Gyms in West Hartford

Rasa Yoga Shala’s brand of Vinyasa-style yoga differs from most; the studio’s creative approach encourages students to go beyond physical and personal awareness and tune in to the “pure feeling” that pulses through the body when the mind grows quiet. Experienced instructors work with students to help them achieve this level of enlightenment, leading classes that require them to twist, bend, and stretch through a continual series of poses. With a variety of class levels, the studio invites everyone to enjoy the workout, whether they are first-timers, regular yoga practitioners, or Gumbys grown stiff from being left out in the sun. Before each class begins, instructors set the studio’s thermostat to a moderate temperature so students can comfortably warm themselves as poses progress. In addition to their flagship classes, the studio offers workshops in innovative styles such as hip-hop yoga and mom-and-baby yoga, a relaxing session that soothes the nerves of women and babies frustrated with their inability to chew anything.

Equipment: Zebra mats and cage, Combat Sports boxing ring, Precor and Cybex machines

Students should bring: Workout clothing (i.e. sweatpants and a t-shirt)

Average class length: 60 minutes

Number of Staff: 11?25 people

Class location: Indoors only

Established: 2002

Registration required: Yes

Good for beginners: Yes

Guests allowed: No

Parking: Parking lot

Pro Tip: Capoeira offers a great workout that is mentally and physically engaging. Aikido is more traditional.

Many cultures and belief systems converge at Sacred Movement Yoga, drawn together by a diverse teaching team. Julie Miller contributes expertise in Anusara yoga, Julie Erasmus adds mastery of teaching yoga to people of all ages, and Rebecca Totti brings intimate knowledge of Restorative yoga. Though Miller, Erasmus, and Totti represent only three of more than twenty teachers, they embody the studio's mission to help students realize their potential. Instructors offer restorative and rigorous yoga classes in both ancient and modern styles, and also host guided meditation and third-eye exams in the studio's ZenRoom.

The Fit Playground's premise is simple: exercise should be fun. The team strives to take adults back to a time when clambering up trees and leaping over imaginary lava pits was the only workout they needed. Inside the indoor playground, participants scale ropes and swing from monkey bars, toning muscles, burning calories, and doing something gym goers rarely get to do: having a good time. The fitness-focused play isn't just for adults, of course—The Fit Playground also has classes designed for kids and teens.

At CrossFit West Hartford, knowledgeable coaches draw from trainings and disciplines such as MMA fighting and college football to get their students fit and healthy. Instructors work hand-in-hand with each trainee to help them understand the science behind each workout, tailoring exercises to each pupil's abilities, whether high-intensity CrossFit sessions or precise Pilates movements.

Equipment: Top Ten, Macho, Century, Top Pro

Students should bring: Uniform, sparring gear, water bottle, and a towel

Average class length: 60 minutes

Number of Staff: 1?5 people

Class location: Indoors only

Established: 1993

Registration required: Yes

Good for beginners: Yes

Parking: Parking lot