When it comes to a good Zumba class, it's all about the instructor. They've got to have an infectious energy that invites you to loosen up and get down, even if you're shy or believe yourself uncoordinated. Jessica Demers, owner of Body Karma in Clinton, definitely has that energy--she sings while she dances, she's encouraging, and she's clearly having a blast. Set to an upbeat soundtrack of pop, Latin tunes, Zumba tracks, and a healthy dose of holiday songs (I attended class just before Christmas), Jessica and I box-stepped, twirled, swayed, and cut a proverbial rug across the studio's wooden floor. What I loved most about her class was we didn't only dance--Jessica also incorporated strength-training intervals with hand weights and kettlebells to get our heart rate up and work our legs, glutes, abs, arms, and shoulders. By the end of the hour I was a sweaty mess, albeit a happy one--not only is Zumba one of the best exercises for cardio and coordination, it's also a great way to elevate your mood. Classes: Zumba, yoga, pilates. Schedule: Between 4 and 7 morning and evening classes Monday through Thursday, 3 morning classes on Friday and Saturday, and 2 morning classes on Sunday. Atmosphere: Quaint and homey, with new local art exhibited on the walls every three months. Price: $15 drop-in, 5 classes-$65, 10 classes-$110, 20 classes-$200. Extras: Private sessions, reiki, art receptions, kids classes, workshops, event and party bookings available. read more

Cute, unpretentious, convenient workout spot with yoga, Zumba, Pilates, and more. I love that Body Karma is conveniently located near the post office, breakfast joint, and my go to grocery store. I love their tech savy: they text, you sign your waver on an iPad, get an email receipt, they have phone charging stations in the cubbies. I love the unpretentious atmosphere with cute bright colors, local artists paintings for sale, and cute little mini lounge with bright pillows. Nice staff, nice teachers! Class: For me personally, the particular Yoga class I chose was too mellow and too spiritual. It was a Daoist form of Yoga which I have not experienced before, and there was a lot of focus on energy work, healing, and meridian lines. It was a very slow series of flowing movements. Although I tried to engage my muscles as much as possible in the poses, I never got to a point where my body felt warm. I tried to surrender to the class, maybe I need to relax! But, I'm totally OCD about symmetry and I kept drifting visually to all the textures and colors in the room, and found all the details too distracting. The room was on the colder side, and with the slow class I ended up feeling unpleasantly cold. Overall I suspect that this atmosphere with all the fun bright colors would be great during Zumba, or a more active training class, which they do offer. I'd also be more careful personally to understand that there are many different types of yoga, and understand exactly which kind of class I am attending! I'd try them again for a more active class read more