In the Victorian era, people tightened their cores with corsets, which also doubled as bulletproof vests during duels and as convenient wrapping paper for fresh caught trout. Strengthen your core until it's naturally impervious with today's Groupon to Purely Pilates. A STOTT Pilates studio, Purely Pilates fuses the modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation with the methods pioneered by Joseph Pilates. If you opt for six mat classes (a $90 value), you'll join a group of fellow coreficionados on a combination quest across small props and floor work. If you decide to take on five trio mat and reformer classes (a $175 value), you'll receive a similarly varied routine that merges mat work and the mechanical, resistance-riddled reformer.

At Purely Pilates, all resident instructors operate under the inspired eye of owner Jodi Bullock, a multitasking master who recently finished her coursework in dietetics at Iowa State University. Jodi, along with her friendly, attentive staff, aims to provide personalized guidance, comprehensive class formats, and snake-charming results.