Check out our ongoing yoga offerings on our yoga schedule.
PILATESPilates

PILATES DISCOVERY with Stacy Weinstein

pilates discovery

Saturdays 9:00-10:00am

March 5 - April 9

OR

Mondays 6:30-7:30pm

March 7 - April 11   

Learn the fundamental and foundational techniques of Pilates in Discovery six-week program. This series will introduce you to a comprehensive list of exercises on the mat and reformer, an understanding of the Pilates method and its benefits. You'll learn how to strenghten your core, improve your coordination, flexibility,

agility and focus on body awareness you can take with you and incorporate in everything you do.

 

Wear comfortable clothing, socks are optional, no shoes please. This class is limited to a small group of six people. $199. Contact Stacy to reserve your space or for questions at stacyw@puravidaclub.com 


For info about Pilates at Pura Vida, contact Stacy at stacyw@puravidaclub.com.
KINESISPilates
CALLING ALL WEEKEND WARRIORS
kinesis

Have you tried Kinesis yet?  It's fun, fast and effective!

Check out the following classes:

Saturday 12:00 - 12:30pm with Stacy

Sunday 11:00 - 11:30am with Natasha

Your first class is on us!




Contact Heather at heatherb@puravidaclub.com for more info.
HOLISTIC NUTRITION
WELCOME 

LISA GROVES

, CHC, AADP TO THE HOLISTIC NUTRITION THERAPISTS TEAM
lisa grovesLisa is a Holistic Nutrition Therapy Practitioner and an AADP certified health and wellness coach. She received her training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City. She leads workshops in nutrition, conducts corporate wellness programs, and offers individual health and nutrition coaching through a fun, easy and pleasurable approach to nutrition and lifestyle choices.


Learn more about Lisa's holistic nutrition philosophy at puravidaclub.com/holistic-nutrition-therapists 

 

Contact Lisa for your private and/or semi-private Holistic Nutrition Consultation today at lisag@puravidaclub.com

 
 
EMBODY NUTRITION 3-PACK
3PACKNutrition is about variety, balance, and listening to your body's needs at any given time.

A series of three sessions is highly recommended in order to make significant healthy changes to your diet for improved optimal health.

This includes your initial session of 60 minutes, as well as two 30 minute follow-up sessions.

Contact Sara at sarak@puravidaclub.com or Lisa at lisg@puravidaclub.com to schedule your appointment.


THE IMPORTANCE OF "DE-STRESSING"
SsaraARA KOSICK, CPT, NTP

Stress can be caused by numerous factors, both external (financial stress, job deadlines, traffic, airborne chemicals, and exercise) and internal (food intolerance, illness, and oxidative stress). The main hormone released in these stressful situations is called Cortisol. This little hormone is extremely important for our survival as it helps us release nutrients from storage in order to use for energy in these "stressful" times. However, cortisol was not meant to be produced all day every day to combat the current daily stressors of the typical American lifestyle. When chronic stress persists, cortisol can be extremely detrimental to your health. High cortisol levels are responsible for storing excess abdominal fat; increasing blood pressure; decreasing muscle mass; increasing blood sugar, with direct correlation to increased chance of diabetes; and reducing your metabolism.

 

So how can you take steps toward managing your cortisol levels? You can start by supplying your body with healthy whole foods like: unprocessed organic meats & seafood, organic fruits & vegetables, raw nuts & seeds, and whole grains. Even if you can make one healthy change a week to your diet, you will begin to see improvements in your energy levels, stress coping mechanisms, digestion, and mood. Next, you can implement a light exercise regimen to your weekly routine. Just 20 minutes a day, most days of the week will keep your heart healthy, your blood purified, and your cortisol controlled. Lastly, you can learn to practice a little meditation or even designate "quiet time" to yourself every day; as your breath may be the single most important factor in de-stressing a stressful situation. Take a step back, take a deep breath, and take charge of your stress today for better health tomorrow!

 

Contact Sara Kosick for your individualized evaluation and consultation at sarak@puravidaclub.com.

 

VISIT THE HOLISTIC NUTRITION THERAPY page on the website for more info about our Holistic Nutrition Therapy Practitioners.

 

SPAVITAL
EMINENCE ORGANIC SKIN CARE PRODUCTS  

eminenceWe are pleased to announce the addition of Eminence Organic Skin Care Products to SPAVITAL.

 

Eminence addresses a variety of skin concerns such as premature aging and wrinkling, sun damage, acne, loss of vitality, tone and radiance. The cure comes from nature with ingredients that are good enough to eat.

 

Book your next facial today and let the aromas treat your senses and the ingredients impart health and beauty to your skin. 

 

 

SPRING BREAK PACKAGE

spring break packagePrep for your vacation at SPAVITAL. 

Sunless Spray Tan, G-String Wax and Spa Manicure and Pedicure.

3 hours, $139

 

 

 

 

 

 

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR WEEKLY SPECIALS

massageEvery Tuesday we offer a 50 minute Swedish massage for just $50!

