I'm typically not a hot yoga class girl but they offered a free first responders class while I was…read morein town and I've been checking out various gyms and studios so I took it as a sign. Everyone was so lovely. The studio is a good size and the teacher was great! They even did a raffle after the class. Love that they wanted to show some love to their community. Will definitely be back when im home in CT :)

My wife introduced me to this studio and I could not be happier with my experience here. I was a…read moreskeptical yogi, at best, prior to my experience with Soul Sweat. The spaces (Old Saybrook and New Haven) and community are absolutely unparalleled. The teachers here are fantastic - welcoming, positive, and knowledgeable - and truly go out of their way to make EVERYONE at ANY level feel embraced and emboldened in their practice. Courtney has built a team that is based in mutual respect; I never hesitate to sign up for a class, regardless of who is teaching.

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!

Love This place! The best hot yoga high energy vinyassa classes led my awesome teachers…read more Great energy, bright and sunny. I only will.go here for hot yoga on the shoreline, and I am a 15 year practiced hot yoga vinyassa yogini..this place is the best in the area.

Zen and Now has caring and knowledgeable instructors. I recently walked in feeling right and sore…read moreall over. Heather's gentle yoga was perfect and loosened up my spine from top to bottom. She was kind and knowledgeable. I was a new woman when I left. I should add the studio is set up to be safe during COVID. Clearly posted mask and social distance rules that don't infringe on your experience.

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!

Always a welcoming staff, you'll get a great hot yoga experience from any one of their instructors!read more

This is an Awesome Yoga studio. Instructors are professional and very knowledgable.. Sometimes…read morethe classes can get crowded which prevents them from demon strating, but they absolutely will if you ask. I found that classes are consistantly run and even though my life can be busy, I can always count on them to be there. I have been a member for 2 and 1/2 years...

I have taken classes with Marlene; and, I can confirm that she is an excellent teacher who is…read morededicated to Pilates and helping her students.

Pilates for Life is Pilates in its purist form. Marlene Powers not only owns and runs the studio,…read morebut teaches every class. Group lessons are taught on a mat, while machines are used for privates. Marlene continues to train with Joseph Pilates protégé Romana Kryzanowska and her dedication to True Pilates is exemplified by the constant tweaking of her techniques. Her knowledge of the positions and the body and her ability to get you to "go deeper" into your core, not to mention her devotion to her students, is unmatched. When I leave Marlene's class, my stomach is flatter and I stand taller--what's better?!? Classes: Mat - All Levels, Privates, Barrel Classes Atmosphere: Clean, bright, soothing Price: $19/per lesson. 15% discount for two or more sessions. (Full disclosure: Heidi has been going to Marlene for years and has never felt the inclination to wander).