Disclosure :: This roundtable was brought to you courtesy of our many sponsors! Thank you to those companies that chose to participate in this guide.
Don’t miss our Guide to Working Out in and Around the Seacoast
What is the biggest benefit of a class at your studio?
At MISSION, you can schedule any class in advance through our website or our custom app, and get a high-intensity workout in just 50 minutes. We offer over 75 classes a week and can cater to the most hectic schedule. We have three studio spaces for cycling, barre, yoga and strength training classes. Through carefully curated playlists and guidance, our instructors inspire members to overcome their challenges. Our studio is open from 5 a.m.-8 p.m., and not just for class times, so you can shower, chat, have a smoothie and not feel rushed!
What do clients need to know before trying a class?
We welcome newcomers and want everyone to know that our classes are open to all levels. Whether it’s your first class or you’re a MISSION veteran, our instructors will guide you through a class that welcomes and challenges YOU. We also offer “101” classes for our Yoga, Cycle and TRX programs. In these classes, we slow down the moves and members have the opportunity to ask questions that will really allow them to thrive in their classes.
Describe the community at your studio.
At MISSION, our members are part of a team. We root each other on. We motivate each other. We push each other. We support each other. We celebrate together. We welcome people from all backgrounds to unite and change their lives through fitness.
What sets your studio apart from others?
MISSION offers more than classes, it offers an experience. You can be guided by our talented instructors through a high-energy class, stop by our in-studio café, Nourish, for a nutritious smoothie, breakfast or lunch and enjoy our luxurious amenities, from eco-chic beauty products to our chilled towel service. We strive to inspire our members in all aspects of their lives.
What challenges will clients overcome with your classes?
Our classes offer a trans-formative physical and emotional experience. We’ve encountered many members who never felt comfortable at their previous gyms or were nervous to work out in front of others. Here, everyone is welcome and we work together, as a team, through our own personal obstacles.
What is the biggest benefit of a class at your studio?
The biggest benefit of a class at our studio is the balance we achieve. People want to get results AND have fun. They want quality AND flexibility. They want accessibility AND affordability. With so many fitness options in the Seacoast area, people should find a place that offers ALL of that! Results are achieved here. People come to lose baby weight, train for the Olympics, get toned or qualify for the Boston Marathon. Results happen. But never at the expense of fun. Life is short. We think you can have a great time reaching your most exciting goals! Our classes are drop in (flexible and accessible!), designed thoughtfully and full of heart by certified fitness professionals (quality!) and there are 14 opportunities a week (accessible!) to take a class. Just drop in! Let’s work out!
What do clients need to know before trying a class?
You are welcome here! As soon as people walk in our studio doors, they are a part of our crew. It doesn’t matter what your current fitness level is or whatever other “stats” you feel define you as an athlete (btw, yes, you are one!). Just walk in. We can’t wait to get to know you!
Describe the community at your studio.
Our community is filled with positive, hard-working and light-hearted people with one common interest–being their best self, everyday. Our drop-in group fitness classes are mostly made up of amazing women with a few awesome guys who come to work! Where are the rest of the guys, you may ask? We usually see the boys for personal training and small group training. In class, you will see a beautiful array of diversity in age and fitness levels. We like it like that!
What sets your studio apart from others?
We are a music-based studio. Music is central to our programming and one of our most effective tools. It takes a workout and transforms it into an experience! Music doesn’t play in the background here. It’s front and center. Studies show that music plays a very important role in compliance, enjoyment and effectiveness of fitness programming. Music moves us!
What challenges will clients overcome with your classes?
The first challenge our clients overcome is a mental shift. Most people think that they will always be unhappy at the gym. That it will always be a torturous chore. Get ready for a major paradigm shift! Can you imagine a day that you will be really disappointed when you have to miss your favorite class? I’ve seen this happen over and over. Falling in love with fitness is a beautiful thing. It will develop into a lifelong relationship that will improve your health, your mood and your outlook! The second challenge our clients overcome is convincing themselves that they are capable of achieving things they never thought possible. “I never imagined I could do this” are words that still makes our hearts burst. Whether it’s weight loss, consistency with an exercise program, physical feats or athletic goals (spoiler alert) you can totally do it. Thank you for considering us as the backdrop and supporting cast for your beautiful and vibrant life.
What is the biggest benefit of a class at your studio?
