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!

While picking up a something next door, this place caught my eye. I quickly looked inside an OPEN…read moredoor with my 4 year old to see what it was about... a NASTY woman came out yelling about it being impolite to look inside. She was so rude in front of my child and wife. Clearly a gym that I would never want to be a part of nor should you.

I'd like to leave 0 stars. The owner is very unprofessional and the gym is not very good.read more

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.

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!!!!

Everyone at Jiu Jitsu Life Academy was so welcoming and friendly. Professor Sargent was so…read morehospitable to me for my stay allowing me to drop in for the 3 days I was in town. If you're anywhere close to this gym I HIGHLY recommend you train here. Great culture and wonderful rolls! Thanks so much!

Incredible instruction in both gi and no gi. Great instructors and great atmosphere. Highly…read morerecommend jiu jitsu life - it will change your life.

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!

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!