A friend of mine recently connected me with Heather Holland, the local founder of Upswell wellness club. I’ve driven by the Central Park location a million times—it’s just one block from the Stanley Marketplace in Aurora (see the Stanley logo in the background in the video?)—but I hadn’t investigated it further till now. It looked like a big national brand to me because of it’s sharp design and brand, but I learned it’s locally owned!
It’s kind of a part gym and part spa—but with a unique focus on active recovery. “You need to recover as hard as you grind,” Heather says. “We would argue that most people aren’t necessarily overtraining or overworking, but they are under-recovering.” I think this is very true in Central Park, everyone seems to be hustling, maybe even exercising hard, but not really focusing on recovery.
At Upswell, they ask clients, what energy are you hoping to leave here with today? And they will direct you to the treatments or classes that will get you there, whether that’s one of their yoga or mat Pilates classes or one of their many recovery modalities, including infrared and traditional saunas, a hot soak, cold plunges, compression, and more. You can book ahead if you know exactly what you want to do, or stop in and work with what’s available; some people make a day of it, others pop in for a quick session on their lunch break. (I love that they have showers too so if you need to get cleaned up to go back to work or appointments you can do that after your visit!)
Heather noted that her members also told her it makes a great “third place”—a place to meet and socialize—and love that there’s a place to hang out that doesn’t revolve around caffeine or alcohol. There is a trend of more and more people desiring socializing that is not focused around alcohol. If that makes you say “hey, that’s me!” this could be a place and a community for you to lean into.
Upswell offers monthly memberships and punch pass cards. Access is easy and with the membership, it’s unlimited!
The club opened here just over a year ago and Heather is in the process now of recalibrating the business to fit Central Park’s needs even better. So right now, things look a little limited as far as hours and classes, but that’s going to change the first week of January. Gift cards would make great holiday presents if you have anyone on the list that is more about experiences and wellness, rather than more “things!” Check back soon for full hours, monthly memberships, and a schedule of yoga and mat Pilates classes.
We love to support local businesses—check out Upswell at 2271 Clinton St. in Aurora just South of Stanley Marketplace if “recovery” sounds like something you need in your life.
To see more of the space check out this Youtube video tour with myself and owner Heather Holland:
