Does this look like a torture chamber to you? Well, it is, but in a good way. Welcome to the latest…read moreworkout craze. After a lovely holiday week skiing at 12,000 feet in Colorado, I thought a Cross Fit class would be no biggie. Ha! But here's the thing: even though I was the oldest, fattest and slowest of the group (four men, four women), everyone was so encouraging that I managed the pull-ups (aided by a giant rubber band), the sit-ups (some new and interesting versions), and the interminable running (ok, jogging) loops around the building. This place has a cult following, there are even special Cross Fit shoes and a tee shirt! Everybody in the class is a happy convert and I know why. This workout will shed the pounds and have you ripped in no time. Lucky for me, you can go at your own pace. I figure I can bear anything for an hour, and I did. Panting, exhausted, but inexplicably exhilarated, I came home and looked up the schedule for the week. Buy me the tee shirt, I'm going back.

I showed up at MidCoast CrossFit seven months pregnant, and out of a box, given a cross-country…read moremove. With all my special needs for scaling WODs and modifying movements, the coaches and members accepted me with open arms. With the Elayne and Wendell's (co-owners) help, it's been possible for me to CrossFit at least three times a week right into my eight month of pregnancy; I'm at 38 weeks today, and planning to hit a class later this afternoon. It's become a habit to show up five min early to talk with the coach about scaling the WOD or substituting movements. I love that their community has been so positive, since being able to CrossFit has allowed me retain some semblance of normalcy amidst my first pregnancy, and the upheaval of a very big move! While I haven't encountered any naysayers at MidCoast, there are some who may comment "is it really safe?" If you're pregnant and wish to continue CrossFit, use common sense: talk with your doctor first (I did, and got a resounding, "yes, go for it!"), scale back your weight by 20-30% (pregnancy is no time to try for a PR), don't get your heart rate too high (breathe, breathe, breathe), and listen to your body - if a movement hurts or doesn't feel right, then substitute! Also, some movements are just "no-no's," so talk with your coaches and do the research on which movements to skip. Any day may be my last class before my big day, and I will miss all the support and sound coaching that I've received at MidCoast! I'm looking forward to returning a month or two down the line with baby in tow.

Echoing other posts in here. Do not give him a credit or debit card. I'm owed $600 for a month of…read moretraining. He said the charges would be reversed in 20 days. Going on 60 and nothing. He's a con.

I was a member for 11 months, and did have some good results from my workouts, but DO NOT under any…read morecircumstances give him a credit card number! I gave my 30 day notice to leave the gym last June, which made July my last month, yet he still charged me for August and September...I contacted him directly via text asking him to reverse the charges...he completely ignored me, so I disputed the charges and they were reversed in November, but he charged me AGAIN in December! I am disputing the charges again and will now likely have to cancel the card to make sure he stops. His credit card accounting practices are either very shady or extremely disorganized and cannot be trusted. If you do join, pay in cash or check!

I am maintaining an active life under the personalized, professional guidance of the trainers at…read moreJE. The program not only builds my strength and balance so I can continue to enjoy travel and fun with my grandkids, but has also been essential to my full recovery from a severe broken ankle in my 70s. And, the friends I've made at JE are icing on the cake.

Whether you have always liked to exercise or dislike to exercise, Joint Effort is the place for…read moreyou. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, positive, and will write a program designed just for you. They have many classes that can be geared for your level. I am 67 years old and always hated to exercise. I now look forward to going to the gym and feel so much better for doing so. Check them out if you are at all interested in starting a new exercise program.

Awesome place...always drop in when in town for a workout with Derek and his crew. Very…read moreknowledgeable and organized. 5 stars!!!

I started working out with Derek years ago in high school. We quickly discovered I lacked lower…read morebody strength compared to other athletes in my age group. Derek adjusted my plan and created a fun learning environment despite my torturous leg days. What I learned then, laid the foundation for my health/fitness knowledge. I was able to compete at a higher level than other athletes and today I still revert back to what I learned with Derek. I highly recommend Precision Fitness for any athlete or individual seeking a personal fitness goal. Derek remains a good friend and a trusted professional.

