#FPLetsMove: Enter Your Fitness Studio for a Chance To Be Selected for a Free People Takeover!

Our #FPLetsMove events have brought us to some pretty incredible places and taught us to move in ways we didn’t even know were possible.

from a day of Lithe in Philly to an evening of yoga in NYC, SUP yoga in SO Cal to cycling in Vancouver, dance in Sydney, cardio in London… but, we know that these cities are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to healthy living — bodies and minds are being nurtured all over the world and across the country!

That’s why we’re giving you the chance to pitch your fitness studio to be selected for a full Free People #FPLetsMove takeover! Whether you’re pumped on your yoga studio in Portland, crossfitting in Colorado, dancing in the desert, or indoor surfing in South Dakota, we want to know why your studio — whether it’s one you own or simply attend and love — deserves the full Free People treatment. Learn how to enter below:

To Submit:

  • In the comments, pitch us your studio in no more than two paragraphs. Tell us why you love it, why it’s important to you, how it fits in the community, and most importantly, why it deserves an FP takeover. We want to know anything and everything that sets it apart!
  • Leave the studio name and a link to its website within your comment and be sure to provide your email address in the form so that we can easily contact you should you be selected.
  • A studio will be selected by a Free People committee and notified via email.

Open to US residents only

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8 years ago

I want to nominate Ballet Hawaii!! Located in Honolulu, the most unique aspect of the school is the diversity in cultures and backgrounds of the Hawaiian students!!! I also love how Ballet Hawaii accommodates the toddler who is in their first pair of ballet shoes all the way to the adult who wants to embody the ballerina they always knew they were. I feel so fortunate to be on their staff!! We deserve a Free people takeover because I feel that Ballet Hawaii exemplifies the diversity, magic, and passion that is Free People!! Please come visit us and witness the magic of the dream makers that is Ballet Hawaii!!!
http://www.ballethawaii.org

8 years ago

What a fabulous project! Can’t wait to see who you choose :)

Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com

8 years ago

I nominate Hosh Yoga! Hosh is a health and wellness non-profit based in Brooklyn, New York, committed to making people’s lives better by healing bodies and minds through movement. Hosh’s mission is to make health and wellness a right of life rather than a luxury. Over 17,000 yoga students come to their NY and VT studios every year and over 30 outreach programs reach over 4,500 people every month with a team of over 60 staff and volunteers.

Hosh’s suggested donations and sustaining membership studios allow our outreach programs to cost significantly less to schools, senior centers, and underserved communities that need it most and can afford it least. This allows Hosh programs to make universal health and wellness accessible to all. Hosh Kids gives over 3,000 children in NYC the opportunity to participate in enrichment and yoga programs at an early age addressing their health, wellness, and academics needs. Hosh Seniors will offer training and programs to senior citizens in communities all over NYC and beyond.

8 years ago

I nominate Hosh Yoga! Hosh is a health and wellness non-profit based in Brooklyn, New York, committed to making people’s lives better by healing bodies and minds through movement. Hosh’s mission is to make health and wellness a right of life rather than a luxury. Over 17,000 yoga students come to their NY and VT studios every year and over 30 outreach programs reach over 4,500 people every month with a team of over 60 staff and volunteers.

Hosh’s suggested donations and sustaining membership studios allow our outreach programs to cost significantly less to schools, senior centers, and underserved communities that need it most and can afford it least. This allows Hosh programs to make universal health and wellness accessible to all. Hosh Kids gives over 3,000 children in NYC the opportunity to participate in enrichment and yoga programs at an early age addressing their health, wellness, and academics needs. Hosh Seniors will offer training and programs to senior citizens in communities all over NYC and beyond.

http://www.hoshyoga.org

8 years ago

I believe it would be more than lovely if the dance studio I attend, The Dance Collective, could have an FP takeover. The Dance Collective is a sweet, little studio hidden beside a carpet shop. Though, if you happen to drive by and peek into the studio windows, you’ll catch a glimpse of passionate dancers leaping, stretching and embracing each movement as a gift they share with each other. The teachers are incredibly wonderful, for they teach contemporary to hip hop to ballet while maintaining a positive attitude. Really, they want to help their students be the best dancers they can be and make sure everyone has fun. They’re also super affordable and have a variety of age groups for each class, which gives everyone a chance to participate.

