NYC's 5 Best Pilates Classes

Indulged just a little too much this holiday season?  Here at CBSNewYork, we're committed to helping you keep your 2014 resolution to work out more. And Pilates is a sure fire way to trim your waist line in time for summer.  In recent years, Pilates has exploded in popularity. A secret weapon to pro-athletes, dancers and the average-Joe alike, Pilates combines mind and body techniques to improve flexibility, strength and agility. From one-on-one, individualized sessions, to group classes that blend basic techniques with self-defense training, each of the five Pilates classes below promise to take you on a journey toward a stronger core, slimmer waist-line and toned, lean muscles.

More: The 6 Best Fitness Classes For A New Year's Resolution

Price: $110 per hour; packages are available
Hours: Call to schedule your session

Erika Bloom, a 20-year Pilates veteran promotes a holistic and contemporary approach to Pilates at her luxe Upper East Side studio. Offering private and duet sessions only, every class is customized to meet the individual needs of each client. This methodology not only allows for a unique experience each and every time, but also provides close supervision to make sure you get the most from your workout.

Price: $14 per class
Hours: Mon to Thurs – 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri – 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sat to Sun – 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sixth Street Pilates places a strong emphasis on personalized attention no matter what your age or ability level. The Get Engaged class, which utilizes a Pilates ring (aka Magic Circle) to hone in on your powerhouse is perfect for anyone who likes props. The added weight and resistance forces you to work your core and targets all those little "problem areas," without breaking your budget.

Price: $30 per class/packages available
Hours: Mon to Thurs – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fri – 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sat to Sun – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Alycea Ungaro's approach is to marry your learning style and goals with a targeted system designed to progress you quickly and effectively. Ungaro works with everyone from triathletes to third-trimester moms, any time in their lives, she said. The SpringTone class, one of Ungaro's favorites, is 45-minutes, done completely with the signature Pilates Springs in body part circuits. It is resistance-heavy and extremely effective at toning and sculpting. SpringTone is all the best parts of Pilates, minus the complicated moves and without any resting.

Price: $27 per class
Hours: Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.

The only bone-health focused class in New York City, Pilates for Buff Bones, combines the fundamentals of Pilates with the bone-strengthening techniques of osteoporosis management. The one-hour class targets the whole body, with a special focus on the butt, hips, arms and back. The class may be adapted to challenge athletes at any level, and is also safe for those with bone loss or back and neck issues.

Price: $90 for a five-class package (required for non-members); free for members (membership is $119 per month, plus an enrollment fee)
Hours: Tues – 6:00 p.m.; Fri – 10:30 a.m.; Sun – 11:00 a.m.Pilates Fusion, created and taught by Israeli-born Zemach Cohen, is a unique concept that fuses Pilates with Israeli Defense Force training.

You'll work up a sweat as you get into the best shape of your life. In just 60 minutes, the class focuses on balance, strength and flexibility by working the core through the principles of Pilates, while integrating self-defense and attack moves based on Israeli Defense Force training techniques. As an added bonus, when the class is over, treat yourself to a massage or facial in their first-rate spa.Related: The 5 Best Unique Fitness Classes in NYC

Traci Tournoux is a freelance writer living in New York. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.