In a fast-paced world where stress can consume so much of daily life, more and more people long for a way to escape the noise, reset, and replenish.
That desire inspired Candice Bruder to found Pure Sweat Studios, community-focused retreats for health, healing, and connection within. And with the opening of her new studio, Pure Sweat Sauna Studio, the Gulch, all are welcome to find peace and restoration with wellness offerings, including infrared sauna and contrast therapy sessions.
Bruder founded the company in 2017, and introduced Music City to the health benefits of infrared sauna and float experiences with the opening of Pure Sweat + Float Studio in Belle Meade. An instant success, Pure Sweat Studios was franchised in 2018 and has grown to include 20 locations nationwide. Pure Sweat Sauna Studio, the Gulch marks Bruder’s third corporately owned location in Nashville, joining the Belle Meade studio and a 12 South sauna studio.
“My inspiration and vision, which remains true to this day, was to create a nurturing retreat for people to rest, recover, and be well. I believe in wellness practices that have stood the test of time, such as sauna, soaking in mineral-rich water, and cold plunging. But beyond the abundant benefits of the services we provide, I know that at the heart of what we offer is a space for health, healing, and connection within. Serving our community in well-being has been one of the greatest joys and honors of my life. As our clients are on their wellness 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 via full-spectrum infrared saunas by Sunlighten and cold plunge by BlueCube. Clients are guided through each 60-minute session with circuit programs suggesting how to alternate between the hot and cold therapies. Chromotherapy, breathwork, and sound therapy complete the experience.
Although the idea of jumping into a cold plunge before or after the sauna might seem jarring, the health benefits and the mental empowerment make the experience undeniably rewarding. So much so that many make the practice a consistent part of their lifestyle.
“The beauty of contrast therapy is it is so universal and needed now more than ever,” Bruder explains. “The interaction of the heat and cold creates a dynamic that fluctuates core body temperature and stimulates our body’s natural healing processes. Benefits include deep detoxification, immune health, pain relief, weight loss, and elevated mood. First-timers can expect to be challenged by the cold! This is also the purpose of cold plunging — it teaches us to hyper-focus, empower within, and build perseverance through challenge. We set our temperature to a moderate 52 degrees, with a customizable water current within the plunge that can increase the chilling effect. The irony is no one fears the cold more than I do. But now, with practice, I find it exhilarating, and see how cold plunging shows up for me outside of the studio.”
Whether you’re new to the word of wellness or already living an active lifestyle, contrast therapy provides benefits for everyone, and the serene environment of the studio encourages all to (literally and figuratively) take the plunge. The Gulch studio boasts a gorgeous contrast therapy suite available to book for a solo session, with a partner, or a small group of three to four people (perfect for hyping each other up!). No detail was overlooked in making the space feel soothing and rejuvenating. Along with the infrared sauna and cold plunge, the suite also includes a shower stocked with luxurious products to end your visit, lavish towels, customizable lighting, and design details that make every square inch feel revitalizing.
“I love our contrast therapy suite. Its rich, enveloping environment is designed to immerse within, as cold plunging teaches us. There is a dream catcher on the door that was custom- designed for me by an intuitive healer. It is made of Japanese leather, crystals, and feathers. That is my way of giving good blessings to all who come in and supporting them to step into their power,” says Bruder.
Personalized touches and attention to detail continue throughout the entire studio. Upon arrival, a friendly and informed team member welcomes you and walks you through the process, offering plenty of water plus electrolytes and supplements to enhance your experience and maximize health benefits. There is also an extensive selection of hand-selected wellness products available to purchase. Whatever your individual wellness goals may be, the team is happy to assist you in finding the best products for you and your practice. After all, the primary goal of Pure Sweat Studios is to help you discover your practice, feel your best, and live well.
“My hope is for people to discover the great light, empowerment, and joy that flourishes for them with a wellness practice. It’s a different playing field these days, and we must be proactive, not just reactive, in ways to detox and de-stress,” Bruder says. “One of our guiding mantras is, ‘When you feel good, life is good.’ It’s so simple and so true. There is also a beautiful domino effect that unfolds when we care for ourselves, with a direct correlation to how we care for our community. It is so exciting to create this impact, locally and collectively, in Nashville and across the country.”
(812 Division St., 615- 788-7838; puresweatstudios.com/gulch-tennessee)