DUBOIS: Xhale is back in full swing on South Brady Street, offering a growing slate of hot barre, pilates, and yoga classes that continue to set the studio apart in the local fitness scene.
Located at 1199 South Brady Street, Xhale operates in a fully refreshed space that uses infrared heat panels, warming the body from the inside out rather than simply heating the air in the room. The result is a workout environment that feels cleaner, more breathable, and more intentional — especially for movement-heavy classes.
According to studio owner and instructor Morgan Rosselli, the difference is noticeable almost immediately.
Infrared heat allows for deeper, more effective sweating, faster muscle warm-up, improved circulation and recovery, and consistent warmth throughout the room. It’s designed to support strength and mobility, not overwhelm participants with stuffy heat.
Rosselli, who leads hot yoga instruction at the studio, has been passionate about fitness since her teenage years. A former marathon runner, she previously operated a yoga and spin studio in DuBois more than a decade ago before returning to teaching.
While she continued practicing on her own over the years, Rosselli said she missed the experience of helping others grow stronger and more confident.
“It’s amazing how quickly people become stronger,” she said. “That part never gets old.”
Xhale’s class offerings include hot yoga, hot mat pilates, and hot barre — each with a distinct focus. Hot yoga at Xhale emphasizes full-body engagement, creative transitions, and challenging flows designed to test both physical strength and mental focus. Rosselli encourages students to breathe through difficulty rather than tense up, a lesson she says carries into everyday life.
“When things get hard, if you can control your breathing, you can control the way you feel,” she explained.
Hot mat pilates, led by Leanne Bontempo, has quickly become one of the studio’s most popular classes. The low-impact, precision-based workouts focus on core strength and controlled movement, intensified by the heat. Rosselli said Bontempo has been part of the studio since its earliest days, and the two have grown the business side by side.
Hot barre rounds out the lineup, blending pilates, barre, and strength training in a heated space.
Beyond the workouts themselves, Rosselli described the studio atmosphere as intentionally dark, accented with neon lighting and upbeat music. The goal, she said, is to remove intimidation and help people feel comfortable — especially those new to group fitness.
“It makes people feel safe,” she said. “Like the spotlight isn’t on them.”
Xhale opened nearly two years ago in a much smaller space and has steadily expanded since. Classes regularly sell out, with about 18 participants per session. Plans are already in place to renovate and expand again in the near future, allowing room for 30 or more people per class.
In addition to group sessions, Rosselli offers private one-on-one instruction for those who prefer a more gradual or personalized approach. The studio also hosts themed classes throughout the year, including seasonal events, blacklight “flow and glow” sessions, and even puppy yoga, featuring adoptable puppies.
Xhale also carries select retail items, including yoga and fitness merchandise, Free People clothing, soy candles from Aroma Alchemy, and mushroom products by One Guy Fungi LLC.
This Week’s Schedule
Wednesday (1/28)
6:30 PM — Pilates with Abby Gemmel
Thursday (1/29)
5:45 PM — Barre with Carrie Savage
Saturday (1/31)
9:30 AM — Pilates with Leanne Bontempo
Class sizes are limited, and Xhale emphasizes that all official classes are booked and communicated directly through the studio. Any classes or events not listed on their schedule are not affiliated.
Those interested in attending can reserve a spot online.
With its expanding footprint, infrared heat system, and focus on inclusive, strength-based movement, Xhale continues to carve out a unique space for fitness and wellness in DuBois — right in the heart of Brady Street.
