Pilates Plus LA, Covington

Pilates Plus has brought the Lagree method class's high-intensity blend of traditional Pilates and modern weight training to media outlets from the TV Guide channel to Shape magazine. At each 40- to 55-minute group session, Pilates pros show students how to cultivate strength and stamina with a Megaformer machine, which works upper- and lower-body muscles through a system of springs and pulleys. Although old-school routines such as pushups and lunges tone the body, support from the Megaformer machine keeps pressure off the joints and spine. The Pilates component of the workout lengthens and enhances posture while keeping heart rates up and burning calories.