Health & Fitness in Salem

Average Class Length: 30–60 minutes
Class location: Indoors only
Established: 2014
Good for beginners: Yes
Guests allowed: Yes
Parking: Parking lot

With one look at Yoga Escape's classes, it's clear that YogaFit-certified instructor Catherine Albertini prizes yoga's ability to help people de-stress and find a sense of peace. The classes, which sport such names as Gentle Yoga and Rest & Relax, all focus on relaxation and meditation, and they help participants unwind after a long day of sitting at work. Even the beginners' class incorporates seated meditation and ends in a relaxation pose.

Albertini, who welcomes all levels to her classes, emphasizes slow and steady progress and helps beginners acclimate their bodies to their newfound practice. She teaches them how to use props and encourages them to listen to their bodies—just in case their hamstrings start to cry.

You won't find cars in strength and conditioning specialist Michael Howell's garage. Instead, you'll find weights, barbells, and other pieces of non-drivable fitness machinery that comprise his sport-specific home fitness studio, Dynamic Fitness & Performance. Here, he leads performance training sessions that aim to put athletes at the top of their game; baseball players build speed, MMA fighters gain endurance, and triathletes hone their longevity. All workouts include a 21-point functional movement screen. He also brings his programs on the road during outdoor boot camps at a local high school.

DIG. Whether it's a personal-training session or a CrossFit or kettle bell fitness class, Dig Performance CrossFit's experts expect everyone to dig deep and give their all. The trainers have the experience and education needed to tailor programs to each individual, helping motivate and encourage clients. By scaling workouts to suit fitness levels and setting realistic goals, they hope to make that path to achievement a little easier to tread. To compliment their muscle-toning workouts, they also offer massages and nutritional counseling.

Boasting a bachelor's of science degree in exercise science from Western Oregon University, the boot camp instructor at Superior Massage LLC is also a Certified Personal trainer with National Academy of Sports Medicine(NASM). The staff also administers soothing therapeutic massages that can target problem areas or treat full-body tension. Massage therapists can also knead away tension in Deluxe sessions that last up to 90 minutes.

Working to get your body back in shape takes a lot more than just exercise. That's where the trainers at Rise Performance enter the picture. Their three-pronged approach to wellness helps clients get into shape and do it right. With individual training, group fitness classes, and nutritional counseling, visitors can expect to set accomplishable goals, create healthier habits, and challenge themselves and one another.

Melissa McGarvey tried diets. She tried long-distance running and exercising for hours at a time. But she didn't get the results she wanted until she found the individualized program that was right for her—she began training as an all-around athlete. Today, she helps guests find the right fitness regime for their own body type and lifestyle through intense personal-training sessions.