Every Friday we offer a 50 minute Customized Facial for just $65

Book now as these appointments go fast.

 

 

 

 

 

COME SHOP THE NEW RETAIL on the fourth floor at SPAVITAL. 

 
Stop by SPAVITAL on Floor 4 or call 303.999.2900 today to book a relaxing or energizing treatment.  Book online.
Ask Dr. James
Q&A with DR. JAMES ROUSE - Chief Evangelist of Mix1
DR JAMES

 

"I became a member of Pura Vida for the yoga classes. I love it!  My question is about protein after a yoga session. Is it necessary or recommended? When I used to solely lift weights and do cardio, the post-workout protein drink was essential. Should I still be finishing off my yoga workout with protein?"

 

Outstanding for your commitment to self care, vitality and your personal best with yoga! In the same way that you derived the "recovery" benefits from protein after your cardio and resistance training, you will experience the same by following your yoga practice with protein. Whether your practice is a lower impact restorative practice or a high intensity Vinyassa flow, protein is essential.

 

Protein will serve your body-mind in powerful ways; taken directly after movement, it will support optimal protein synthesis and muscle repair. What does this mean for you and your body? Greater recovery, longer endurance and overall stronger performance. You and your body will enjoy "extra credit" when you serve yourself protein directly after your class, as protein synthesis is 3x higher and more effective. Set an intention to have your protein within 30 minutes and you will also enjoy greater fat oxidation...you will burn more fat - a very cool, healthy side effect!

 

How much protein will do the trick? Aim for 10 to 15 grams of high quality, easily digested protein such as whey protein isolate that is free of lactose and readily put to work in your muscles to support the union of lean, strong and lovely for your body, mind and spirit.

 

Dr. James Rouse is the Chief Evangelist for Mix1 all natural protein drinks. 

www.mix1life.com

Restaurant Insider
with JEFF SUSKIN
 

Warm and inviting, EDGE Restaurant, located in the Four Seasons edgeHotel in downtown Denver is a progressive, American steakhouse offering a varied menu for all-day dining and an à la carte brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays. The focus is on regional, seasonal, and artisanal ingredients, sourced from the best farms and ranches in Colorado, and custom dry-aged meats. There are three glass-enclosed private dining rooms including a Chef's Table with views of the kitchen. Large picture windows bring fresh energy and interaction with the downtown streetscape to the restaurant. In warmer weather, enjoy alfresco dining on the patio along Arapahoe Street. Complimentary valet parking is offered for both lunch and dinner.

 

- At EDGE, helmed by Chef Simon Purvis, you will always find dishes involving meat, including lamb. What you won't find on the menu is snails. It's the one major food aversion for Chef Simon! What not to miss: The Kobe Beef Hot Stone appetizer, with melt-in-your mouth beef that you actually sear on a hot stone, at your table. Fun, different, and delicious.

 

- Psssst: EDGE at Four Seasons will be rolling out a deluxe gourmet pancake menu on March 1. You heard it here first. S'Mores pancakes, lemon ricotta pancakes, Hazelnut-Raspberry pancakes.... breakfast is now better than ever!

 

- Did you know Chef Simon Purvis of EDGE hails from Portsmouth, England? This Brit had quite the adventure before landing in the Mile High City. Read more about Chef Simon here.

 

edgerestaurantdenver.com

1111 14th Street, Denver, CO 80202, PH: 303.389.3343

Breakfast: Monday-Friday 6:30-10:30am

Saturday-Sunday 6:30am-2pm

Lunch: Daily 11:00am-2:30pm

Dinner: Daily 5:00-10pm

 

Wood-Grilled Steaks · 200 Wines by the Bottle · 50 Wines by the Glass

Sundays: Family Night with Special Prix-Fixe Menu and Entertainment for Children · Prix-Fixe Menu for Theatre and Sports Attendees

 
Bon Appétit!                                                                                   
 
Pura Vida member Jeff Suskin is the publisher of DiningOut Magazine, The Great Restaurants of Denver and Boulder, as well as 12 other editions in various cities around the United States.

Restaurant questions? Email Jeff at jeffsuskin@diningout.com.
He'll help you make a great dining decision.
Brent's Place Story

lucasBack at Brent's Place! That's right. Our two adorable nine month old boys, Lucas and Avan, are back and they are our heroes!

avan and lucas

We introduced you to them last month as they were both in Children's Hospital receiving bone marrow transplants.

After 44 days in the hospital, both transplants were successful and both boys have returned to Brent's Place to recover. 

 

How can you help these boys and their families?

brent's place

By participating in the PUR-A-THLON, you can help Lucas and

Avan continue on their road to recovery. Put your pure energy into one, two, three or a full day of classes of Ballet, Indo-Row, Spin, willpower and grace, Yoga and Zumba.

 

Class schedules and instructors will be announced soon, so mark your calendars now for June 10, 2011. Do not miss the Pura Vida PUR-A-THLON - help all the Brent's Place kids with cancer and their families return home.