Health coaching: All…read moremy life I have had a problem with body weight and self image. I routinely ate too much of the wrong foods. I was unable to get a firm handle on what I could do to stop my lifelong spiral into obesity. Over the years my weight has gone steadily up. I've suffered from hypertension, colitis, high blood pressure, and the general fatigue that comes from carrying around 30-40 extra pounds. I knew I needed help. I turned to Health Coach and Mind/Body nutritionist Christie Rosen. Christie really knows what kinds of food make the human body run most efficiently. She put me on an organic diet that has worked wonders for me. I'm never hungry. I've lost a great deal of weight. I feel terrific. My blood pressure is super low. My colitis has vanished. I have all the pep in the world. Christie is an extremely pleasant and non-judgmental young woman, and very knowledgeable in her field. I would highly recommend Christie Rosen to anybody with a weight problem or to anybody who simply wants to get a handle of good nutrition. She has definitely turned my life around. Yoga Instruction: I have taken many yoga classes over the years and always came away disappointed. The classes were either boring, physically undemanding, painful, or on rare occasions potentially injurious to my body. Since my wife and so many of my friends raved about the wondrous benefits of yoga, I decided to give it one more try. Lucky for me I took a class taught by Christie Rosen. Christie was the first instructor I ever had who really taught me how to do yoga properly in a way that would let me fully experience its many benefits. Her exercises are mentally soothing as well as being physically invigorating. I come away from her classes knowing that I've had a thorough workout yet I never feel tortured or stressed. She intersperses new postures with old so her classes never get tedious or boring. She gives each of her students personal attention, varying postures and exercises based on individual flexibility and skill levels. Christie has a thorough knowledge of yoga and its underlying physiology. She is a wonderfully talented and extremely personable young woman. She has a people-oriented teaching style coupled with a relaxing demeanor and calming personality. Thanks to Christie, my overall physical condition has improved dramatically. Since starting her classes I bend lower, stretch further, balance better, and stand taller. Christie's yoga class has become the focal point of my weekly exercise routine. I will do anything to avoid missing it. I cannot praise Christie highly enough. Gary K. Wolf Creator of Roger Rabbit http://www.garywolf.com/

Christie is one of the best yoga teachers in Boston. She is a great instructor for all levels and…read moreabilities. She will take the time to answer any questions after class. I could not recommend her any higher. Namaste.

First of all, a disclaimer of sorts ... I am one of the long time students of Sensei Louis…read moreJumonville. I have been training with him for over 10 years and have been enjoying every minute of it. Louis Sensei is an incredible teacher. He is very detailed, yet sees the big picture. Sensei also finds time to spend with his students, during, before or after class to improve one's technique. In addition, students, including myself, also have more senior students to provide others with guidance. Hikari Dojo provides a very supportive, safe, and friendly environment to train and make good friends. Hikari Dojo has a beautiful space conveniently near freeway access. The mats are quite comfortable and clean. We have classes 5-6 days a week, allowing folks with challenging work schedules like me, to enjoy class when one can. Lastly, in choosing aikido as a martial art over others: I have briefly practiced Judo and Tai Chi in the past, but Aikido is one that moves with me as I change through the years. I started practicing aikido as physical exercise, but through the years, as my body and psyche changed, I found that aikido is still as relevant. Hikari Dojo is a very traditional Japanese dojo - which means that your spiritual growth is equally important. Through the years, with aikido's help, I connect and hear myself better, and I also connect and hear others better ... but I still have a long way to go. Aikido is a journey, not a destination, as life itself should be. - Jem S-W

