I’m a yoga junkie. It’s safe to say that this personal practice has changed my life for the better—both mentally and physically. As a practitioner of 8 years, I began my journey back in high school as a shy 18-year-old. It wasn’t until I moved to Boulder, Colorado for college that my yoga journey really evolved, taking me completely out of my shell, all thanks to the plethora of studios scattered across town. With its free-spirited hippie past, Boulder is a renowned haven for yoga. You can’t throw a stone down the street without hitting a practitioner or instructor; seriously, it’s that popular! From Vinyasa Flow and Ashtanga to Kundalini and Hatha, yoga is engrained into this town’s cultural identity. You’ll never find a shortage of amazing classes. There’s always something to choose from. Whether you are new or seasoned, below are 3 Boulder-based yoga studios that I highly recommend.

1. The Little Yoga Studio

Tucked between McGuckin Hardware and Sprouts Farmers Market along Folsom Street lies a hidden gem. This studio is my home base; it’s the first studio I went to in Boulder when my practice was in its infancy. It has since evolved to become my most frequented. There’s a reason why, of course. Petite in size (hence the name), this single-room studio is tight-knit in the community. Quick to recognize faces, the instructors know me on a deeper level beyond name memorization, asking me about my plans for school, or how my injury-recovery process is coming along. They truly make an effort to form strong connections with each of their students, including the owners. Founded by Amy Benton and currently owned by Kelly Elle Kenworthy, The Little Yoga Studio is unique in that it operates solely off drop-in classes and 10 class punch passes—all at the most affordable price…$10.00 per class! If that’s not a deal, then I don’t know what is! In addition to all-levels Vinyasa (among several other styles), the studio also offers vigorous heated classes for those of you that really want to get your sweat on (I highly recommend Alex Berger’s Vinyasa 2 Warm class on Saturdays at 8:30 AM). No matter which class you take, I’m betting you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated. And if you’re a morning person like me, the best way to top off your practice here is by grabbing a refreshing latte outside the studio at Brewing Market Coffee next door.

2. Earth Yoga

Another single-room studio that’s worth mentioning 100 percent! Situated further north along Folsom, this yoga studio is the brainchild of Shannon Paige Kenney—who happens to be my instructor—by which I received my 200-hour yoga teacher certification from. I must pay my respect. Shannon is an incredible instructor, and the interior of her studio…absolutely beautiful. If you are looking for a class or teacher training filled with poetic movement and steeped in traditional yoga philosophy, she is number one. Walking into her studio is like walking into a cozy temple. Painted in cool tones and draped in dark curtains, the room is lined with props and mats. On the right-hand wall, flowers and statues of yogic deities guard the practice space. Good vibes are definitely found here! If you’re looking to experience an expansive variety of classes, trainings, and workshops, then Earth Yoga is definitely the place. From tea and cacao ceremonies to sound baths and paddleboard yoga, this studio offers a cornucopia of options. You’ll never get bored with Shannon!

3. Yoga Loft

Last, but certainly not least, Yoga Loft. Perched along Broadway Street on the south end of town, this multiple-room studio is perfect for those who like to hit the mat as early as 6:00AM (I know I do). It’s definitely the ideal spot for early risers, as the west-facing room has an expansive window revealing the picturesque view of Boulder’s Flatirons. Honestly, there is nothing more breathtaking than practicing as the sun rises, making the knife-edge mountains come to life in fiery shades of orange and red. Truly, a meditative experience in and of itself! Walking inside, the studio interior is modern, clean, and brightly lit. What’s especially nice is the material of the studio floor—slightly soft, excellent for those who practice arm balances and headstands. What’s more, the studio offers delightful amenities in their changing rooms, including lockers, towels, and individual showers to soak in after a sweaty practice. If you’re brand new to Yoga Loft and would like to give their classes a try, I highly recommend taking advantage of the introductory offer. For 30 consecutive days you can pay $30.00 and take an unlimited number of classes. This deal is too great to pass up! In addition to group classes, Yoga Loft also offers private instruction, workshops, trainings, and retreats. Considering that it’s incredibly close to the mountains, an ideal combo for me would be early morning yoga and then hiking. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with this incredible studio!

Amanda Cruz Wellness for Wanderers

Amanda Cruz is a freelance writer, editor and certified yoga teacher. Holding a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Colorado at Boulder, her passion for the written word runs deep. Starting out as a prelaw student, her direction eventually unfolded into the realms of health and wellness, through the art of storytelling. An avid lover of adventure, Amanda makes nature her playground, and movement her medicine. Now, as a fulltime freelancer, you’ll find her behind a keyboard crafting content in topics ranging from meditation to circadian rhythm–inquiring and pondering along the way. As an editor, she enjoys adapting to multiple projects and mediums. Need literary guidance on a novel, or thesis development for an academic article? Challenge accepted!

When not glued to her desk or locked to a book, Amanda will be cutting through slopes on her snowboard or traversing up mountains. To view her latest written pieces, visit her at https://www.tuneus.com, where she is a contributing writer and editor for an up-and-coming holistic health organization.