In fact, while leaving my first class at Vital last week, emerging from the subterranean studio to face Forty Five Ten’s dark but welcoming new façade, it would have been easy to convince me I was in Chicago or even a short building-lined street of Manhattan. Adding to that feeling was the fact that I had just emerged from an 3,600-square-foot studio located entirely underground, the likes of which I’ve only ever seen in the aforementioned cities.

Though I’ve only attended two classes at Vital since its reopening (a very good yoga class, and a less aggressive than SoulCycle—but still challenging—spin class), my short experience is substantial enough for one solid takeaway: Vital is cool. You can get a solid workout, but it’s the swank factor that really distinguishes Headington Companies’ fitness studio. From the rainfall showers with their body sprayers and sweet-smelling Niven Morgan products, to the high-quality Manduka yoga mats that no one requires you to pick up after class (the absolute best), Vital provides a spa-like fitness experience not unlike Equinox, but better (at least to me), because it’s only in Dallas (I’m very possessive).

But of course, Vital isn’t new to Main Street. Originally constructed solely as a yoga studio, the space has been a part of The Joule since 2014. To help you get reacquainted with Vital, in all its class variety and exposed brick glory, we caught up with manager Caitlin Costa.

What originally inspired The Joule to create Vital? 

Headington Companies designed Vital for those looking for a convenient boutique-fitness destination in the heart of downtown with a fun environment, unique mix of classes and spa-like amenities. The studio is an extension of the retail, spa and restaurant offerings currently found at The Joule.

How did you determine what classes the revamped studio would offer?

When the studio opened in 2014, classes focused on yoga and core fitness. We’ve taken those and added a unique variety of innovative classes that include cycling, TRX, HIIT and personal training. We wanted to give guests the opportunity to find a category of fitness that best suits their needs.

Can you tell me more about the trainers? Were they recruited from within Dallas?

We continue to recruit and retain some of the most talented fitness professionals in the Dallas area. It’s important to us, as a locally-owned company, that we stay within Dallas to find all of our talent.

How long did the remodeling process take? What was the space previously used for?

Within a few months, the original Vital space was remodeled to include a new cycling studio and adjacent group fitness studio, along with several new interior design features throughout.

What kind of services do the individual training sessions provide?

As many of our instructors are well versed in yoga and personal training, we can offer both or a combination of the two. Our personal training program is based on the individuals needs as well as what they enjoy doing. From strength building, flexibility, to muscle gain and fat loss.