That is all so important to me because they allowed me to start dancing despite the fact that I’m 15…which could be considered very late for ballet. They all treat me with such kindness and there’s nothing better than being surrounded by gentle souls who share your love. All the teachers, including the ones that don’t teach me but have seen me dance, encourage me to stay on my toes, for dance is a lifestyle, and a good one too. I believe they are free spirits, and that is why they deserve a FP takeover. They embody the peace and healthy spirit as dancers, but don’t mind taking a risk every now and then. They accept mistakes and allow their students to learn from each step, making us wiser beings. The Dance Collective is an admirable star in the night sky to me, much like Free People, which is why I believe it would be amazing if they were selected for a FP takeover.

http://thedancecollectivect.com/

Melissa
8 years ago

I nominate Dailey Method – Chicago Bucktown location!

I have been going there for over a year now, and it is literally the only place I have gone to exercise and stuck with it. Normally I’ll go to a place and be over it in a week or so, but honestly, they mix up the routines all the time so it never feels boring, and the instructors are all so POSITIVE and kind, you never feel judged by going there and not being “the best”. They combine barre, cardio, yoga, and pilates in all their routines, and I just love it so much. It’s honestly the instructors that keep me going back too — I’ve never had a negative experience. Emily B is probably my favorite there.

I struggle at times with anxiety and they always say that exercise helps and I was always like “yeah yeah yeah” but it’s true! The Dailey Method has helped me a ton, and I see results and I’m fit and happy with my body. It’s not about being skinny, it’s about being strong, and when I go to class I always feel so positive about going and happy I went. It would be so great if Free People took over for a day!

Melissa
8 years ago

Oh and I forgot the link to their website: http://www.thedaileymethod.com/studios/chicago-bucktown/overview/

:)

Jessica
8 years ago

I nominate the amazing teachers at New Orleans Dancing Grounds. This is a studio that truly serves it’s by water community by providing transformative powers of dance. I can’t say enough good things about this team. I hope you check out their studio
http://dancingrounds.org

8 years ago

Studio One Yoga
http://www.studiooneyoga.com

I nominate Studio One Yoga located along the St.Croix River in the small historic town of Stillwater, Minnesota. I park my car along Main Street and grab my yoga mat. Heading towards the studio my energy begins to shift immediately and I know that in this moment I made the choice to come to my mat to nourish my mind body and soul.. I learn something new at Studio One each and every time I go which is one of the reasons I adore this studio. No matter what I always carry home with me a beautiful message and sense of peace within myself. Importantly, this studio has helped me make leaps forward towards my commitment to my spirituality. The classes are taught by compassionate and unique teachers who always instill in us a beautiful knowledge of what it means to practice yoga and what it means to be a part of this world. An array of classes are available ranging from yoga sculpt classes, to candlelight yoga with the use of essential oils to a 60 minute hot yoga class and simply put, this studio has changed my life.

How does Studio One fit in with the community? I think it compliments the little town I live in perfectly. The town is full of wholesome, old souls and I think many people often look outside of their home in search of peace with the idea they need to leave or move to a big city in order to find it. Studio One has helped me appreciate my roots and where I come from and reminds us all that home is where you can always find yourself again. It fits in the community to remind us all that peace can be practiced in even the smallest of towns, places that others don’t know exist. Studio One deserves a FP takeover because these teachers pour their soul into helping each and one of us fellow yogis and I just feel they would be ecstatic to be recognized.

Thank you for listening:)

-Madeline
email: Madel_segg@yahoo.com

8 years ago

Great contest! :) Good luck to all the nominees!

