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 been doing yoga for over 25 years from everywhere from Kripalu, to local gyms, out of state…read moreon vacation and other local studios. I keep coming back because of the excellent guidance, instruction and professional teachers here. There is no comparison!!

I just finished my first Iyengar yoga class and it was amazing. The teacher was very present and…read morewalked around the room helping each student with the alignment of their bodies from their knees, hips, pelvis, and back. Each posture was done with intention with a luxurious, long hold that help me feel a wonderful stretch. My favorite part of the class was the supported shoulder stand which was propped up with a number of blankets and a chair that helped my back feel so open and stretched out. The teacher mentioned how this pose promotes a healthy thyroid. The atmosphere was friendly and intimate. I highly recommend checking out this yoga studio!

I have been attending Liz's yoga classes for a few years. Before attending, I would wake up each…read moremorning with back pain. I am happy to say Liz's classes have changed this for me. I no longer wake up in pain. I actually look forward to attending two morning classes weekly. It is a very friendly and relaxed environment. Liz takes the time to help anyone who is having an issue or problem in class or outside of class. She is always available to help with modifications if needed. I strongly suggest anyone who is looking for a yoga class to try Liz Hall Yoga.

After being away from any organized exercise classes for a number of years I decided it was finally…read moretime for me to search for a class. I researched Yoga classes in my area with a few criteria in mind: convenient location and times, experienced, knowledgeable instructor, comfortable atmosphere, encouragement but no pressure. I called Liz and immediately felt comfortable enough to try her class. Of course I was nervous at my first class. I spoke to a few others and asked about the class. Everyone was positive with comments like "Liz is wonderful, She'll encourage you to push yourself with no pressure, I've been coming to this class for years, etc." I've now been attending yoga class twice weekly for about two months now and I love it! I can feel my strength and flexibility improving and Liz tells me with time I might even flatten my belly. Everyone is friendly, yet the class is a good size with opportunity for individualized help as needed. The payment procedure is convenient and reasonable. Liz is amazing, always encouraging as she varies the class weekly so it always feels fresh and new. It's a great class! So, if you are interested in Yoga, give it a try.

Brianne and her studio are both truly amazing and welcoming to all! Wether it be your first class…read moreor 100th, you'll find that this down to earth studio will empower you to really connect to yourself as well as the multitude of aspects of yoga. I've felt intimidated going to other studios but Brianne has created such an inviting and supportive environment to practice in, that I truly feel renewed and uplifted by the time I leave. There is a class for absolutely every level here, from gentle for people with chronic injuries, to advanced freestyle that will push you to your limits, but no matter what class you are in you will never feel put down for doing what you are comfortable with. In addition to the yoga classes there is occasionally Kirtan or live music during a class, which is a whole other experience in of itself, and such an amazing opportunity to meet musicians who travel the world! I highly recommend stopping into Bhogah Yoga at least once if your considering it, and it'll leave you wanting to come back an become a part of the yogi community!

This is a great studio in Wallingford. The owner and instructors are amazing. They do a great job…read moretailoring each class to individual levels and needs. I highly recommend stopping in for a class. There are a good variety of times so you should have no trouble finding a convenient class. They are usually offering special classes or work shops (ex. at a local farm, retreats in Vermont, essential oil workshops, yoga for back pain). There is something for everyone here. The retail space is great too if you need a gift for someone. Support a local business, do something great for yourself, and be surrounded by some wonderful human beings. Stop by Pure Alchemy after for a treat too, it's right in front of Rise and they make for a lovely pair.

Rise is truly a studio that welcomes ALL yogis. The owner and teachers consistently welcome new…read morestudents with personal introductions, creating a warm and positive environment to newcomers. There are classes designed for all levels and each teacher not only has a deep understanding of the practice and their students, but has something unique to offer. The studio also hosts frequent workshops and special events, collaborating with local businesses. If you're looking to build your practice and find a sense of community, this is the place for you.

Amazing yoga studio with the best classes - Angela offers incredible hypnotherapy and Reiki…read morehealing too

Root Yoga Studio (formerly of Old Lyme) has recently reopened its doors in the old E.E.Dickinson…read morefactory in Centerbrook (right next to the Essex Steam Train). Lucky for us and anyone who's been apprehensive to attempt a yoga class due to physical limitations - back issues or otherwise, owner Mimi Brainard has brought a game-changing tradition to the shoreline. In this fresh and lofty space, she's installed a wall of ropes and slings to provide a safe and creative way to practice fully supported classical poses with countless modifications. Don't let the ropes fool you - in no way do they suggest aerial or acrobatic yoga. After extensive training in Backcare and Herniation with the best in this discipline, Alison West (at Yoga Union & Yoga Union Back Care and Scoliosis Center in NYC), Mimi is armed with tools of the highest standards to build confidence and help with stability in a practice that may seem to some only for the young, uninjured and agile. The Ropes Wall classes include: Basic Backcare is appropriate for All Levels and for anyone seeking an understanding of their back or relief of back pain. Yoga for Herniations + Posture Basics is for All Levels especially if you have herniations and disc issues, seeking relief and understanding of the habitual patterns that cause your herniations and back pain. Posture and Alignment is an All Levels class suitable for those seeking an understanding of their back and how to work more deeply in their practice with alignment at the wall, with clarity, precision, and freedom. But Root Yoga Studio does not stop there. They still offer some of our all-time top favorite classes like Liza Dousson's expert Yin teachings deeply rooted in Chinese tradition, Grace Osara's tried, true, and soothing Kripalu sessions as well as Kundalini, meditation, Pranayama classes and more. Mimi continues to teach her signature Root Flow classes where alignment is paramount, but prepare to break a sweat during a flow of linked postures and expect to spend a little time at the ropes wall, too. Contact Mimi to reserve your free session and to discuss your personal needs prior to attending class. By Laura Williams

I went to the Asana beginners class as I realized that my muscles and form were not ideal for the…read moreFlow Class. I had been running the day before and sustained a muscle injury. Mimi showed me how to stretch my hips so that I could avoid further injury and gave me exercises to do at home. My injury and pain felt relieved after just 20minutes of stretches...the right stretches with a knowledgeable yoga instructor works!! The ASANA class at Root is educational as it teaches and reinforces the principals of yoga-posture and breathing. I loved it and will be telling all my friends!

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!