The pandemic has posed numerous challenges for local fitness studios, causing bumpy roads and uncertainty. However, these businesses have been forced to adapt and evolve drastically to survive, and even three years later, they still rely heavily on the support of our community. Despite the obstacles they’ve faced, many local studios remain committed to offering classes seven days a week throughout the year. By fostering a sense of belonging for their clients, they’ve transformed their four walls into much more than just a place to do squats or lunges.
As fitness instructors and studios continue to do their part for our community, it’s only fair that we reciprocate by supporting them in turn. So, when planning your workout schedule this week, I encourage you to prioritize “working out local” and show your support for the heart of your hometown. Here are a few options.
YOGA SHANTI
About: Yoga Shanti opened in October 1999 in Sag Harbor. Owners Colleen Saidman Yee and her husband Rodney Yee are internationally known instructors. They feature classes steeped in the ancient yoga tradition. At Yoga Shanti you’ll enjoy practicing in a gorgeous yoga studio, led by a roster of incredibly seasoned yoga instructors.
Most Popular: They offer a robust beginner’s class program that welcomes new students to yoga and those who want to move at a slower pace.
What makes them different: Yoga Shanti prepares classes in a way that emphasize the safety of the spine and joints while cultivating a balanced nervous system. Their students love the way their classes leave them feeling light yet grounded.
Giving Back: Yoga Shanti recently ran a successful fundraiser for No Kid Hungry. They also offer evening community classes on a sliding price scale, to help make yoga accessible to all.
Address: 32 Bridge Street, Sag Harbor
Hours: Open 7 days a week. Their replay library is online 24/7.
Website: yogashanti.com
Instagram: @theyogashant
HILL STREET BOXING
About: Hill Street Boxing is a boxing studio located in the heart of Southampton, established in 2018 by East End local Avery Crocker and partner Thomas Haynia. They offer group classes, private training, sparring, children’s classes, semi-private sessions, and a free first class.
Most Popular: Bags & Mittwork on Sundays with Big T and Avery is most popular.
What makes them different: They stand out from other gyms because of their involvement in the community. They host Southampton, Hampton Bays, and Ross High School students in an attempt to inspire the youth of Long Island.
Giving Back: Hill Street Boxing donates to organizations such as Southampton Fire Department, Ducks Unlimited, Our Lady of the Hamptons, and The Ana Castro Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Address: 33 Hill Street, Southampton
Hours: Open 7 days a week with various morning and evening classes offered.
Website: hillstreetboxing.com
Instagram: @hillstreetboxing_
PILATES OF SAG HARBOR
About: Lauralee Bruce is the Director of Pilates of Sag Harbor. Her Pilates training began under the tutelage of first-generation master teacher Carola Trier, who studied and worked with Joseph Pilates. Pilates of Sag Harbor opened 30 years ago and was the first pilates studio that opened in the Hamptons. They offer programs for every age from beginner to advanced.
Most Popular: Pilates of Sag Harbor offers one-on-one private and duet sessions. Pre & Post Natal Pilates are quite popular, along with programs for golfers, and in-home services.
What makes them different: There will never be more than four clients at a time in the studio at Pilates of Sag Harbor. Their personalized sessions for each individual client truly make them unique.
Address: 74 Main Street, Sag Harbor
Hours: Open Monday through Sunday, 7 AM to 6 PM.
Website: sagharborpilates.com
MANDALA YOGA CENTER FOR HEALING ARTS
About: Owner Jolie Parcher opened Mandala in May 2001. They follow in the lineage of Krishnamacharya, teaching yoga to fit each person. They bring practices beyond the exercises to their classes and workshops, such as breathwork, meditation, yoga philosophy, and a commitment to service in the community.
Most Popular: Mandala’s Level 1 and 2 Vinyasa classes are very popular, along with their 9:45 AM advanced weekend classes.
What makes them different: Jolie Parcher said, “I think it’s our community focus that makes us different from others. We have classes to welcome brand-new beginners and advanced yogis. We are known for being a comfortable and experienced studio with a very high level of teachers.”