8 years ago

I would love to nominate My Yoga Connection from Gainesville, Florida. Located in a college town, this unique yoga studio is in an old recording studio, with great acoustics and beautiful woodwork. My Yoga Connection strives to give you something amazing when you leave and an experience to remember. They support an Eco-friendly environment using Pthalate-free yoga mats and props, and reward yogi’s who walk, bike, or skateboard to class. I have never been to a studio with such an amazing atmosphere and such a welcoming family. “Yoga Connection came to me at a class with world renowned Yoga teacher, Shiva Rea. She had about 50 of us, from all over the world, gathered on the floor in a circle. We started the class with a few boisterous Ohms. After warming up our vocal cords, Shiva then had us touch the person to our right on the center of the back over the heart space and continue our Ohms. The “ohm energy” vibrated into my hands, and throughout my WHOLE being. The compassion in the room was something from a Divine source. The moment in which each of our unique entities connected to one another is a moment in time that will always be with me. I feel that the whole world should be able to experience this connected feeling. Thus the creation of our Yoga studio, “My Yoga Connection” began.”

My Yoga Connection continues to provide new options and is incorporating Ariel yoga with silks into their practice. Every instructor has their own style and each class is never the same. My Yoga Connection deserves a FP takeover because this studio has the potential to inspire so many people just like it has me. This studio has opened many doors in my life and has allowed my connection to yoga and health to blossom.

“Live, Breathe, Connect.”

8 years ago

PHYSIQA in Piedmont, CA deserves a FP Takeover! PHYSIQA is a pilates, barre, and soon to be dance boutique studio. We also provide foam rolling classes by a massage therapist and a class called Posture IQ with which each client gets an individual assessment on their posture and learn techniques that are unique to their posture type to allow them more efficient muscle recruitment and proper alignment. The fusion class, barrelates, of pilates and barre keeps clients safe, as all the instructors care about posture.
Finally, this studio is fun and unique! The classes are always evolving, no one class is ever the same. Physiqa instructors range from yoga, pilates, and dance backgrounds. The owner, Annabel Castaldo has been teaching pilates and barre over 17 years and she is fabulous and hilarious, she also really cares about her clients and it shows. I’m a huge free people fan, more people need to discover this gem of a studio in Oakland. We harp on inner outer fines, not one size fits all. Love your bones!

8 years ago

I nominate my happy place: Diva Den Studio in Portland, Oregon. Diva Den’s website will tell you that it’s a “boutique dance and fitness facility that was created for women by women.” It’s so much more than that. Diva Den makes you feel alive and so happy to be a woman. There are classes for everyone, from Barre and Zumba, to ones with names that are just as much fun as the class itself: Dance Party Hustle, ABS-olutely, Right to BARE Arms, It’s a Groove Thang, etc. These are all just facts, though.

Much like the city of Portland does for its residents, Diva Den creates a genuine pride and happiness for the women who go there. I like to tell people that while I might not necessarily be in the *best shape of my life, Diva Den has absolutely helped me get into my *favorite shape I’ve ever been in. The classes and exercises are geared towards giving you a sexy, feminine figure that you want to flaunt. Every single instructor there shines in her own way, but they all do it with kindness, strength and grace (and maybe a little bit of sass!). Diva Den brings so much joy and happiness to my life, and I’m confident everyone who goes there feels the same way. The studio deserves a FP takeover because like Free People, Diva Den helps women celebrate who they are, in all of the small and special ways that make them who they are. Don’t believe me? Just watch! (See what I did there?) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOSB1hKnOQ8

8 years ago

…and the link to Diva Den Studio’s website is (sorry!)… http://www.divadenstudio.com/