Bikram Yoga is a full-body work out. You get strength training, cardio, and flexibility work in every 90-minute class. The most commonly reported benefit is stress reduction. Yoga practitioners don’t necessarily have less stress in their lives, but they feel like they do. In fact, in a 12-week study in California, people who practiced yoga just 45-minutes a day, three days a week experienced a 31% reduction in cortisol (the “stress hormone”) production.
What do clients need to know before trying a class?
Wear light, athletic clothing and be prepared to sweat. You will need a large towel, a yoga mat, and a bottle of water. Be sure to fuel your body before practicing, but don’t have a heavy meal in the one-to-three hours before your first class. Bikram Yoga is a therapeutic yoga practice and our teachers will help guide you to get the most out of your practice each and every day. Our classes are suitable for all ages and levels of ability, so it doesn’t matter what problems, health issues, or injuries you have–we can help!
Describe the community at your studio.
Community is a central tenet at any yoga studio. When you find your studio, you find your tribe. Since opening in 2002, our focus at BYP has been building a community of which we want to be a part. You’ll find our community welcoming, non-judgmental, and fun. We all teach and practice this yoga because it has changed our lives. We struggle together on the mat and that forms an intense, unspoken bond that carries outside the walls of the studio.
What sets your studio apart from others?
Bikram Yoga is certainly a challenging practice, but the best part of this discipline is that you don’t need to have any level of fitness or wellness to start. We don’t do arm balances or inversions, so you can come with whiplash, frozen shoulder, or a bum wrist. The focus of this series is on helping you to achieve full range of motion for your body, freedom from pain, and optimal health. Whether you are training for a decathlon or recovering from a stroke, we can help you feel better and be better. Our motto is: Never too late. Never too bad. Never too old. Never too sick to start all over from scratch.
What challenges will clients overcome with your classes?
Bikram Yoga is done in a heated room. This aspect helps to facilitate healing and stretching without injury. It improves balance and coordination and makes working out easier on those with heart disease. One of the greatest benefits of the heat outside these physiological considerations is the depth of focus it brings to practitioners. To focus solely on your posture when you’re uncomfortable and that trickle of sweat feels like a spider crawling down your back helps to strengthen your self-control, resolve, determination, concentration, focus, and grit. The series is also well known in the world of trauma recovery for the style of the teaching and the approach. We cue each posture with present-moment, body-focused language to draw the mind perpetually back into the present. This is a powerfully effective tool in healing from trauma and PTSD as it helps to stimulate neuroplasticity and teach the brain not to respond to all stimulus with biological fight-or-flight reactions. As with any yoga or exercise regimen, you’ll also improve your strength and heart health, gain flexibility, improve balance, increase your fitness levels, lose weight, and feel better.
What is the biggest benefit of a class at your studio?
We generally don’t approach programming around members coming in for a single class, but rather helping members think about a lifestyle change. The biggest benefit is gained by committing and attending class on a regular basis. The programming is constantly varied, so much so, that you rarely do the same workout twice. This keeps the day-to-day fresh and makes the workouts more interesting, which also leads to better results.
What do clients need to know before trying a class?
We have absolutely no fitness expectations. Anyone can do CrossFit! Can’t do push ups? Can’t do pull ups? Does your cardio stink right now? It’s okay! Our certified trainers will help you modify and scale all the movements to your ability level. People unaffiliated with our gym or CrossFit mistakenly think they need to get in shape before joining us–this is just not true!
Describe the community at your studio.
Family. Our community is absolutely amazing and we see it as one of the strongest aspects of our program. Supportive, hard working, determined, loyal and, boy do they know how to have fun! We have adult recess everyday! It’s this community that keeps people coming back everyday.
What sets your studio apart from others?
Real life-changing results. When we talk to any of our members we consistently hear this similar story about how CrossFit and our gym has totally transformed their health, fitness, and outlook on their well-being. We get these results through the combination of world class fitness and nutritional programming, trainers who are dedicated and engaged in each member’s goals, and a supportive community.
What challenges will clients overcome with your classes?
For women, one of the biggest challenges is facing weakness when they first start CrossFit. Fortunately, they quickly learn how strong they can be. We’re actively changing stereotypes of what a woman should be and, at The Port, we think women are strong both physically and mentally. We have many clients who have joined us barely being able to squat below parallel, do a push up against the wall, or hang from the bar, never mind do a pull up. Through our programming, these same women have learned and grown to squat their body weight with a barbell, perform multiple regulation push ups, and even link together pull-ups. The transformations we see are absolutely amazing.
