In our ongoing "Inside the Gym" series, we're highlighting gyms that are not just revolutionizing fitness but are also shaping the well-being of their community members. Today, we're exploring Vivify Hot Yoga, a unique hot yoga studio nestled in the heart of New Mexico, founded by Lisa and Sean Kehoe.

The Journey of Fitness Enthusiasts
Lisa and Sean Kehoe, the founders of Vivify Hot Yoga, were not industry professionals but fitness enthusiasts when they embarked on this journey. With a love for gym workouts, CrossFit, hiking, and snowboarding, the couple fell in love with yoga in 2012. Their passion led them to open Vivify Hot Yoga in 2015, basing their business on the perspective of students rather than instructors, a unique approach in New Mexico's yoga scene.

The Birth of Vivify Hot Yoga
Vivify Hot Yoga emerged not from a long-held dream of owning a yoga studio, but a spontaneous conversation during a hike. Their unique student-centric mentality, coupled with the inspiring instructors they hired, laid the groundwork for Vivify Hot Yoga's supportive and fun environment. Lisa and Sean later became instructors themselves, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere they'd created.

Fitness Philosophy: Show Up and Love Yourself
Vivify's philosophy is refreshingly simple: show up, and love and accept yourself as you are. This philosophy drives the club's services, emphasizing self-care and mental clarity. In doing so, the fitness results come naturally, a beautiful side effect of rewarding oneself with movement, stillness, and love.

Healing Through Yoga
Among the many inspiring stories at Vivify Hot Yoga, one student's journey encapsulates the transformative power of yoga. Initially joining due to the club's teacher and first responder discount, the student had osteoporosis and was awaiting a hip replacement. However, after increasing her yoga practice from once a week to almost daily, her health improved so much that she no longer needed the surgery. Now an advanced yogi, she continues her practice, free from the shadow of surgery.

Overcoming Challenges
Establishing Vivify Hot Yoga was not without its hurdles, the most significant being a lack of support from financial institutions due to the founders not being yoga teachers. However, Lisa and Sean bet on themselves, with Sean even cashing in his retirement to fund the studio. Their belief in their vision was unshakeable, and their dedication paid off.

Navigating Fitness Trends and Social Media
In the ever-evolving fitness landscape, social media has a powerful influence, often perpetuating unrealistic expectations. Lisa and Sean believe in honesty and integrity, guiding their students individually and encouraging them to focus on their personal journey, not to compare themselves with others.

Advice for Fitness Newcomers
For anyone contemplating starting their fitness journey, Lisa and Sean's advice is to start now and show up. They emphasize the importance of patience, enjoying the journey, and choosing an enjoyable and welcoming environment. At Vivify, everyone is understood, supported, and welcomed, no matter where they are in their journey.

Lisa and Sean Kehoe's Vivify Hot Yoga is more than a hot yoga studio – it's a community of individuals supporting one another on their wellness journeys. If you're looking for a place to enjoy the process of becoming fit, where you'll be welcomed warmly and guided mindfully, Vivify Hot Yoga could be your next fitness home.