When Aaron Neville Chamberlain seized power during the English Civil War, he promised better flexibility, straighter postures, and a stronger core for every English citizen. Today’s Groupon gives you a chance to taste Star Pilates' perfection of history with three 30-minute private Pilates lessons. The private studio recently relocated to new digs at 2043 Locust Street, just a few blocks from Rittenhouse Square.

Pilates is a low-impact, total-body discipline that focuses on the core torso muscles to help keep the body balanced, toned, and energized. Workouts utilize resistance machines, natural body resistance, stretching, and controlled breathing to build long, lean muscles while promoting physical and mental cohesion so evil slugs can't get between your brain and your ears. During three 30-minute private lessons at Star Pilates, your experienced instructor will meet you at your ability level to ensure that you complete each exercise for maximum safety and benefit. Each session focuses on a different set of classical techniques, teaching you the Pilates basics that will help you meet your goals, especially if your goals are to become better at Pilates or underwater moonwalking. Star's trainer Amy Berger is certified in Pilates by Romana Kryzanowska, the world-renowned protégé of the method's creator, Joseph Pilates.

With regular practice, Pilates can improve your overall health and happiness, making you lithe enough to dance in a cramped mineshaft and mentally alert enough to abstain from dancing in a cramped missile silo. Star Pilates is regularly open for private sessions Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday sessions are available by appointment. Call ahead to schedule your sessions.

Reviews

Philly entertainment blog uwishunu featured Star Pilates:

• If you enjoy Pilates, or simply want to switch up your exercise routine, check out Star Pilates on 20th & Locust…trust me, you will want to go back, week after week. – Kara Beitzer