Class vs. DVD

Pilates on Fifth

Pilates Mat Plus class

Photo: Courtesy of Pilates on Fifth

Pilates Mat Plus class
(501 Fifth Ave at 42nd St; 212-687-8885, pilatesonfifth.com. $22.)
The class was fast-moving, and Abbey's instruction smoothly flowed from one exercise to the next. The moves on the wedge pillow had my bottom (and my teeth) clenching—in a good way. However, the room isn't so roomy and, with seven students, it was a tight fit.

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Pilates on the Go DVD
($14.95, at pilatesonfifth.com, plus free online videos at ultimatepilatesworkouts.com)
With program lengths from 7 to 110 minutes, I was able to mix and match abs, butt, arms and more, or just focus on my favorite (or least favorite) body parts. The video's production values are a bit amateurish, but Kimberly and Katherine's charm (identical-twin former Rockettes!) makes up for it.

Bottom line: An occasional class is a great boost, but with the DVD and free online videos, you can get top-notch Pilates instruction at home.

Crunch Cardio

Crunch Cardio Go-Go class

Photographs: Beth Levendis

Crunch Cardio Go-Go class
(113 Fourth Ave between 12th and 13th Sts; 212-533-0001, crunch.com. One-day gym access including classes, $24; free with membership.)
The first 25 minutes were a snap, even for this dancing fool. Simple steps and some on-the-floor ab work and I'd already gotten my money's worth. Then came the choreographed hip-hop routine. Everyone was gettin' down...except for left-footed me.

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Crunch Cardio Go-Go Dance DVD
($9.98, at amazon.com)
The cheesy steps had me giggling, but my heart was certainly pumping. And I was shockingly agile and able to follow along! After repeated viewings, though, I wanted to throw my legwarmers at Gypsy and her grinning backup dancers.

Bottom line: For those who always dreamed of being a video vixen, go-go to this class: With a new routine every three weeks, you'll be auditioning for Justin Timberlake's next tour in no time. If dancing in public without a cocktail is your own personal hell, pick the DVD.

Exhale Mindbody Spa

Exhale Core Fusion Basic class

Photo: Beth Levendis

Core Fusion Basic class
(150 Central Park South between Sixth and Seventh Aves; 212-249-3000, exhalespa.com. $35.)
Though it was called "basic," the combo of Pilates, tai chi and more—using yoga straps and a ballet barre—is definitely not rudimentary or dull. Plus, the spa has the most beautiful locker room I've ever seen (is that an oxymoron?).

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Core Fusion: Body Sculpt DVD
($14.99, at exhalespa.com)
A little faster-paced than the class, exercises alternate between controlled-strength "holds" and stretching to "balance" them. There are modifications for newbies (or when you just need a break). Weights, a strap, a wall and the back of a chair are needed to do the routines—flickering candles are optional.

Bottom line: The DVD comes with a certificate for a free class—it's a win-win! And, seriously, the spa's shower alone is almost worth the money.

New York Yoga

Vinyasa All Levels class

Photo: Beth Levendis

Vinyasa All Levels class
(1629 York Ave at 86th St; 212-717-YOGA, newyorkyoga.com. $23 plus $2 mat rental.)
So this is what yoga is all about! Yogi Carl is as calming as he is motivating, and hands-on pointers made me feel (literally) centered. His method is "mindful"—don't overdo it and aim for balance (what you do on one side, do on the other).

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On-Demand Yoga
(30 days free, $9.95 per month thereafter, at newyorkyoga.com)
With a library of 25 videos of different styles and levels and all at least an hour long, I had plenty to choose from in my quest for om time. Note: Even on full-screen mode, upward-dogging to my laptop was slightly less than inspiring.

Bottom line: Yes, it's in Yorkville, but a studio class is worth the trek. For frequent business travelers (or those who never leave their apartments), On-Demand is a nice option.

Exude Fitness

"Escape Your Shape" program

Photo: Beth Levendis

"Escape Your Shape" program
(133 E 55th St at Lexington Ave; 212-644-9559, exude.com. In-gym orientation, personalized exercise program and follow-up session, $339.)
Founder Edward knows his stuff, and is (brutally) honest—once I got over the initial shock of having my flaws so bluntly pointed out, I was ready to fix them.

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"Escape Your Shape" Kit
($70, at exude.com)
Edward's conversational instruction and pop-up onscreen tips offer a lot of info without being overwhelming. True, the videos look like they were filmed in the '80s, but once you learn the routine, you won't need them. You will need all the floor (and aerial) space you can get in order to jump rope.

Bottom line: The program and bonus equipment is solid (and I hope my triceps soon will be too). Your financial stability, however, will determine whether this is a smart bet or not.