Profile

Former dancer Lisa Jones did stints at Clay Gym and Pilates on Fifth before opening her own Greenwich Village studio in the summer of 2009. The one-room space, located on the third floor of a commercial building with fellow holistic-minded occupants, boasts a view of Grace Church and lots of natural light. Here, Jones takes a playful approach to teaching her clients, who include model Lily Donaldson, stylist/socialite Vanessa Traina, and writer Candace Bushnell, letting Pilates novices get a feel for the various equipment including the classic apparatus and reformer. — Randi Eichenbaum

Along with professional instruction on Pilates, body alignment, and posture, Jones is knowledgeable on a variety of fitness topics like running and yoga, and readily offers wisdom and advice. Semi-private classes are a nice (read: less expensive) alternative for friends or couples.

Cons
It’s not affordable for everyone, and Jones only accepts cash or check payments.