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. A few breaths and a matter of minutes was all it took to melt my…read moreworries away in Pilates Mat class - a fusion of Pilates and yoga. A novice when it comes to a yoga mat, I found myself doing planks, downward dogs and stretches with a Pilates ring with ease thanks to the small group size and owner Joy Scott's one-on-one guidance. Pilates not your thing? Try Cardio Bodi Sculpt, Barre (a ballet-inspired class for non-dancers), Zumba, Yoga or, yes, even Belly Dancing! Looking for a class for your kid? There's Kids Bodiflow, Breakdancing, Kung-Fu Hip-Hop, Jazz or Ballet. Coming in November, banish winter woes with Hot Yoga. bodinmotion.com p.s. Yoga for Special Kids class available (for special needs children).

This studio is so nice! & i don't usually like anything! I'm kidding, but when it comes to yoga'ish…read morestudio's etc...I am a tough customer!!! The studio is clean & there is a garage door at the end that can be opened come nice weather!!! how cool is that? And one more thing, Heated pilates? never heard of it but know for a fact I love it!!!!

Joint Effort is one of the things that give a reason for getting out of bed. The staff is great and…read moreso helpful. They help over come any problems you have with movement. They will customize your program to your needs. I started going to Joint Effort Old Saybrook shortly after they open and I sill there. So in my eyes they must be doing something right. I'm Still at it and I'll be 80 in January.

I've been a member at JE in Old Saybrook after getting recommendations from 2friends 3 yrs ago…read more I'm so glad I joined. I always disliked exercise and half-heartedly joined gym classes over the years only to get bored and drop out, or get injured (over-exuberant at Yoga!). At 64 I realized how much strength I had lost over the years and decided to take a chance at this gym where I had truly individualized instruction, modifications if something wasn't working for me and I saw progress which gave me confidence to continue. A bonus is the camaraderie of the members and instructors. It's more expensive than other gyms but those never worked for me. And getting older, preventing injury is much more important to me than spending a little more money. Plus I like it and I'm sticking with it, a first for me.

Today was my first time at Quest and my first TRX class. After this first expereience I somehow…read morefeel like I'm allowed to shout things like "get some!" and "oo-ra" - as if I have earned the right. I was pretty nervous about this class for the usual reasons (i'm not fit enough, i can't do it, im going to make a fool of myself, etfc.) But from the moment I walked in it was apparent that my worries were totally unfounded. The instructor James (who is also the owner I believe) was an incredible motivator. He made me feel really comfortable the whole class. He pushed me but also didn't shame me when I needed a break. After the class I felt AMAZING. Accomplished, strong, capable, exhausted (yet somehow energized), and HAPPY. I can't wait to come back and try another class. Get some!

I wanted to try something challenging and different so went in for an orientation with James. He…read morereally knows his stuff and showed me around the key moves of the TRX and also kettle bells. Then I stayed for the TRX Body Blast and it was killer! I have been working out steadily all year but I immediately felt how the TRX gets to muscles I wasn't using and also allows for some more dynamic movement like swings that are just more fun than lifting weights. I will definitely be back for more classes and I'm so glad I can now use the TRX and bells at other gyms when I travel! Definitely recommended!

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name…read more Best decision I've made for my health and sanity in several years. I was a true fitness beginner and a little intimidated by gyms and trainers, etc., but the folks at Advantage were patient, understanding and supportive right from the beginning. The trainers really make an effort to know you and your goals, and the atmosphere is always supportive and upbeat. You really feel like you have a team on your side! The Mystic facility is easy to get to, has ample parking, and is just the right size. The shake bar is fantastic! The gym and locker room are super clean, and they have been on top of all covid protocols and provided excellent communication.

Recently signed my son up for a membership and he's enjoying his experience so far. He likes the…read moretrainers, the workouts, and the atmosphere.