For an example of a successful East-meets-West fitness collaboration, consider the story of Pure Yoga. Two years ago, Equinox—an undisputed NYC favorite—partnered with Pure Yoga Asia—the popular Hong Kong-based yoga franchise—to produce what many considered the best yoga outpost in the city. This year a brand-new Upper West Side location joins the Upper East Side original. Taking full advantage of its 20,000 square feet (much of it made from sustainable materials), the new Pure proffers 20 styles of yoga—vinyasa, ashtanga, core-focused Forrest and hatha included—led by top-notch instructors in eight soothingly lighted studios. Inspired by Indian courtyard configurations that appear in traditional spiritual and residential spaces, Pure encourages a calming community feel with open gathering spaces and an interior awash in rich earth tones, reds, oranges and pinks. After all, yoga may come in many varieties, but there’s one thing we all want from it in the end: serenity. Pure Yoga, 204 W. 77th St., 212-877-2025; 203 E. 86th St., 212-360-1888; pureyoga.com
