Robyn Nielson is a Utahn with years of experience as a physical education teacher and even longer experience as an entrepreneur. Her latest venture, Unified Hot Yoga & Pilates on Main Street in American Fork, combines those passions.
“As I get older, I want to invest the rest of my life in something that excites me, that I enjoy, that brings good to the community, that brings health to the community, that brings good to the people around me. Just a positive place,” Nielson said.
Nielson has been a dancer her entire life. She danced for the Utah Jazz, taught dance classes, and even owned and operated her own dance studio. Leading group fitness classes was a natural next step for her and she received certifications in Pilates, barre, and most recently yoga.
“I love teaching. It’s my happy place. Especially because I have kids to juggle and manage, and I’m always thinking about their schedules. But when I walk into the classroom, everything just goes away for that hour. I’m just in this happy space of teaching and community,” Nielson said.
Nielson plans to open Unified Hot Yoga in September. The opening day has not yet been set. The facility will offer a variety of yoga and Pilates classes.
Hot fitness classes are a new, somewhat scary venture for many. Nielson is enthusiastic about the benefits of hot fitness, but knows it’s not for everyone. She has created an unheated room for those who are uncomfortable with the increased heat and humidity. The hot class room is heated by infrared panels to 95-105 degrees and 40% humidity; the other room remains at normal temperature and humidity.
“A lot of people were scared to try it, but then they realized the benefits they got afterward; and they felt great. Not only are you sweating, but your body is learning to regulate your temperature,” Nielson said.
According to the Unified Hot Yoga website, the potential benefits of infrared heating include improved circulation, pain relief, relaxation and detoxification.
“I tried it in a studio in Park City where they had infrared panels, and that was a completely different experience. It wasn’t like the heat was pounding on you. I was warm and sweating, but I wasn’t too hot,” Nielson said.
Unified clients have the option to purchase an annual or monthly membership, a stamp card, or a single class. New students can even purchase an unlimited two-week pass at a reduced rate to test out if Unified Hot Yoga is right for them. Discounted monthly memberships are available for students, seniors, military, and first responders. Mats and towels are also available for rental.
Unified is expected to have 15 instructors, including Nielson, who will teach a total of five classes per day – three in the morning and two in the evening. The schedule will expand based on interest and demand. Nielson is excited to serve the community by bringing her passion for fitness and business to American Fork.
Unified Hot Yoga will open this September and is located at 555 E. Main St. in American Fork, in the same building as Utah COPA. To learn more about the studio’s offerings or to sign up for its newsletter, visit unifiedhotyoga.com.
