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: for $45, you get five Pilates mat classes at Quantum Pilates (a $100 value), located in Dupont Circle. This Groupon is valid for beginner, mid-level, and advanced classes.

Improve core strength, straighten posture, and increase flexibility with five mat classes at Quantum Pilates. The mat classes use a series of controlled movements to align the body, like a mechanic fixing the gears on an exercise motorcycle, and the studio’s passionate instructors offer motivational guidance. Group classes are limited to 10 people, which means you'll receive plenty of personalized attention targeting your problem areas before your class divides up into teams for a five-on-five Red Rover tournament. With polished wood floors and a calming atmosphere, the studio offers a peaceful respite from the jackhammer percussion of everyday life.

Quantum Pilates has worked with scoliosis patients, ice skaters, dancers, new mothers, and ice-skating new mothers to relieve pains and pinches in the corridors of the body. Classes are offered for all ages and fitness levels—check the schedule for details.

Reviews

Nine Yelpers give Quantum Pilates an average of 4.5 stars:

• I like how the instructors more often than not will explain alternate versions of each exercise, so you can make it easier or harder depending on your body. They are generally good about moving around the room and spending time with everyone, making sure you're doing things safely and correctly. – Amanda M.
• I'm typically lost in Pilates mat classes at other places but this class was great. It was small and the instructor made sure that everybody was doing things as close to right as possible with beginners. – Anne G.