If you like variety, Essex Pilates offers mat, ball, tower and reformer classes. Instructor and…read moreowner, Vicki Tobia, is STOTT certified and demonstrates a strong knowledge of classic Pilates exercises. The choices were so intriguing that, although my intention was to compare mat classes, I opted for a reformer class. It proved to be a nice change; the exercises were not unfamiliar, but the mechanism was different. Classes: mat and reformer (variety of levels), ball, tower and jumpboard reformer Atmosphere: Clean, colorful. Tucked off Main Street in Essex, like a toy store with lots of fun machines and colorful balls. Price: Mat and Ball $20 per class with discount for multiple classes.

I took a duet with Celeste, who is a phenomenal teacher. She instructs using a great rhythm and has…read morea lot of energy! The studio is beautiful, as well!

I just received a great massage from Amy. What makes her special is the positive energy that she…read moreexudes takes the healing experience to a much deeper level than with most massage therapists.

Took a few classes while in town for a week, and loved everything about Blissworks from the first…read morephone call to the availability of loaner mats. The decor is lovely and the space inviting and conducive to relaxing into your practice. But the people put it over the top. Everyone was warm and kind, knowledgeable, and helpful. I took classes with different vibes, and all the instructors, those leading the classes and others I met in the studio, were grounded and led from a place of calm and centeredness that's maybe awkward to articulate but you know it when you feel it.

Root Yoga Studio (formerly of Old Lyme) has recently reopened its doors in the old E.E.Dickinson…read morefactory in Centerbrook (right next to the Essex Steam Train). Lucky for us and anyone who's been apprehensive to attempt a yoga class due to physical limitations - back issues or otherwise, owner Mimi Brainard has brought a game-changing tradition to the shoreline. In this fresh and lofty space, she's installed a wall of ropes and slings to provide a safe and creative way to practice fully supported classical poses with countless modifications. Don't let the ropes fool you - in no way do they suggest aerial or acrobatic yoga. After extensive training in Backcare and Herniation with the best in this discipline, Alison West (at Yoga Union & Yoga Union Back Care and Scoliosis Center in NYC), Mimi is armed with tools of the highest standards to build confidence and help with stability in a practice that may seem to some only for the young, uninjured and agile. The Ropes Wall classes include: Basic Backcare is appropriate for All Levels and for anyone seeking an understanding of their back or relief of back pain. Yoga for Herniations + Posture Basics is for All Levels especially if you have herniations and disc issues, seeking relief and understanding of the habitual patterns that cause your herniations and back pain. Posture and Alignment is an All Levels class suitable for those seeking an understanding of their back and how to work more deeply in their practice with alignment at the wall, with clarity, precision, and freedom. But Root Yoga Studio does not stop there. They still offer some of our all-time top favorite classes like Liza Dousson's expert Yin teachings deeply rooted in Chinese tradition, Grace Osara's tried, true, and soothing Kripalu sessions as well as Kundalini, meditation, Pranayama classes and more. Mimi continues to teach her signature Root Flow classes where alignment is paramount, but prepare to break a sweat during a flow of linked postures and expect to spend a little time at the ropes wall, too. Contact Mimi to reserve your free session and to discuss your personal needs prior to attending class. By Laura Williams

I went to the Asana beginners class as I realized that my muscles and form were not ideal for the…read moreFlow Class. I had been running the day before and sustained a muscle injury. Mimi showed me how to stretch my hips so that I could avoid further injury and gave me exercises to do at home. My injury and pain felt relieved after just 20minutes of stretches...the right stretches with a knowledgeable yoga instructor works!! The ASANA class at Root is educational as it teaches and reinforces the principals of yoga-posture and breathing. I loved it and will be telling all my friends!

Must see! Proves an experience can be rarified and exquisite while still being down to earth and…read morefun. Just up the road from Ashlawn Farms Coffee in a most picturesque section of Old Lyme, stone walls and multigenerational farms lead you to a farm with a small demure sign. "Yoga" it simply says. Driving slowly onto the property as requested on the website (animals live on the farm and slow driving is requested to protect them) down a long winding driveway through the farm towards, yes, a Big Red Barn rimmed in white holiday lights and surrounded by more old stone walls. The building itself, though looking like an old barn is new (or perhaps just gutted and rebuilt?) so new that one smells fresh unfinished wood inside. The interior is gorgeous with unfinished wide board wood walls, wood flooring, vintage style lighting with old style bulbs for warm glow, and huge picture windows. The crowd as well as the instructor was warm and welcoming. I was so nervous that I would be judged in this very wealthy area for not having the new style brand name yoga pants, or for being a curly headed slightly ethnic looking gal in the land of the whites, or for having a rusty dented up 20 year old honda. Nothing could be further from what I experienced. Diverse body types, friendly mellow people, normal workout clothes, and a very communal type class. Joan engaged us in introductions and had a light and fun attitude throughout the class. To me, it was exactly the right amount of meditative vibe, prompts to release stress, etc, that one expects with yoga without being too spirit chakra pseudo science. Most interesting was a series of balance poses in which we all gathered in a circle, and linked arms. That was different and really lovely to create a sense of community, and to make me feel even more welcome. The class itself was challenging (for me, having not done yoga in years) and yet I felt like I could keep up, slow down if I needed, and follow along. One of the corrections made on my pose was pretty amazing, ad helped my body click. Can't wait to try a daytime class to see the views out those big windows.

