In the Victorian era, people made their cores look tight by wearing corsets, which doubled as bulletproof vests during pistol duels. Strengthen your core until it's naturally impervious to bullets instead with today's Groupon to The Core Connection, located near the Cathedral District and Wascana Park. Choose between two options:

• For $35, you get five group mat-work Pilates classes (a $75 value).
• For $49, you get two one-hour private one-on-one lessons (a $126 value).

With a workout structure that caters to clients at all stages of body sculpting, The Core Connection helps to jump-start personal fitness. Mat-work courses such as the Intro Mat, Ball & Bosu, and Pilates Sculpt are designed to whip out-of-shape troops into sleek soldiers during gradually advancing classes. Unlike kickboxing with a cantankerous grizzly bear, each Pilates session provides an energetic workout with a low threat of injury and individualized attention from one of three experienced instructors. The course schedule includes classes seven days per week, with classes starting as early as 8 a.m. on Saturdays and as late as 8:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Students preferring personal conditioning can opt for two one-hour private one-on-one lessons, during which an instructor develops a regimen specifically suited to each client. Limbs attain strength and flexibility as trunks fold and twist at their own pace, developing core muscles strong enough to move pianos without the assistance of arms. Book classes and private sessions online.