Pilates in Milton

While Pilates classes provide hundreds of health benefits (relaxation, flexibility, occupying time that could be spent eating or smoking), they primarily focus on strengthening core muscles (abs, lower back, and pelvic). Besides the obvious improvements to physical appearance, there are many other benefits you can get with Pilates:

If your body needs a guiding hand, let Rock City's certified Pilates instructors introduce you to one of the universe's most popular forms of exercise next to jogging and cow tipping. Through 12 matwork classes ($150 value), you will simultaneously stretch and strengthen your core (abs, back, and obliques) while using small pieces of equipment such as bands and balls to strengthen your arms, shoulders, shouldarms, and legs.

Mat Pilates classes mix timeless movements with the enigmatic vortex of fitness known only as the Magic Circle to keep Pilates pros on their toes in the 3,000 square foot space. Beginner classes are available for those who still experience enthusiastic, open-mouthed awe at the simplest of Pilates maneuvers. Check the schedule for class times; all classes are drop-in, so there's no need to register ahead of time. After 10 classes, your body will be as finely tuned as a fresh-out-of-the-factory What About Bob? pinball machine.

Caryn Connarton, owner of Beyond Fitness Pilates Studio, has earned certifications in nearly every fitness fad of the last decade. Though spinning strengthened her quads and aerobics bolstered her endurance, only Pilates delivered full-body results. In her opinion, it's the best form of exercise for people who want to increase their flexibility, improve their posture, and build longer, leaner muscles. At her studio, Connarton and fellow instructors lead group classes that often incorporate several props—BOSU balls build core strength, foam rollers stretch muscles, and rubber chickens tone participants' sense of humor. Instructors also offer private and semiprivate equipment sessions and specialized workouts for specific populations.

Boston Pilates Plus's high-intensity fitness classes, designed by fitness guru Sebastien Lagree, combine the traditional principles of Pilates with strength and cardio training to help students of all abilities sculpt toned physiques. On the brightly lit studio's gleaming wood floors, students buff up their bods on Megaformer machines, which target the upper and lower body using a system of springs, pulleys, and a strategically out-of-reach donut dangling on a fishing line. Students tone their muscles as joints and connective tissue breathe easy in the fat-burning, low-impact classes. For a more cardio-centric routine, try the barre blast class, which guides students through a low-impact workout that blends cardio, barre stretches, and strength training. Boot camps similarly focus on cardio, meeting twice a week for four weeks to romp through 30 minutes of intense exercise.

Absolute Pilates’s instructors are far from old-school. Though they each boast extensive training in traditional Pilates—and teach classic mat classes—they focus largely on incorporating modern equipment into the ancient practice. Pilates Reformers, Towers, chairs, and even the barre are used during classes, often in combination with each other to optimize workouts and results. The equipment helps students of all levels maintain their balance and target dormant muscles, transforming standard Pilates into a more effective workout. But teachers still maintain the welcoming, personal environment long attributed to Pilates studios and grandma’s doomsday bunker.