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!

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.

I joined about a year ago, and this location is convenient for me. Never packed. Machines are clean…read moreand in good shape. The staff (when here) is generally friendly, (when not on Facebook or surfing the net). I tried to call to set up tanning on my pass. Was never called back, so gave up on ever using the tanning booth here. Clientele is a nice mixed bag of young and old, gym rats and casual fitness/health-minded folks. I've been here at all hours and always a pleasant experience. No lockers, locker room or showers here. Just a rest room to change, and sink wash. Just know: this is a self-service gym; you want to consult a trainer, ask a question about a machine or technique? No dice! YouTube for that. This gym works; not awesome, not crappy. Price is right for my family of 3, which was the deciding factor. Now I just got to get off my lazy butt, and go more!

The quality and range of the equipment is B- and the owner and staff are remarkably unfriendly…read more It's only worth joining if no other gym is remotely convenient.

Small gym BUT surprisingly they have it all!! I am a gym nut and this place was sufficient for me!!…read moreI will go there over any gym any day. Local owned, veteran owner, warm and friendly atmosphere. Way better than some lousy chain gym!!

After a few more weeks here, have to commend the owner. Stand-up dude and takes amazing care of his…read morecustomers. Highly recommend.

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!

horrifying first of…read moreall this is a very bad example of Pilates secondly they routinely take your money and cancel classes and do nothing but TELL YOU ITS YOUR FAULT or MINDBODY APP fault or any variation RUN PROPLE RUN AWAY Ellen the pathetic instructor couldn't demonstrate 1/3 of what she asks you to perform not safe ripoff

I am so grateful to have found Flow in Essex! We were in town on vacation and a friend had just…read morestarted doing Pilates on the reformer and was hoping to find a studio. I had always been incredibly intimated (scared!) but was open to trying it in a private setting. My friend reached out to a few studios in the area and we are so glad Jenn from Flow responded. She welcomed us for a private session and was an incredible teacher. We were able to come back for a second session before our trip ended and brought our other friend along for her first session. Definitely a highlight of our vacation for all of us!

It was years since i stepped into a gym, in addition to recovering from knee surgery - i could…read morehardly get down to the floor and getting up was worse. After area research i contacted Joe at Iron House to talk through membership, costs, equipment and using their in-house trainers. I will simply say this gym is a throwback in every positive way to what a gym should be - nothing fancy but everything you need; it was exactly like all my favorite gyms rolled into one - enough wieghts, cardio, machines (including some not found in other gyms) and fitness accessories (bands, steps, mats, sticks, heavy balls, etc). Most important i never felt uncomfortable. or judged - especially given my limitations - every staff-person and member was focused on their workouts and staff duties, and all were respectful and always helpful. This gym "vibe" is best captured with me struggling to stand up while at the same time the morning group classes - intense, difficult, and demanding - were going on in the designated area and I never once felt "less" or judged - always smiles (not sure how they managed to smile!!) and hello. Enter Anna or better known as "Coach" to many in the gym who use her personal trainer services. Anna was the perfect blend of understanding (adjusted equipment and moves to my level), motivating, encouraging and yes tough as she needed to be - i went from day-one needing help laying down and then getting up, to 3 sets of 3 different exercises, to workingout on my own. At home I could once again climb stairs (from one stair at a time) and had more energy at work. Joe has built a community (both in and out of the gym) and regardless of whether a member took part in other activities, everyone is also welcomed. Lastly a shoutout to Bruce who faithfully opened the gym every morning, even while recovering from his own surgery...

This gym is the best! Joe, Kati and the entire staff are knowledgeable about fitness and they are…read morededicated to the community. October has been quite a month for the Iron House Fitness. They sponsored "IHF Moves 4 Autism", where members and local athletes participated in different events (run/bike/run duathlon, lift-off, fun run, thruster/run). All proceeds were donated to the Mayer Center at Middlesex Hospital and The Nest in Deep River. Both support or employ children and adults with autism. Then there was a motivational competition for all members. You just needed to show up for classes to participate - easy!! I love my gym community! I have made great friends while maintaining my physical health. If you're looking for a great gym, this is the place!

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).