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!

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.

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.

Class: I'm totally out of practice and so I dropped in on one of the introductory free classes…read more They had loaner matts for me, as well as the accessories. As the class ramped up I was very challenged, and totally Inspired by the super fit ladies all around me, but still felt like I could keep up and adjust as I needed, and I certainly wasn't the only one who isn't buff and trying to keep up. It looked like the people who were more skilled were able to add "fancy twists" as needed to feel challenged as well. I liked the "scene" well enough, everyone seemed friendly and supportive despite it being 8:45 AM. The people whom this class attracted very much illustrates the laid back friendlyness I LOVE about Deep River compared to some of the towns that encircle us here. Yes, many people around here have economic privilege and leisure time but they do so with grace, minus the attitude that permeates the OldLyme Essex set. Appearance: Cute Sunny location right in the middle of downtown Deep River. Lovely blue and yellow colors and aged wood floors. Mostly scaled back, and simple, but there were a few decor items that I found distracting such as the design of the Namaste sign (I fully admit here that I am a design SNOB and easily ruffled and fixate on just about anything I don't consider good design. It's a curse to have such sensitive aesthetics!) in general the place was lovely! I especially liked the texture of the wood floors. Standard pricing scheme: $15 drop in or less per class if you buy a ten pack or even a pass for unlimited monthly classes. Multiple teachers, levels and times available, but subject to change so check the website. bluemoonyogafitness@gmail.com 860.391.2134

I went to Blue Moon Yoga for the first time today. Meredith was our instructor. Great class and…read moregood energy. She asked if anyone had any specific problems which I did. She was great at addressing my wrist issue adding specific poses for the hands and wrists. Quite honestly my wrist now feels better. Thanks Meredith! You certainly walk the walk and talk the talk.

I carry my yoga mat with me as we travel around the country and can often be seen doing yoga in our…read morecampsite. It is a real treat to drop into a local class as I did this morning. Vinyassa with Tessa was slow paced enough so that even a beginner could follow along yet I left knowing I had a great workout/stretch. The studio is clean and spacious and all the props you may need are readily available. Signing up online for a drop in class was very easy and reasonably priced.

I dropped into the Niantic Yoga Studio for the first time this morning as a birthday treat. They…read moredon't seem to have parking so you have to park on the street (1 hour parking, was a bit worried I may get towed as the class is an hour long and I was there a bit early) which was easy enough on a Monday morning at 8:45am before the 9am class started, but I imagine it's tougher to find parking space later in the day and on weekends. The energy in the studio was fantastic. It's one large room with lovely wood floors that they've separated into a front desk and lounge area and the practice space in the back. Personal belongings can be stored up front in a cubby sort of setup while class is in progress. I assume they lock the door during class, and like that the area where our things are kept are in view from the space we flow in. The practice space was kept at a low level of light, which I enjoy. It was not a hot yoga class, I don't believe those are offered at this studio. Another yogi asked for the AC to be turned up before practice started which the studio obliged; they seem very accommodating. There's a big shelf full of blocks, bolsters, and whatever other sort of props you could hope to have available. The practice area is spacious and folks are respectful and give each other plenty of space even in a busy class like the one I joined. The class was taught by a yogi named Julia, it was a vinyasa practice which I quite enjoyed. She was kind enough to ask before practice began if anyone had any special requests. There weren't any, so she lead us through a well-balanced practice (I would've loved more back bending/heart openers, but I know that's not everyone's thing). I'm more advanced in my practice and she offered loads of modifications that suited my preferences. Her voice was soothing and I liked the, "I am present. I am complete," affirmation that she paired along with the in breaths and out breaths. A cute, chill little studio in a nice spot. It seems like they have a nice variety of class offerings based on their online schedule. I'll definitely be going back!

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 had no idea they served meals! Always thought it was just a yoga studio and smoothie bar. First…read morevisit today and it definitely won't be my last. I ordered the Thai Chopped Salad and added an egg for additional protein. Great combination of flavors with the kale, cabbage, and romaine. Also had green onions, edamame, cucumber, carrot and bell pepper. The dressing is so good!!

Stopped in for the first time and tried the Sushi Bowl. That was really great! Good distribution of…read moreingredients, and the sauce brought everything together. The smoked salmon add on is worth it too. Also tried the matcha smoothie, which was also great! Service was super nice and the vibe was relaxing. Good value for the money as well. Definitely going back again!

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.

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!