Perhaps you need to spice up your traditional vinyasa practice. Or maybe you have visitors in town and need something that makes them say, “You signed us up for what?”
Either way, Denver’s latest yoga offerings deliver. Here are ten of the most remarkable:
Puppy Yoga
910 Santa Fe Drive
The idea of practicing yoga (and trying to be calm) amidst ten puppies barking, squealing and scurrying has got to be some kind of metaphor for life. Read: it’s not easy. Every Saturday and Sunday inside a Santa Fe art studio, Puppies & Yoga offers 45 minutes of all-level flow yoga, as puppies frolic about, followed by 30 minutes of cuddles, pictures and playtime. At $69 per ticket, it’s not the type of yoga class you’ll be taking every week. And let’s be real, it’s just an excuse to hang out with adorable dogs. Each weekend features a different breed. Like the thrill of anticipating when your favorite artist’s concert tickets will go on sale, the breed announcement is equally intoxicating. Golden retriever puppy yoga? You just hit the jackpot. Corgi puppy yoga? Yup, we’re listening. Remember, these are puppies who aren’t potty trained, so popping a squat on your yoga mat is not out of the question, but the handlers will quickly come by to clean it. If that grosses you out, puppy yoga may not be for you. Also of note: these are not rescue pups; they come from a breeder, which may be a dealbreaker for some.
Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga
Multiple locations
First yoga class? Do not recommend. Balancing precariously on a small platform is not for the faint of heart. However, if you’re comfortable with a downward dog and eagle pose, SUP yoga is a great way to take your practice to the next level. Because the water makes everything unstable, your core strength is in for a real treat. And here in Denver, we’re surrounded by SUP yoga options less than 30 minutes away. On Sunday mornings from now until September 1, try your hand at the sunrise class on Evergreen Lake. You can also take a class on Big Soda Lake. Heck, even Cherry Creek Reservoir is in on the fun. With no shortage of options and the panicked thrill of not knowing if you’re going to fall in the water, SUP yoga is a bucket list activity worth checking off.
Guided by Humanity
Multiple locations
With locations in both Englewood and Littleton, this inclusive studio makes yoga accessible for everyone, regardless of ability. While it began as a place for people with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities, today it offers yoga for anyone, including classes that are literally called “Yoga for Everybody” and “All Abilities Yoga.” Whether you have mobility restrictions, balance issues, require the assistance of a chair, or traditional yoga studios simply don’t work — Guided by Humanity has a class that will meet your needs. There’s even a class specifically designed for older adults that helps relieve pain, stress and feelings of isolation.
18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison
The most well-known unique yoga experience in Denver has to be Yoga on the Rocks, but we’d be remiss not to include it on this list. The best and worst part is that the class starts at 7 a.m. When your alarm goes off and you remember it’s the weekend, you’ll definitely be questioning your life choices. However, the cruel alarm clock will be forgiven when you get that first glimpse of the mountains and that crazy view that we Denverites sometimes take for granted. It’s hard to explain, but there’s something downright magical about seeing hundreds of yogis all facing west in warrior two with the mountains smiling back. Yes, tickets are hard to come by, but splurging once a year is worth the price for the feeling of community and reverence for this beautiful landscape we get to call home.
Canopy Yoga
2525 15th Avenue
You may have seen the studio featured on TikTok for its beautiful aesthetic. The most popular colors in this studio are white and soft beige, which immediately evoke a sense of calm. The entire place is like one big deep breath. While the classes themselves are traditional in nature — vinyasa and yin — what makes this studio unique is the space itself. Upon arrival, you’ll be asked if you’d like to put in a smoothie order (the answer is yes) at the smoothie bar so that your drink will be waiting as soon as class ends. The studio is stunning: wood floors, soft colors, and the best part is a clear ceiling which lets in natural light. While you might get a workout, the real win is the studio’s ability to help you relax and recharge. Namaste.