Giving Back: Mandala has always collaborated with local non-profits including Springs Food Pantry, The Retreat, and Project Most. They offer Yoga Teacher Training programs and discounted community classes through their non-profit branch, Mandala Gives. Classes include Chair Yoga for Seniors, Yoga for Parkinson’s, Yoga in Spanish, and much more. Some of these classes are in collaboration with The Retreat, local libraries, and childcare centers.
Address: 10 Amagansett Square Drive, Amagansett
Hours: Open every day from 8 AM to 1 PM, and Monday to Thursday from 5 to 7 PM.
Website: mandalayoga.com
Instagram: @mandalayoga.center
COREBARREFIT
About: CoreBarreFit owners Elisabeth Halfpapp and Fred DeVito have been teaching Barre Fitness in Bridgehampton for 40-plus years. Their careers started at The Lotte Berk Method in the ’80s and ’90s. They co-founded Exhale Barre from 2003 to 2019. Currently they own and operate CoreBarreFit.
Most Popular: It is no surprise that CoreBarreFit’s most popular class is Barre. They specialize in body shaping, sports preparation, and rehabilitation exercises that help clients physically function at a high level of energy.
What makes them different: Lis and Fred’s 40-plus years of teaching experience enables them to create a unique personal training experience in a small group class setting. They give individual attention and provide options for modifications as needed.
Giving Back: CoreBarreFit contributes to Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center and Long Pond Greenbelt Nature Center. They are annual contributors to several other fundraisers and charity events on the East End. They donate time to work with less fortunate clients by providing them with comprehensive fitness programs to assist in their health and well-being initiatives.
Address: 213 Butter Lane, Unit J, Bridgehampton
Hours: In-studio classes are held at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. CoreBarreFit offers 18 Livestream classes weekly, so that you can join virtually from anywhere in the world.
Website: corebarrefit.com
Instagram: @corebarrefit
TRUTH TRAINING
About: Owner Ed Cashin opened the doors of Truth Training in October 2014. Their workouts are based on strength and conditioning incorporating kettlebells, bodyweight, TRX, jump rope, medicine balls, bosu balls, rowing machines, assault bikes, sleds, and plyo boxes.
Most Popular: Truth Class is their signature class, which is a HIIT style class incorporating kettlebells, rowers, TRX, assault bikes, jump ropes, bodyweight, and more in a high energy group atmosphere to really push clients to achieve their goals. Strength Club is a kettlebell class focusing on strength conditioning. Classes follow six to 12-week programs, but drop-ins are welcome provided they are proficient with kettlebells.
What makes them different: They focus on strength-based workouts and programming that promote a deep practice in foundational exercises.
Giving Back: Ed Cashin and Harvey O’Brien are on the board of Paddlers for Humanity which is a local charity focused on bettering the lives of local children, with an emphasis on supporting innovative and comprehensive mental health programs for youth. During the summer Truth Training holds a free weekly kettlebell class at Lions Field in Montauk.
Address: 289 Springs Fireplace Road, East Hampton
Hours: Open 7 days a week for classes and personal or small group training.
Website: truthtraining.com
Instagram: @truth_training
NEW YORK PILATES
About: New York Pilates was founded in 2013 in New York City by Heather Andersen and Brion Isaacs. Their community was asking them to come to the Hamptons, and they listened. They started out east with a pop-up during the summer of 2016 and then opened their Montauk location in 2017. They continue to open studios in the area with Southampton in 2019, East Hampton in 2022, and Bridgehampton opening this April.
Most Popular: Their signature Abs, Arms, Ass class is a 45-minute strength training and total body workout that utilizes highly localized movements. This class builds strength, flexibility, and definition.
What makes them different: New York Pilates puts a big emphasis on their teacher training. Heather Andersen has been studying and practicing Pilates since she was a teenager and has applied what she’s learned over the years to the New York Pilates classes. Their classes are designed to be modified, so they can be as hard or as easy as you need.
Giving Back: New York Pilates often donates classes for giveaways and fundraisers. Their main focus is to be a Pilates studio, but if by being a Pilates studio they can help someone else’s cause, they’re always happy to support.
Hamptons Locations: 86 Park Place, East Hampton; 5 Windmill Lane, Southampton; 649 Montauk Highway, Montauk
Hours: Most studios are open 7 days a week with various morning and evening classes offered.
Website: newyorkpilates.com
Instagram: @newyorkpilates