I learned about Peddar Fitness when they expanded their studio. They were offering free group…read moreclasses in early March and special deals on personal training packages. I tried out the specially designed H.I.I.T. classes and was very impressed. The trainers are all excellent and professional. A special shout out to Joe Gallagher and Erika Sawyer who got me started in the classes, and Jeff Peddar who set me up with nutrition advice and a daily workout plan for when I have to travel. If you're serious about getting fit, (not just marking time at the back of a crowded Zumba class once a week), and need a supportive and encouraging team during your journey, these guys will deliver in spades.

From the owner: Get in touch for a FREE fitness assessment with one of our certified personal trainers. Together we…read morecan help you reach your goals!

If you are looking to build chi, work with the breath, and ultimately find peace centered in an…read moreopen heart and a balanced body, I highly recommend Lynn's classes. Her practice is deep and spirit-filled.

I very much enjoy Lynne's Yoga and Healing Arts Workshops. Having been a student of Lynne's for…read moreseveral years, I can, with confidence, give her a five star rating. The Yoga, Tai Chi, and Medical Qigong programs heal and relax both body and spirit. Some of the many benefits of these healing arts are stress reduction, increase range of motion and flexibility, enhanced breathing techniques, and improved balance. A fit for all ages!

I never thought I'd get into a martial art. This is no ordinary martial art, and this is no…read moreordinary dojo. I live down the street from Aikido of Amherst, and hadn't even thought to check it out, but one day, after I had vowed to myself I would do something to get more exercise in my life, a friend told me that he goes to this dojo. He doesn't just go, I realized, he drives 45 minutes, to get to *this* dojo that I can walk to. ...So I had to check it out. First I looked up Aikido, and I was amazed at what I learned. This practice has a unique and solid spiritual foundation. Yes, it is an extremely powerful defensive art, but the movements and methods do not cultivate violence within the psyche. This is how I think of it, anyway. As a life-long yogi, I know the power of postures and movements to effect the psyche. I take that part very seriously, actually. I won't say a lot about the roots of Aikido, you can look it up. I will just say that I can't imagine a defensive art more in line with my personal values; both in theory and in the daily physical practice. Long story short: I went, and I'm hooked. Hooked for life on Aikido, and so grateful to have this dojo to call my home dojo. Sensei Heath Atchley is wonderful--attentive, kind, and skilled--and the dojo environment he has fostered is truly special. It is a warm environment with friendly, sincere people, who welcome newcomers and enjoy both the art and the comradery.

From the owner: Aikido is a defensive martial art that uses fluid, circular movements to blend with the motion of…read morean attack and redirect that motion into dynamic throws or immobilizing pins. The art also utilizes deep breathing, relaxation, centering, and proper body alignment. Consistent Aikido practice improves one's physical conditioning--strength, balance, flexibility, coordination--and one's mental conditioning--self-confidence, concentration, perception, and concern for others. Aikido is a thoughtful art in that it does not cultivate aggression in order to counter aggression, and it continually reveals new and interesting things to those who practice it. Aikido is also a vigorous art. It takes your body, mind, and spirit beyond their ordinary boundaries into a new level of vitality. Aikido of Amherst provides a positive environment that is safe, friendly, and focused on the learning and development of all members. We offer classes for adults, teens, and chil

The YMCA advertises they're handicap accessible yet the parking lot is in back. On weekends the…read moreback door is locked so you have to climb 100 stairs to get to the front door. It's incredibly difficult for people with limited mobility or wheelchairs to climb stairs. Kids are allowed to roam the building unsupervised for hours on end. During the summer months parents will drop off their kids for the day. A young man once followed me around making me incredibly uncomfortable. When I reported it to the front staff manager I was told "well this is a community center". I immediately cancelled my membership. It used to be open longer hours and the back door adjacent to the parking lot, was open during business hours. Limited operating hours, unwelcoming staff, and high prices make this place a no. I do not recommend this fitness center at all.

Friendly staff and great classes! The front desk is always helpful and there are things for my…read morefamily to do together.

Finally, a good gym open 24/7/365 in the Hadley Amherst area. All the weight machines, cardio,…read moretreadmills , rowing , bikes, stepper. For the serious lifting, free weight bench press and squat as well as extensive hand weights and kettle bells. Lots of other great equipment. Perfect.