What is the biggest benefit of a class at your studio?
Every ride at CycleFierce is an experience. Indoor cycling is all we do, so you have the benefit of riding with the best and most experienced instructors you’ll find anywhere, in a gorgeous state-of-the-art studio, surrounded by an amazing group of people, we call our Fierce Tribe. From the moment you walk into the door until you leave, you will feel at home, you will feel empowered and you will feel strong. You will torch 500+ calories and leave feeling drenched and inspired.
What do clients need to know before trying a class?
All of our rides are geared for all levels of fitness, unless otherwise specified on the schedule. When you arrive to the studio, you will be greeted warmly and shown around the studio and then to your assigned bike. We will fit you to your bike to ensure proper and safe set-up. You can wear sneakers or you can clip in with cycling shoes with SPD clips. We encourage you to wear tighter fitting bottoms and short sleeves/tank tops to stay cool. You will meet the instructor before the ride begins and you will feel comfortable modifying any aspect of the ride and, of course, challenging yourself in ways you never thought you could. Every bike has a towel and you can bring your own water bottle to fill at the studio or we have water for purchase if you need.
Describe the community at your studio.
One of our mantras is “Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe” and you will feel why the minute you walk through the door. Our community we call “Our Tribe” literally includes everyone. Beginners to experienced athletes, students, Moms getting their “me time” in before the grocery store and carpools, busy professionals and people of all levels of fitness are part of our community. Literally everyone. People flock to the studio for a mental and physical release side-by-side with their Fierce Friends.
What sets your studio apart from others?
Definitely our community and our instructors set us apart. And this creates the VIBE we describe above. The warmth you always feel when you walk in, the sense that you can accomplish anything. Our riders know that what they do on the bike translates off the bike in their daily lives in a meaningful and positive way. We ride dark to music you not only hear, but feel. Our riders get on the bike, exhale, relax, and work harder than they realized they ever could. And we celebrate everyone in many ways, among them are their milestones (100, 200, 300…and even 600 rides). They sign our Wall of Fame and are celebrated at a special ride.
What challenges will clients overcome with your classes?
We have seen everything, from very visible physical transformations, to helping riders overcome emotional/mental struggles that are less apparent. Our riders are supported, encouraged and empowered, so we become part of their story. Our rides provide a unique release and stress reduction which manifest itself differently in everyone. People leave the studio drenched and inspired with a renewed sense of clarity that they can take with them, and which helps them to achieve their goals and overcome a full spectrum of challenges.
What is the biggest benefit of a class at your studio?
The biggest benefits at Fitness Together are the accountability and the customized programming led by highly skilled, certified, and friendly fitness coaches. Our clients are challenged in a fun and appropriate way–you always leave feeling better than when you arrived!
What do clients need to know before trying a class?
Getting started is always the hardest part. Exercise can be FUN, but that does not mean it is fun for everyone, as some of our clients do not like to work out but they value their health/fitness and understand it is something they need to do. Don’t be nervous! We’re fitness professionals and will guide you–all we ask from you is effort and a positive attitude.
Describe the community at your studio.
Friendly, welcoming, efficient and effective. Many of our clients get to know each other as they are here for a while. There’s always conversation and great camaraderie. Clients are with Fitness Together, not just for the great workout programs, but also the relationships that are built and their overall experience.
What sets your studio apart from others?
The atmosphere, cleanliness and people. Our team works together every day to create the best facility for personal training. We care about our clients and want everyone to succeed, and will do what it takes to get them there. We understand we are being hired for a job and will not “BS” a client in telling them what they want to hear, but what they need to hear.
What challenges will clients overcome with your classes?
The biggest challenges clients will overcome will be dependent upon their goals. All of our programs are customized to the client in what they are looking to achieve. Most people new to exercise will feel muscle soreness when they begin (for a few weeks). This can be a bit uncomfortable, but it will go away and improve as your body adjusts. Fear not, this is normal!
What is the biggest benefit of a class at your studio?
We have something for everyone! Whether you are looking to lose weight with our Weight Loss Challenge, increase your strength, or improve your running, we have a class for you. Our class sizes are limited to manageable group sizes that allow our participants to have more one-on-one attention.
What do clients need to know before trying a class?
New clients have the opportunity to receive a free consultation to discuss what class or training program may best suit their needs.
Describe the community at your studio.
Integrated Fitness is a supportive, knowledgeable community. Our trainers encourage, motivate and share in the excitement of your achievements. We offer a comfortable environment with trainers who have a passion for helping clients. In fact, we encourage you to continue your fitness goals even outside of your sessions with us.