Love, love, love this place. Nothing but great things to say! It is a beautiful studio, on nice…read moredays they have giant doors that open and it is lovely. It is always clean.The teachers are all so sweet and welcoming.

Amazing yoga studio with the best classes - Angela offers incredible hypnotherapy and Reiki…read morehealing too

Pradipik studio, now called the center for yoga and wellness, has two locations. The one in Clinton…read moreand another one in Guilford just off goose Lane on route one. I'm surprised this old listing hasn't been claimed and updated. I've gone to this studio since they opened about 13 years ago. It's improved a lot, including opening the second location in Guilford. And name change after Petra bought it from OG. I appreciate that only the power classes are hot and that you can do regular flow in a reg temperature room. They tend towards more yin positions (ie slower but harder to hold asanas. Less likely to get injured in this method. They have morning and evening classes. I will speak with the owner about claiming this business!

Tarot cards on the table: I don't love Yoga. I don't even like it that much, even though I know…read moreit's great for you. I've tried it several times over the years, but have found it a bit too earnest and intentional for my easily-distractible mind and a little too challenging for my large-motor, hopelessly inflexible body. All that changed, however, after one session at Pradipika-which ironically means to illuminate or shed light on-Yoga. Diaphanously dressed Marcy led our Power Vinyasa class in the small, yummy smelling studio. Her pace was persistent, but allowed for ample time to make adjustments or suggestions for modifications in either direction of difficulty. At various times during the class she'd oh-so subtly and gently reposition me. And at the risk of sounding creepy let's just say, her magic touch almost made me want to strike the wrong pose. I also loved the overall vibe of her class; particularly the music which featured my personal favorite Aimee Mann. The owner, Jennifer Dahlgren offers a full complement of classes-including a series designed just for kids-for people at all levels of their practice. Classes: Everything from the basics to hot yoga Schedule: 3 - 5 classes a day Atmosphere: Light, clean and of course Zen. Price: Variety of passes and packages which range from $16 for a drop in to as low as $10 if you buy a group of 30. Extras: 15 minute meditation class on Sundays at 4:45 is free; donate a percentage of profits to Shoreline Soup Kitchens.

Amy's a fantastic yoga teacher! She's created a beautiful, peaceful, and comfortable yoga studio…read more Amy keeps each class interesting and somehow each class experience feels unique. I always leave class feeling great and better than when I arrived. I first took her yoga class in NYC about 20 years ago and loved it and she has only gotten better with time. She promotes mindfulness in class in a simple, calming way. Highly recommend Amy and The Well studio.

Having never taken a yoga class, I was really surprised by just how great I felt after my first…read moreclass with Amy: my muscles felt spent, my mind was clear, and my energy level was at an all time high. My sister, who has been practicing yoga for well over 20 years, took a class with me and was really impressed with Amy's ability to guide all of her students through the poses. She said that she is one of the best instructors she has ever had. Amy doesn't just lead from the front of the room, she is fully engaged with each person in her class, making sure that we all get the most out of our time with her. I have only been taking the classes for a few months, but the difference in my body and my mind is substantial: I'm a lot less anxious, I'm gaining so much more flexibility and strength, I have more energy during the day and I am sleeping better at night. Thank you Amy!!

Awesome studio!…read more Great class times! I'm partial to 6am because it fits well into my schedule & it's offered 6 days a week. There's plenty of other times to go that should fit anyone's busy schedule. All instructors are friendly & outgoing with challenging classes. They switch up classes so it's not the same routine each time. I always feel like I've gotten my ass kicked (in a good way) every class! Their schedule is on the Mindbody app. & they have great seminars almost monthly. If you're into yoga or want to try something new they offer a discounted price for new members so check them out.

Great space, wonderful community. Had an awesome Yin…read moreworkshop with Courtney, I hope they do this more often. The room was packed! Loved it.