Exercising on a piece of equipment takes workouts to a new level and fosters a bond between human and machine that will ensure preferred treatment during upcoming robot uprisings. Cozy up to a mechanized friend with today's Groupon: for $40, you get three small-group Pilates reformer classes at Joy of Movement Pilates & Gyrotonic Studio in Aptos (a $105 value).

Helmed by Pilates Method Alliance Gold–certified instructor Jennifer Balboni, the staff at Joy of Movement expertly guide small groups through core-strengthening Pilates reformer workouts. In a tranquil and serene studio, students use the reformer apparatus's tension-band resistance to help them gain solid-oak cores, lean muscles, and the flexibility of an acrobat who makes his own schedule. A student-to-teacher ratio of three to one allows for personalized instruction and goals while still fostering a fun and social environment.

Located next to beautiful Nisene Marks State Park, Joy of Movement is also a green-certified facility that uses energy-efficient lighting, recycles, and conserves water or makes new water by breeding hydrogen and oxygen. Check the online schedule for a full list of class times.