What sets your studio apart from others?
We were voted top 3 in the state of NH for personal training in 2016! You are more than just another member here. At Integrated Fitness, our specialty is personal training. Our diverse group of certified personal trainers are dedicated to helping you achieve your personal health and fitness goals. Equipment is always available for your training, which ensures a quality workout for the time you have allocated. We go beyond just workouts or exercise, with a focus on helping you make healthier lifestyle choices. We also offer online nutrition guidance and counseling.
What challenges will clients overcome with your classes?
Whether participating in one-on-one personal training, small group training or our small group exercise classes, our trainers work with you individually to safely and effectively push past the limits of the your comfort zone to get the results you want.
What is the biggest benefit of a class at your studio?
At LizFit, we offer a variety of classes every day of the week. For people who have the month-long class pass, it allows them to change up their routine and class preferences often–YOGA one day, SPIN, or BODYSHRED Tabata the next! We have an incredible team of instructors who each offer a different style of teaching–we like to keep our classes new, fresh, and exciting!
What do clients need to know before trying a class?
When someone comes to LizFit for the first time, we suggest they arrive 15 minutes early to meet the instructor, tour the studio, and get a sense of what the class will be like that day. By becoming comfortable with the environment, and letting the instructor know if they have any injuries, it ensures a more enjoyable and safe experience. In our classes, you can march to the beat of your own drum–if you have shoulder issues, we’ll create a modification specifically for you. If you haven’t run since high school, don’t fret! We encourage each member of our community to accomplish classes at their own pace and in a way that makes them feel most comfortable. The upbeat music and natural energy from our classes push everyone to work hard and, no matter where you are on your fitness journey, everyone leaves having accomplished a great workout!
Describe the community at your studio.
We consider the LizFit community to be like a “team”–we are encouraging, supportive, and welcoming of everyone. It feels like one big happy family! There is no sense of “gym-timidation” here and we love that. When you arrive to class, you are greeted with a smile and many familiar faces. We are grateful to be surrounded by so many incredible people on a daily basis.
What sets your studio apart from others?
We love that LizFit is a very welcoming and friendly fitness community. We encourage all ages, levels, and abilities to come to classes and we are proud this is something that allows us to stand out.
What challenges will clients overcome with your classes?
Everyone is on their own personal fitness journeys–some LizFitters have been avid athletes for years, and others come to LizFit never having tried a group fitness classes before. It’s exciting to see how much fun people have trying new classes and realizing that they love working out in a group environment!
What is the biggest benefit of a class at your studio?
Long, lean muscles without the impact on your joints! Pure Barre works fast, and does not involve any running, jumping or slamming. It’s intelligent exercise. In 55 minutes, you work every muscle group. Clients report visible results in as few as 10 classes. As a teacher, women often tell me the backs of their arms tighten up first, followed by a noticeably lifted “seat.” Not to mention, posture and confidence–they start to carry themselves differently inside and outside the studio. That mental shift is my favorite.
What do clients need to know before trying a class?
Pure Barre creates an even playing field. We have clients who haven’t worked out in 20 years after having kids–that was the case for my mother, Susan, who is now a co-owner with almost 1,000 classes completed. We also have former Division 1 athletes, bodybuilders and professional dancers. No matter who you are, the first class is a whirlwind. The movements are small, but intense. Everyone’s muscles shake and fatigue. Our advice: allow yourself to be a beginner. The newness wears off in 3-5 classes and you will surprise yourself if you stick with it. I could never do a split before Pure Barre. Now, it’s no problem.
Describe the community at your studio.
Diverse. A lot of people have misconceptions about the type of person or body type that does Pure Barre. Sure, we are proud of the strong Pure Barre Master Teacher Trainers pictured in our ads. But, we are also proud of the makeup of a real class. All fitness levels, backgrounds and, yes, even men do Pure Barre because it works!
What sets your studio apart from others?
You–the clients! Pure Barre is the place you can truly be yourself, dropping all the labels you carry outside of our doors (i.e. Mom, Caregiver, Job Title, Stereotype, Current Emotional State.) These 55 minutes are just for you, and we mean it. Our staff goal is to know you by name and know what makes you tick. When you don’t come to your typical class time, you are missed in the best possible way. A group of authentic clients, free to be themselves, is what makes our studio standout from the rest.
What challenges will clients overcome with your classes?