8 years ago

Divinitree Yoga Studio is nestled right between the waves and the forest in the little beach town Santa Cruz, California. This studio is more than just a place to get zen. It is truly a community that spreads its light throughout the town. They offer classes at all hours of the day so there is always an opportunity to sink into some yoga even amidst a busy day. The teachers are amazing, openhearted people who put their souls into each and every class they teach. They are special in all of their unique ways from the one who makes ridiculous commentary so you can get a good laugh in as you flow through vinyasa to the ones who help you feel nurtured and loved with their grounding adjustments and touches. Every class is a complete surprise: sometimes we yogis are serenaded by a live dj or with sound healing bells and other times by a tibetan singing bowl. The more you go the more you want to show up and get to know genuine people who are devoted to their practice. This studio is about yoga but it is also about so much more.
http://divinitree.com/

8 years ago

First and foremost, TITLE isn’t just a gym – it’s a family. When members join, they’re instantly welcome into to the TITLE Nashville family. The entire staff strives to make everyone feel welcome and to make everyone feel they can do the workout. Don’t get me wrong, the workout is super intense, but it’s in such a great environment that our family is so diverse – from the most in shape people you’ve ever seen to people who have never worked out a day in their life. Everyone has different goals and TITLE is great about encouraging everyone and helping everyone work towards their respective goals. The owner also has this ridiculous alter ago named Clark that makes classic first timer mistakes and is more embarrassing than any new person could ver be. Clark stars in a series of videos that are laughable while also super motivating for new members.

While TITLE Boxing Club may be a franchise, TITLE Nashville has worked to make it feel like a unique Nashville gym. The manager started an initiative called “BOX NASH” and made customized shirts and social media campaigns that emphasized the Nashville pride that each and every one of their members has. Seeing how proud everyone is to sport a BOX NASH tank is one of the coolest things I’ve seen. Each member really is so proud of being part of the TITLE Nashville family and proud of what that means… especially because Nashville Guru just ranked TITLE Nashville the best workout in Nashville :)

https://www.facebook.com/TitleBoxingNashville

8 years ago

I am nominating Sweat Yoga in the heart of Santa Monica, CA for your FP takeover. This is by far the most pristine studio I’ve ever taught and practiced in. It is brand new and has been created with meticulous attention to detail. The studio is music and passion driven and strives to empower its students to find their own yoga path and be creative with their flows and most of all to HAVE FUN!
Not only is the practice space well thought out, with its high ceilings, inspiring sound system and machines that move the air around the room, it is also a carbon neutral studio! We support Terrapass, carbon offset company that helps reforest once living forests, and aids in installing solar power panels all over the world. At Sweat we offer the ultimate, luxurious and Eco friendly experience that is sure to leave you with a full body work out and a full mind & soul work “in.”
Thank you for your consideration!! Learn more about our amazing studio at Sweat-Yoga.com

Thank you! Best, Miki Ash @mikiashyoga

8 years ago

Thank yoga is an experience. It is community. It is raw and real. It is a place where people go to practice yoga and realize their lives are quickly changing in ways they never thought possible.

I opened the studio on my own just three years ago, and have watched it, along with the community grow in ways that continue to blow my mind.

All I can do is share my vision in hopes that it lands with some people…and I guess it is.

@thankyoga
Xo
Josie

8 years ago

My name is Erin, and I design upcycled clothing in Portland Or. I work in a tiny room in the house my husband and I own with next to no space to create.. I am extremely passionate about safeguarding the earth, and that plays into what I create. Americans send 105 million tons of discarded clothing to landfills every year. That is why I know that there is life in something old, and I can lovingly turn it into something new.

As a small business owner, and creator of handmade items I would love to have the opportunity to have a beautiful sanctuary to create in. Help me turn my “old” space into “new, and to continue to reduce, reuse and upcycle.

