Helen's Intensive Pilates, New York

A lifelong fitness enthusiast and longtime trainer, Helen of Helen's Intensive Pilates was overjoyed when she first discovered pilates in 1996. Drawn to the elegance and power of the basic movement exercises, Helen mastered the form, eventually opening her own studio to help others improve their flexibility, balance, and core strength in a supportive, group environment. Today, Helen's three studios offer standard pilates as well as a variety of hybrid takes such as Yogatoning, which mixes pilates movements with yoga stretches, and Piloxing, which makes use of boxing and pilates.