Tonic Method: The workout Aspen loves just opened in Basalt

Tonic Method — the high-intensity, low-impact workout brand with a cult following across Colorado and beyond — has opened its newest studio in the heart of Basalt. For founder Madeleine Hasulak, it marks both a milestone and a homecoming.

Born and raised in Aspen, Hasulak was certified in Pilates nearly two decades ago, long before opening the very first Tonic Method studio in Aspen in 2018.

“I was teaching Pilates all over Aspen — at the ARC, the Aspen Club, Snowmass — before launching my first company, Love Grown Foods,” she said.

That venture took her nationwide, but when she eventually stepped away from the natural foods industry, she knew she wanted to return to fitness and bring something different to the valley.

That “something different” became Tonic Method: a 45-minute, high-intensity class that blends elements of Pilates, HIIT, TRX, and yoga-inspired breathwork into a single, dynamic workout. The workout was born out of Hasulak’s own needs as a lifelong athlete.

“Traditional Pilates didn’t challenge me enough,” she said. “I used to leave class and go to the gym afterward. So I created the workout I wanted, something that builds true strength, pushes you, but still feels intentional and mindful.”

And for those of us who check the clock mid-workout? The 45-minute format is a dream: efficient, effective, and over before you know it.

What sets Tonic Method apart is its unique blend of modalities. While it shares similarities with Pilates and uses a customized reformer, that’s where comparisons to Lagree end. Each class incorporates cardio bursts like squats and mountain climbers, strength-building eccentric and concentric movements, slow, controlled transitions, and breath work. There are even yoga-inspired pauses to help clients connect with their core, posture, and pelvic floor. The result is a workout that challenges both body and mind, pushing you without burning you out.

The name “Tonic” reflects this deeper purpose.

“By definition, a tonic is something that invigorates, refreshes, and restores,” Hasulak explained. “That’s what this workout does. You walk out feeling clearer, stronger, and more connected to yourself.”

The Basalt studio, located on the corner of Midland Avenue and Two Rivers Road in Old Town Basalt, also marks the beginning of a new chapter: a co-ownership model with longtime instructor and valley local Lauren Kaufman, who first joined the brand in 2019.

“Lauren literally popped her head into our Aspen studio before we’d even opened,” Hasulak said. “From the beginning, she kept asking, ‘When are we opening in Basalt?’ She’s been such a huge part of Tonic’s growth. It only made sense to build this next studio together.”

Kaufman brings a devoted fan following and her renowned infectious energy to the space.

“To me, Tonic is more than a workout,” she said. “It’s strength for the mind and body, a way of life, and a source of community. Downvalley really needed something like this.”

The partnership, both women agree, has been a long time coming and absolutely worth the wait.

“Madeleine and I text each other all the time, saying how grateful we are,” Kaufman said. “It’s been so fun to be here during the build-out, to teach, to train. This is our baby. I couldn’t be more excited.”

Hasulak echoed the sentiment.

“We make great partners,” she said. “Lauren is irreplaceable. She’s magnetic, she’s a force, and I feel so lucky to build this together.”

With the addition of the Basalt location, Tonic now operates 10 studios across Colorado, Utah, and Idaho, including Vail, Breckenridge, Steamboat, Telluride, Sun Valley, and Salt Lake City. Next up: new studios in Crested Butte, Highland-Alpine, Utah, and Tonic’s first East Coast location in Westport, Connecticut.

Pricing is consistent between Aspen and Basalt, and memberships work at both locations.

“People live in Basalt and work in Aspen or vice versa,” Hasulak said. “We wanted it to feel seamless and accessible, especially for locals.”

Monthly memberships bring class prices down to about $20.

Tonic is designed to complement mountain life. So whether you’re a skier, biker, hiker, or just someone looking for a smarter, more effective workout, the method is built to support you.

“This is fitness that adds longevity to your life,” Hasulak says. “It’s not just about the burn — it’s about feeling good now and 10 years from now.”

To learn more or sign up for a class, visit tonicmethod.com/basalt. Classes can also be booked through the MindBody platform or by downloading the Tonic Method app.