Profile

Brooke Marrone started Park Workouts in 2009 with life coach and marathoner Ann Mehl. During the four one-hour classes (a $100 package), Mehl and Marrone split the group of ten or so participants into two sections loosely based on fitness level. While Mehl takes one group on a 30-minute jog (or speed walk, depending on what gets your heart rate up) around the Reservoir, the other half tone up with Marrone in the Tavern on the Green parking lot. Marrone uses Pilates moves (think planks and hip extensions) with body-weight lifting (like crunches and squats), leaving even the most athletic in the class huffing and puffing. The focus here is on strength, flexibility, and, let’s be honest, toning up that beach body. While circling the group, the peppy Marrone will offer encouragement to the newbies (“Perfect! Just 30 more seconds!”) and push the athletes (“Lift your leg a little higher now!”). Guys are welcome, and there are generally a few present, but the class is mostly gal pals looking for a personalized workout they can do together. — Emma Barker

The class structure (and Marrone’s personal-training experience) makes this the most personalized workout class you can get at this price level.

Cons
Yoga mat, water, and towel are all BYO, and not available otherwise.