8 years ago

I nominate the best studio in Park City, Utah, Yoga Kula Project! Like the name says it, it’s about the community! Trudee, the owner is one of the best and most generous humans I ever met! A small and beautiful studio, Yoga Kula Project brought me back to Yoga, after a back injury, were I couldn’t teach or practice for almost a year, I came back to my practice at this studio, were each instructor took care of myself in a very healing and supporting way! In this studio I grew as a student, I learned to be a teacher, I met amazing souls that till this day I call friends! Inspired place that can defenitly have fun with the FP Crew taking over

8 years ago

I nominate Buddha B Yoga! What better area than our nation’s Capitol to have a compassionate and welcoming space to further your yoga practice! I love buddha b because it not only welcomes any person of age, gender, and race–but also makes you feel as if you have belonged all along. Washington DC is such a transient city. Everyone is busy, everyone has just arrived or is about to leave. Everyone has a story, everyone is walking the path of their own journey. I feel at Buddha B, for just that one hour so of asanas and breathing, our paths intersect. No matter the distance traveled or the journey ahead, we come together to understand the unifying human experience that inhibits each and every one of us. I think Free People should come to Buddha B for a takeover, not only because the people of DC deserve it, but because Free People are just as much of a part of this unifying experience as anyone else! There would be no better place than Buddha B to share it! I have found my time at Buddha B to be inspiring and enlightening, and I know you will too!

8 years ago

I would like to nominate Bend Chicago A hybrid studio that has such a variety of classes. Classes that you’ve never taken before, Dance Bootcamp, Cheerobix, Yogalates, Housercize, And much more. This studio is so special. Everyone is welcome and in such a big city it has such a tight community. This studio should be in the top to be considered.
I believe that my students as much as me would be honored to have free people takeover in Bend. We want to share why Bend is such a special space that hold classes that are not just fun, but an incredible workout. I guarantee the faster hour of fitness you have ever experienced.

8 years ago

The studio that I believe needs the biggest makeover is one that hasn’t been created. It is now just an imagination. In the year 2050, an estimated 1 and 25 people will be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This new population will need highly skilled and passionate teachers.
The Jordan Weber Yoga Studio serves all ends of the spectrum and teaches all learners and ability levels. This vision for inclusion will help alleviate the stress put on populations that are rarely recognized or introduced to new therapies. Yoga for autism spectrum disorders needs to be at the forefront of studio making, I have the vision, goals and expertise to make this happen.

8 years ago

Global Breath Studio
Durham, NC
http://www.globalbreath.org/

Global Breath Studio is a quite unique little space in the bustling historic tobacco district in the gentrified city of Durham, North Carolina. The studio itself was remodeled with sustainably sourced materials and doubles as a working and living space for co-owners Bart and Nina. Classes and workshops offered here are donation based, as to be made accessible to all community members. The opportunities and resources that are offered here are just as unique as the space creating a community in of itself. Theres a weekly meditation, as well as creative monthly workshops, including tarot & tea, Alexander technique, creative movement/body awareness, and mindfulness workshops as well as yoga teacher training programs that attract not only yogis but a collective group of individuals from all across the community. Along with all the great things happening in the studio, LiveGlobally, a nonprofit founded by the studio’s owners, extends that greatness into the surrounding community and worldwide. This charitable and educational organization is committed to promoting sustainable inter-connectedness. Some projects include a women’s prison yoga program, Ingrid school in Kenya, orphaned elephants, educational laptops, and other fundraisers supporting local musicians.

Mind body centering yoga is the empowering practice that is shared at global breath. This inviting therapeutic practice enables individuals to access their true potential and find their personal sanctity. Global Breath Studio is deserving of a Free People take over because their mission is to do exactly that, free people, into liberation of the mind and total enjoyment in the present moment. One thing everyone finds upon entering the studio is balance, authentic expression, and peace. The authentic, unique, and inspiring organization of Free People mirrors the vision of Global Breath and LiveGlobally and would be excited to share in a Free People takeover to help this small business!

8 years ago

I nominate Bird Rock Yoga in San Diego! We offer yoga for all levels, community meditation, and paddle board yoga every week! We are dedicated to giving everyone an opportunity to practice yoga through donation based community classes. Bird Rock has some of the most wonderful teachers in San Diego and has created an environment filled with compassion and connection. I know that FP would absolutely love taking over BRY because it is such a positive and inspiring place.
http://www.bestyogasandiego.com