4910 Iris Street, Wheat Ridge
When you arrive in this small, nondescript industrial park, you’ll think Google Maps has led you astray. The joeys are driven to the studio from their home on the ranch a few miles away (apparently, they love the ride and fall asleep like soothed toddlers). This newly opened spot offers a one-hour experience that begins with thirty minutes of easy yoga as two baby kangaroos hop from one yoga mat to the next. The handler will sprinkle food at the top of the yoga mat to encourage interaction; pets are happily accepted. For the second half of class, the kangaroos jump headfirst into the handler’s pouches — reminiscent of a Trader Joe’s sack — and participants take turns holding them like a baby while conducting a photo shoot. Be aware: at $85 per person, it’s probably the most expensive yoga class you’ll ever attend. The mats are provided, as these feisty little dudes may want to take a bite out of one. And remember, these animals are not housetrained — they may gift you with a few poop nuggets (which the handler quickly scoops up). It’s worth noting this is not a rescue or an animal sanctuary; Kangaroo Ranch is a for-profit company specializing in unique, hands-on animal encounters.
Nude Yoga at Sexploratorium
1800 South Broadway
The world’s only educational sex museum is right here in Denver. Sexploratorium offers yoga, belly dance, burlesque, pole and drag performing classes as a form of exercise and expression. Founder Fawn O’Breitzman, who has taught about human sexuality at the college level for the last twenty years, believes in promoting body acceptance by baring all — which is why most yoga classes offered are clothing optional (exception: Snuggly Partner Yoga, which aims to increase intimacy through breathwork and gentle poses with a partner, or multiple partners). Strip down to your birthday suit in classes like Tantric Yoga, All Gender Nude Yoga, FemYoga and Dude Nude Yoga. Sexploratorium invites those who do not fall into the traditional gender binary to attend any classes. “When you are naked in front of others, there is no way to hide things about your body that you might not like or even hate,” O’Breitzman says. “We have very few opportunities to experience nudity in today's culture. We don't get a chance to see other people's bodies outside of sexually oriented materials, which gives us a very skewed view of what ‘normal’ really is. We want to celebrate the body in all sizes, shapes and abilities.”
6252 West 104th Avenue, Westminster
This yoga experience is magical. Surrounded by greenery, plants, trees — and of course, butterflies — immerse yourself inside the peaceful cocoon (pun intended) of the rainforest pavilion. Many of us haven’t given much thought to butterflies since elementary school; this class is a reminder that we take these majestic creatures for granted. Transforming from gross furry worms to colorful flying stunners in less than two weeks? Sounds made up. The yoga is gentle, with plenty of poses perfect for absorbing your surroundings. Keep your eyes open during shavasana so you can truly appreciate the beauty fluttering above you. Butterflies love bright colors, so don’t be surprised if they land on your yoga mat and hang out for a while.
Emo Yoga at Creepatorium
1974 South Acoma Street
Dubbed as “an alternative venue for weirdos, by weirdos,” the Creepatorium hosts alternative events for the strange and unusual: including a monthly emo yoga series, “Sugar We’re Flowin’ Down.” The Creepatorium’s mission is to provide a safe, accessible and inclusive space for the horror, alt, and queer communities. The venue includes a small gift store and a coffee shop called “Scr3am and Sugar." The class itself isn’t too different from a traditional yoga class, if you count the fact that Screamo music is playing softly in the background as you find a gentle twist.
39 East Florida Avenue
Once a month, this Platt Park cat café hosts an easygoing yoga class that’s great for all abilities. But let’s be honest: you’re not really here for the workout, are you? Come with an open mind knowing cats will be cats. Sometimes, the adoptable felines will crawl all over your mat or adorably lay on your back during child’s pose. Other times, they will find a cozy perch by the window while giving your downward dog some serious side-eye. Because the café focuses on cats who may have a harder time finding a home, you’ll be working out alongside shy, older, under-socialized cats or bonded pairs needing to be adopted together. Stay for post-class kitty snuggles, complimentary coffee and tea, or peruse the cat-themed merchandise.
