Novelty shirts airbrushed with bikini-clad bodies provide the convincing, if temporary, illusion of fitness. Find a more-permanent fitness solution with today's Groupon. For $29, you get five Pilates, yoga, or Tai Chi studio classes at Center Strength (a $75 value), located in Washington Park. Groupon holders will also receive two free classes if they decide to purchase an additional package of 10 studio classes for $130.

Boulder-based exercises of yesteryear help build broadsword-wielding strength, but they do little for shimmying into a cramped elevator or scurrying up palm trees at the mall. Founded by Pilates guru extraordinaire Jennifer Reich, Center Strength helps tone bodies into limber life-mobiles. Inside Center Strength’s cozy, vividly colored studio, a trained staff of professionals helps shape body putty into core-strengthened stacks of lean muscle. Center Strength’s selection of mat Pilates, yoga, and Tai Chi classes will help strengthen the body as well as the mind. Figure-trimming Pilates classes are offered Tuesdays at 4 p.m., Wednesdays at 12 p.m., Thursdays at 7 a.m., and Saturdays at 9 a.m. Find strength and calm in practiced breathing at yoga classes on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. or Tai Chi classes on Mondays at 7 p.m. Your five classes may be used interchangeably, just like the gears on a fancy tractor.

Pilates allows you to build a rock-solid body without turning into Rocky. Strength comes through endurance and repetition rather than pumping pounds of kilograms of iron. By learning how to move your body using an efficient range of motion at Center Strength, you will leave your session walking taller and less prone to injuries not sustained from lightning. Call ahead to check availability of classes.

Reviews

CityVoters awarded Center Strength the number-three slot on Denver CityVoter's '09 Best Pilates Studio list:

• Wonderful instructors and atmosphere. Small and intimate, yet a great workout! – grfaber
• The staff is very knowledgable and gives each client individual attention, even in group sessions. Jennifer Reich, owner, hands down has created a wonderful atmoshpere for her clients to get a quality Pilaties [sic] workout. – Michelle C.