Here's my disclaimer: I started in martial arts in April of…read more2001 with Jumonville Sensei, and I remain with him to this day. I plan to stay with him as long as we both can still train, because the teaching he imparts is, quite simply, extraordinary. I have had the pleasure and privilege of meeting and training with Aikido instructors from around the world. We are, after all, a Community of dedicated individuals. There are some truly amazing Senseis out there, and I would never wish to compare. I will, however, say that at Hikari Dojo, we learn in a way that is traditional yet progressive, disciplined but fun, and group-oriented while remaining very personalized. It's about as Yen and Yang as you can get! For me personally, the benefits of Aikido have been tremendous. I'm no "spring chicken," but I am more flexible and in better shape than I was 10 years ago, mentally as well as physically. I should also mention that the kid's class is wonderful. I am constantly amazed at how much fun they have while learning the beautiful movements, building confidence and developing the fundamentals of self-defense. If you've managed to read this far, you should probably consider coming in to check it out. You're obviously interested in getting into a martial art. This just might be the one for you. Who knows? You just might be my new favorite training partner! I look forward to seeing you on the mat. Tim P

Both Bella and Hakim bring a quiet calm presence to their work. They are each skillful and…read moreintuitive, bringing forth what your body needs and meeting that need deeply and generously. The massage space is lovely and soothing as well.

For me, there's only word to describe Hakim... Shaman. He is not only one who does body work with…read moreme but he coaches me in a way that makes me a more connected person. When I am on his table it's always, quite simply, a conversation with God.

I really like this facility. They are friendly and helpful. In addition they do a great job with…read morecleaning. During the winter, I can be very difficult but they have a floor machine that they're running all the time and keeping the place in great shape.

Been going here on and off for a while, in the beginning it was great people were friendly and…read moreknowledgeable, but since after Covid, it went downhill a lot. We still go. I just wish they can get trainers to be in late afternoon to evening. If they could just get a trainer to help us out it would be great again.

I just participated in a meditation retreat at Setu Vermont. It was truly an experience. Although…read moreit was mentally and at times physically challenging, it was truly a blessing to participate in. The hosts were very kind, and the guests were inclusive. The accommodations were very comfortable. I had everything I needed. You have to be mentally prepared to commit, and open minded or you will not fully appreciate the experience in my opinion. It's not for everyone. There was a great deal of sitting, group participation, and patience required. The agenda is pretty full and subject to change, so not a lot of downtime, but that is what you came for. The food was delicious and all vegetarian. There is no alcohol and no alcohol allowed on premises; not a complaint just a disclosure. Whether you are new to the practice or consider yourself an expert, I think you will gain something from this place. If you're ready to go inside and you are not afraid of what you might find, I highly recommend Setu Vermont.

Just had the most beautiful weekend at Setu for a yoga retreat. The accommodations were warm,…read morecomfortable and inspiring. The food was delicious, nutritious and provoked curiosity to learn more. The owners were very generous, welcoming and shared their deep knowledge. I highly recommend rejuvenating yourself at Setu, I hope to go back.

This was my first Retreat at Spirt Fire. I was the presenter and had the orpputinity to see more…read moreinto the dealings of how the center is run. Tim and Steve made our stay unbelievably comfortable. The Retreat center has a warm, clean, well kept, welcoming feeling from the moment you step out of your car. We were welcomed with open arms. The feeling entering the retreat center was lovely and so were the rooms, and other accommodations. The food prepared by these two chefs was out of this world. It nurtured everyone to the core. The energy on this solid quartz mountain is pretty special. The hikes are great, even though during our stay it was icy and slippery, so we didnt venture out too much. I highly recommend this retreat center. It's all done with TLC and you can feel it! I can wait to come back!

I recently conducted my first retreat at Spirit Fire and if I could give them a million stars, I…read morewould...they earned every single one of them. Coming from California to Massachusetts without doing a site visit prior was a bit daunting however, Tim's amazing customer service and attention to detail during my planning process quickly set my mind at ease. The center itself was GORGEOUS -- inside and out. I instantly felt welcomed -- amazing energy and a peaceful, magical, healing property/ atmosphere. The food and service exceeded my expectations in every way. Every attendee commented on how "at home" they felt at Spirit Fire. While this may have been my first retreat there, it won't be my last.

Fun and inspiring African Dance classes for Adults with live drumming.read more

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.