Instructors
Alfio Carroccetto – A.K.A Hoot
Co-Owner
I started Pura Cycling Studio as a direct extension of my already existing passion for fitness, health and of course, indoor cycling. This combined with an outgoing personality and background in business and advertising, Pura was meant to be. Prior to starting this company I was a high school Biology teacher for Hillsborough County Schools. Beyond that, I am also a Mad Dogg Athletics certified instructor and a saltwater fishing fanatic. I understand and truly believe that steady exercise is the key to having a healthy body and mind. This may be the Biology teacher inside me speaking, but a strong cardiovascular system is the key to a healthy lifestyle. This is why I was so drawn to indoor cycling. It is the perfect cardio work out if it’s in a great studio with an awesome instructor, and that’s what I am determined to deliver to all our members. It is my goal to take my understanding and passion for fitness and make Pura Cycling Studio a place where people can really improve themselves and have a great time as well! I want to show you the “Pura Vida” side of life. Be sure to introduce yourself to me when you come in – unless of course, I beat you to it!
Stephanie Farquhar – A.K.A. Sheila
Co-owner
I have always had a passion for fitness and the environment which is why my background in business was a bit of a stretch for me, until I realized what I wanted to do with my passion! I graduated from Florida State University which is where I first discovered Indoor Cycling and had the opportunity to participate in a volunteer trip to Costa Rica. This is where I discovered what it meant to live the “Pura Vida” lifestyle and I never looked back! Seeing everyone living together, enjoying what they have (even if not much at all) and enjoying life every day, with the people they care about was truly an eye opening experience. I was lucky enough to work on some rain forest sustainability projects which were where I discovered the beauty and importance of the Kapok tree – which is our inspiration for the studio. From the strongest roots grow the tallest trees, and we believe this is the key to building your fitness base so you can live a healthier life. I am truly fortunate to be able to share my passion for fitness and the Pura Vida lifestyle with you everyday. I am Mad Dogg Athletics Spinning® certified and have been cycling for several years. I am constantly looking for new music to pump up my classes– so please feel free to contact me anytime with any comments, suggestions or questions. I would love to meet you so we can begin your fitness journey and find the real you today! Let’s go for a ride!
LuAnne Borak
LuAnne Borak is Mad Dogg Spinning certified since 2005, Les Mills CX Worx and RPM certified andGroup Fitness certified for Circuit Training/Bootcamp. Originally from Southern New Jersey, graduated from Ithaca College in New York, lived in the midwest for several years and relocated to Florida in 2005. I am an extremely active mother of 3 extremely active teenagers. No matter what your age or current fitness level, I can get you on the right track. I enjoy instructing and motivating up on stage but am an active participant in taking all types of classes as well. I will be there by your side every step of the way! I look forward to meeting you at Pura Cycling Studio! Pura Vida!
Julie Hinson
Born and raised in England and moved to America in 1987. Married and the mother of three wonderful children. I am active within my church with children’s ministries, community events and sports leagues. Also a member of the PTA and a school volunteer.
Started working out at the age of 20 and it has been a part of my life every since then. I started spinning as a “member” in 2001 and was hooked from the start. Had the opportunity to complete Madd Dog spinning certification in 2005 and became Les Mills certified in RPM in 2007. Currently teaching freestyle cycle classes and a boot camp class.
I believe that indoor cycling is a fitness program that anyone can do, no matter what your fitness level. Pura Cycle Studio offers classes for beginners to seasoned athletes. I am very excited to be a part of this team.
Claire Forrester AKA: “ ClaireFo”
Positive energy is contagious and giving is why we are here on this earth, tie that with my passion for fitness and it equals a recipe for health. Cycling has given me so many gifts including the chance to help others reach their fitness goals, get strong, gain confidence, and have fun while doing it. There is something so special about being in the studio with a hard working group of people who want to improve their life one song at a time. The music, the sound of the flywheel turning to the beat, the heavy breathing once the music stops. There is nothing like it, as the instructor being able to look out at a room full of people working toward the same goal, but each in their own little zone is nothing short of AMAZING.
A native of Tennessee, truly a southern girl, I was a little on the chunky side as a child and young adult. Luckily I found fitness early, and we fell madly in love and have been together ever since. I am looking forward to creating some fun and challenging rides to share at Pura Cycling. My certifications include indoor cycling, NSCA Personal Training, 1st degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Doe, and Pilates. In addition I have 25 years experience working in the fitness industry, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. Feel free to ask me any questions you might have about anything health and fitness related I love to talk and meet new people, don’t be shy.
Please, please, please come and join me in class and bring your requests, water bottle, and towel, let me get you to your best self one song at a time.
Looking forward to meeting you under the Kapok tree.
Hope LaFrazia
Profile to come
Cindy Kulikowski
Profile to come
Audrey Biggs
Profile to come
Interested in joining the team? Contact us for more information, or go here to fill our our application online!
Awesome to visit your site. This is very exciting for our community. I enjoyed meeting you both to and look forward to this new business – very exciting!
This is so exciting! When are you scheduled to open? Will you offer Les Mills RPM?
Thank you! We are going to be opening our doors at the end of October – look out for updates on our facebook and twitter for grand opening specials! We will be offering indoor cycling classes that are independently taught as a “freestyle” option if you will. We are an independent studio are not a Les Mills authorized studio.
Will we be able to sign up for rides/book bikes online? This made things very convenient at my last cycling studio (no waiting to get a bike, or arriving to find no bikes are available). Look forward to the opening.
Yes you will be able to sign up in advance for classes online and purchase our packages and bundles on a “pay as you go” basis for your convenience! Our online registration should be in up a week or two so be sure to check back in to check out our schedule!
Hi my name is Janet…. I took the class w/ Luanne about 2 weeks ago at 5:45 am and though i felt a bit intimidated at first because I was the only one there in class besides co-owner Stephanie and Luanne’s husband…. I have to say I enjoyed the class very much and it was great!! I just decided to look and read about the instructors…. Since I believe I mentioned to the gentleman that co-owns the studio that I’d love to become an instructor for spinning…..but anyhow to my surprise as I’m reading about all the instructors….. I come across Claire and I’ve taken her class at LaFitness a while back and she was my favorite favorite instructor. I did end the membership at the gym but now that I k ow she teaches here at Puta Vida I would love to start taking classes regularly. At this moment my financial status is very confined but I will have to put this on my to do list. Thank you so much for opening Pura Vida and so close to where I live!!!!
Thank you Janet, we will be adding more class times to let all of our instructors get more schedule time as our members grow in number. We hope to see you soon! As far as becoming an instructor goes, I know that Mad Dogg is doing a certification course on December 2nd in St. Pete if you are interested!
I had the wonderful opportunity of having a one-on-one spin class with Stephanie last week Friday. Yes that’s right, I was the only one there. I guess because it was a Friday night and everybody was out having drinks
The ride was FANTASTIC!!! Stephanie is a sweetheart!! The entire staff at Pura Cycling are so warm and friendly. It’s a marvelous environment for anyone to get in shape. Can’t wait for Claire’s class tomorrow night!! 
Claire the last spin class for the year with you was AWESOME!! Your selection of those old school songs took me back!!!!! Made me feel like I was in the club!!!! LOL!!
I was so tired that evening and didn’t feel like working out, but I’m so glad I did. I felt like I finished the year strong and powerful!!
I hope we can get more 1 hour spin classes with you instead of 45 mins!!
To the staff of Pura Cycling Studio you guys ROCK and I don’t feel like just a gym member but a family member!!
Happy New Year to all of you!!!