Our signature “90 second plank,” reaching a full split, staying in Seat work the whole time–the challenges are countless and change daily. Then there are broader ones, like finding Pure Barre is the one workout you don’t dread, making new friends later in life, overcoming an injury by strengthening the muscles around it. I’ve watched one client with no mobility in her arm transform her body with Pure Barre. Stories like that motivate me to be a better teacher. We are beyond excited to see what you achieve.
What is the biggest benefit of a class at your studio?
Root Down Yoga classes focus on a unique movement therapy accessible to everybody regardless of age or experience. Our classes offer the opportunity to begin or enhance your current practice in a format that will change the way think and feel about yoga. Starting something new can be intimidating, Root Down Yoga offers the first posture to a new way of life.
What do clients need to know before trying a class?
The studio encourages students to come as you are. Listening to your body can be the hardest factor of yoga. If you have practiced before, and it felt strenuous, intimidating, or difficult, try again. Show up ready to learn something new about yourself, your body will surprise you.
Describe the community at your studio.
The community at Root Down Yoga ranges from busy moms, athletic marathoners, individuals with chronic inflammation, post/pre-surgical rehab clientele. Our community offers a unique place for acceptance and growth, no matter where you are in your journey.
What sets your studio apart from others?
Our studio provides an inclusive intimate setting with smaller classes that move at a welcoming pace. Root Down Yoga is a safe and nurturing learning environment with accessible classes for anyone. The energy within this space will have you wanting to come back before you even leave the mat.
“After two surgeries on my ankle, I was petrified to walk down the stairs. Root Down Yoga has provided me with the confidence to move again. If you haven’t tried this studio, you are missing out.” – RDY Student
What challenges will clients overcome with your classes?
Each student brings a unique goal that drives their practice. Individuals can anticipate the ability to overcome fear and gain the self-confidence to reinvent their relationship with movement. The studios approachability to all levels of capability creates a place where functional mobility takes on a beautiful new meaning.
What is the biggest benefit of a class at your studio?
For our members who are moms and dads of young children, one of the biggest benefits of taking classes at our club is that we offer child care. We have a newly renovated nursery with an experienced and dedicated staff. Since we are a full service health club, our members also have the benefit of choosing from a range of fitness classes, small group and personal training options.
What do clients need to know before trying a class?
Members should know that no prior experience is needed to participate in any of our classes. Our instructors are highly trained in proper technique and progression, and are accustomed to welcoming new clients each day.
Describe the community at your studio.
Seacoast Sports Club is a family owned and operated gym that services the young to the young at heart. Since we offer child care, toddler and youth fitness classes, swimming and tennis lessons, our community is family-centered. We opened our doors in 2001 and are proud to have helped establish a legacy of healthy members of our community.
What sets your studio apart from others?
The biggest benefit of our club is that we are actually five studios in one location. Group cycling, yoga, barre, TRX, high intensity group training, kettle bell/sports conditioning are all included in one membership.
What challenges will clients overcome with your classes?
Over the years, clients consistently report that the instructors and trainers, along with our supportive community of members, helped them to overcome their fears of working out in a gym and/or trying classes. Along with gaining strength and losing weight, our members gain a confidence that keeps them coming back.
What is the biggest benefit of a class at your studio?
The beauty of yoga is that it meets you right where you are and offers a vehicle for transformation. Yoga is a personal practice in a group setting. If you come looking to build strength and flexibility in your body, you will find that. If you are looking for tools to manage stress/struggle, you will find that. If you are looking for a deeper connection to yourself and those around you, you will find that. All of this is available to you in your practice. Just show up and get what you need.
What do clients need to know before trying a class?
We teach power yoga in a room heated to approx 95 degrees with humidity. You will want to arrive well hydrated, bring water/electrolytes, a towel and a yoga mat (we also rent mats). Close fitting sweat wicking attire is best. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before class on your first visit.
Describe the community at your studio.
Our community is connected, joyful, welcoming, empowering and supportive. All are welcome!
What sets your studio apart from others?
We feel fortunate to be where there is so much great yoga! We believe yoga is for everyone, you just need to find the right fit for you. Our brand is built on the foundation of Baptiste Power Yoga. We offer heated vinyasa with SOUL. Each class is a transformative experience designed to open body and mind for empowered living. Our community is joyful and connected. Our studio is home.
What challenges will clients overcome with your classes?
Practitioners learn to identify their own obstacles to lead the life they want from an empowered place.
