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!

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).

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!

I like the Valley-Shore Y but wish they could invest in upgrading the locker room.....the…read moreinvestment they made in the cardio space a few years ago was transformative....if only they could do the same for the men's locker room. Everyone at the front desk, particularly Tony, never fail to greet you with a smile to welcome you.

If you crossed a Valley Girl with a Jersey Shore Girl, you'd have a Valley Shore Girl, and she…read moremight well work out here, at the gym named after her. That sounds hot. In some regards, this is not a bad YMCA, and I left some important stuff here (cellphone, Anker charger), and they saved it for me which was great, and saved me a lot of money and stress. I was able to go back and get it late at night, even when they were supposed to be closed. They didn't have any problem letting me in at closing time, and were pretty friendly about that. And pretty friendly in general. On the other hand some of the equipment is really old and several of us got kicked out when the section that we were using was needed for a class - and this kind of thing is a big No-No when you're paying members - so I'll give it a 4 but it could have easily gotten at 3 if they weren't so great about the stuff I left behind.

I had a mixed experience with Shakti. I saw her twice and then covid-19 happened and so .I couldn't…read morelet her into my private space. I don't usually opt for packages but bought a series of ten ($1,650) before the virus happened. I would not have done this if I had to do it over. I asked for my money back and it looks like she'll send me a few checks (not the full amount) even though hers is a non refundable agreement (which I didn't know). Anyway, I hardly know her and appreciate that she will send me some money.

Shakti has been my massage therapist for almost five years. I first came to go to her when I was…read morepregnant with my second daughter and have been seeing her ever since. I travel all over the world for my work and get massage wherever I go. And I have to say that after going to Shakti nothing quite compares.

We had a great experience thanks to Sea Turtle SUP! Their responses were prompt and prices very…read morereasonable. SUPs were practically new and they showed up exactly when they promised for delivery and gave me a heads up for pick up. Would not change a thing about my experience renting from them and can't wait to do it again.

We rented two paddle boards for a large family picnic and what a good decision that was! The owner,…read moreJim, was very easy to work with, pleasant, flexible and informative. Following his instructions was easy and made a big difference in our success. Many of our guests had never paddle boarded before but everyone had a good experience. Fun for those who watched too. This will definitely become a tradition for our future Labor Day picnics!

I take zoom meditation classes regularly with Sarah. I look forward to the class all week. She is…read morecreative, gentle, caring and professional. I've had massage and individual coaching sessions as well that have been very helpful. Sara introduced me to meditation and tapping and it's helped so much both physically and mentally. Don't hesitate. She's the best!

Sarah was able to accept a last minute appointment for me with short notice. Her communication was…read morevery professional and she was very thorough in her pre-session questions and conversation. I enjoyed the massage very much. She was very attentive and frequently asked for feedback. She currently does not accept credit cards so remember to bring cash or check. Highly recommended.