In a fast-paced world where stress is a big part of daily life, more and more people are looking for ways to escape the noise, reset and recharge.
That thought inspired Candice Bruder, Pure Sweat Studioa community-focused retreat for health, healing, and soul connection. And with the opening of her new studio, Pure Sweat Sauna Studio, the Gulch, everyone can find peace and restoration with wellness offerings like infrared saunas and contrast therapy sessions.
Bruder founded the company in 2017 and opened Pure Sweat + Float Studio in Belle Meade to introduce the health benefits of infrared saunas and the floating experience to Music City. Instant success led to Pure Sweat Studios being franchised in 2018 and has now grown to 20 locations nationwide. Pure Sweat Sauna Studio, the Gulch marks Bruder’s third Nashville-owned location, joining the Belle Meade studio and 12 South sauna studio.
“My inspiration and vision, which remains true to this day, was to create a healing retreat where people can rest, restore and get well. I believe in timeless wellness practices like saunas, soaks in mineral-rich waters and cold baths, but beyond the rich benefits of the services we provide, I know that at the heart of what we offer is a space for health, healing and inner connection. Contributing to the health of my community is one of the greatest joys and honors of my life. Just as my clients are on their health journey, so am I,” says Bruder.
In addition to standalone infrared sauna sessions, the new Gulch studio sets itself apart by offering contrast therapy, a wellness and recovery experience that alternates between hot and cold temperatures with Sunlighten’s full-spectrum infrared sauna and BlueCube’s cold plunge. Clients are guided through a circuit program that suggests how to alternate between hot and cold therapy during each 60-minute session. Chromotherapy, breathing exercises and sound therapy round out the experience.
While the idea of jumping into a cold water bath before or after a sauna may seem odd, the health benefits and spiritual empowerment of the experience are undoubtedly worth it, which is why many people have made it a part of their lifestyle.
“The great thing about contrast therapy is that it’s so universal and so needed now more than ever,” Bruder explains. “The interplay of hot and cold creates dynamics that fluctuate core temperature and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Benefits include deep detoxification, immune boost, pain relief, weight loss and mood enhancement. If you’re new to it, you’ll struggle with the cold, which is the purpose of cold baths. They teach you to focus, rejuvenate your inner self and persevere through challenges. We set the temperature at a moderate 52 degrees and can adjust the water flow to enhance the cooling effect. Ironically, no one fears the cold as much as I do. But now with more practice, I’ve come to find it invigorating and I’m feeling the benefits of cold baths outside of the studio as well.”
Whether you’re new to the term wellness or already lead an active lifestyle, contrast therapy can benefit everyone, and the studio’s tranquil environment encourages everyone to take the plunge — literally and figuratively. The Gulch Studio is home to gorgeous contrast therapy suites that can be booked alone, with a partner, or in a small group of three or four (perfect for lifting each other up!). Every detail has been thought of to make the space feel soothing and invigorating. In addition to infrared saunas and cold plunges, suites also feature showers stocked with pampering products at the end of your stay, plush towels, customizable lighting, and design details to invigorate every nook and cranny.
“I love the contrast therapy suite, its rich, enveloping environment designed to invite inward immersion, just as a cold bath teaches you. At the door is a dream catcher designed especially for me by an intuitive healer. It’s made from leather, crystals and feathers from Japan. It’s my way of blessing goodness to all who visit and supporting them to tap into their power,” says Bruder.
Personal touches and attention to detail are present throughout the studio. When you arrive at the studio, you’ll be greeted by a friendly, knowledgeable team member who will guide you through the process. You’ll also receive plenty of fluids, electrolytes, and supplements to enhance your experience and maximize your health benefits. We also stock a wide selection of carefully selected wellness products. Whatever your health goals, the team is here to help you find the products that are best for you and your practice. At the end of the day, Pure Sweat Studios’ main goal is to help you find your practice, feel your best, and live a healthy life.
“My hope is that people will discover the incredible light, strength and joy that can come from practicing wellness. Things are different these days and the way we detox and destress has to be proactive, not just reactive,” Bruder says. “One of our mottos is, ‘If you feel good, life is good,’ and it’s so simple and true. And when you take care of yourself, it creates a beautiful domino effect that directly correlates to taking care of your community. We’re so excited to be able to create this kind of impact both locally and collectively in Nashville and across the country.”
(812 Division St., 615- 788-7838; puresweatstudios.com/gulch-tennessee)
