Barre Groove
They may not be traditional, but Alanna Perry’s barre classes incorporating mini trampolines, dancing, and even weighted pom-poms sure are a blast. The former New England Patriots cheerleader will have you jumping 360s and throwing your hands in the air before it’s even time for your first water break. 52 Province St., Boston, MA barregroove.com.
Jeannette Neill
Out with smelly, stuffy, cramped studios; hello, Jeannette Neill! Proper ventilation and soft lighting set the mood in Neill's four exposed-brick studios, where energetic instructors help dancers of all levels limber up on the bar or uncover the secrets of booty quaking. (It's all in the knees.) The children's program here fosters personal growth rather than producing prima ballerinas, and adults can drop in on jazz, tap, theater, or hip-hop classes. 261 Friend St., Boston, MA 2114, jndance.com.
The Dance Complex
From Capoeira to calypso, belly dance to ballet, the Dance Complex's unparalleled diversity of classes is as far-flung in origin as are its 60 instructors. Founded as a nonprofit artist-run organization, its grass-roots approach to dance training attracts the expertise of prima ballerinas and flamenco artists alike. Classes, which operate out of six studios in a historic Central Square building, are sometimes complemented by live music or drums. Traditionalists won't be disappointed, but the inclusive atmosphere and affordable, drop-in classes may just also compel you to find out what the heck Bachata is about. 536 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA dancecomplex.org.
Blissful Monkey
Get a dose of flexibility and strength from owner and instructor Terri Holler. Her Sunday evening mixed-level class relaxes and recharges—the perfect way to start a new week. On the go? Take a time-out with Lunchtime Yoga, an hour of midday instruction to help keep that inner peace flowing from 9 to 5. 663 Centre St., Boston, MA 2130, blissfulmonkey.com.
Winston Flowers
Photograph by Bob O'Connor Flowers are the most fleeting of gifts, yet the breathtaking bouquets and potted plants from Winston's Hingham outpost somehow last for weeks on end. Planning an event or shower? The possibilities here are nearly limitless, thanks to the shop's talented designers, who can make something beautiful with four weeks—or four hours—notice. 8 Main St., Hingham, MA 2043, winstonflowers.com.
The Handle Bar
What makes the Handle Bar stand out is the community. Founder and CEO Jess Fracalossi’s students are loyal not only to their favorite instructor, but also to their fellow riders: Unlike some studios that prioritize personal wins, the focus here is on the group’s well-being and spreading only positive vibes throughout the room. 141 Dorchester Ave., South Boston, MA handlebarcycling.com.
Xtend Barre
<a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-283919714/stock-photo-in-the-hall-girl-doing-stretching-near-barre.html" target="_blank">Photo</a> via Shutterstock It might be 6:30 a.m. on a dreary Tuesday morning, but the staff at Xtend are all smiles, laughter, and encouragement.The positivity doesn’t stop at the barre; even as you pulse, squat, and tap your way toward a quivering mass of muscle, the instructors cajole instead of scold. 338 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115, xtendbarre.com.
The Sports Club/LA
Though this polished 114,000-square-foot gym and spa is every bit the haven for fully grown and well-paid adults, it seems there's room here for younger fitness fans to get in on the action, too. Besides Family Day every Sunday and a grab bag of special classes held throughout the year, one of the star attractions is the weekly kids' yoga workout led by Cambridge pro Claire Carroll. Under her gentle guidance, youngsters ages three to five learn ancient—and surprisingly fun—exercises (stretch like a dog! bend like a cobra!) designed to help increase flexibility, coordination, and strength. 4 Avery St., Boston, MA 2111, .
Meichi Peng, Meichi Peng Design Studio
Interior designer turned handbag couturier Meichi Peng doesn't do "it" bags. Each handsewn Italian calfskin creation is made with classic and moderndetails—like contrasting outer lining and decorative zippers—so it's sure to be around long after that PS 1 bag goes to consignment. 460 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 2118, meichipeng.com.
Agostino Lombardi, Antonio Agostino Studio for Hair
Hair guru Frederic Fekkai sends clients to him when they're in town, but instead of leaving the salon two bills poorer, they get a great cut for around $40. More important, Agostino's cuts stand the test of time, even eight weeks after an appointment. 464 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA .
Precision Running Lab
Runners train to the beat at Precision Running Lab. / Photo by Christopher Churchill In a city with a short autumn and an even shorter spring, dedicated treadmill studios, where runners pound pavement in a climate-controlled environment, are becoming increasingly popular. And this new spot inside Equinox’s Chestnut Hill outpost runs laps around the competition with its dance-club ambiance (classes sync lights and music to your speed), oxygen-enriched air, and custom Woodway treadmills. Wave goodbye to monotonous training sessions—Precision will have you marathon-ready in no time. 200 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, equinox.com.
David Vendetti,
Aching for downward dog? Eager for a sun salutation? Stop by this frills-free Boylston Street studio. Yogi David Vendetti transforms himself from teacher to comedian to storyteller to motivator, all while delivering precise, clear instructions. His 90-minute classes cater to both beginners and advanced students. Every body leaves Back Bay Yoga in balance. 1112 Boylston St., Third Floor, Boston, MA backbayyoga.com.
Healthworks
Tons of equipment, two aerobics studios in Cambridge and three studios in Brookline, each offering more than 100 classes per week, early and late hours, tight security, and a friendly, noncompetitive atmosphere. Regardless of age or body type, nobody has a problem walking around naked in the cushy Healthworks locker room. Porter Square Shopping Center, Cambridge, MA .
The Gryphon House
Tucked away between Kenmore and the Back Bay on the quiet end of Bay State Road, this 1895 brownstone has been restored to a grand late-Victorian style—although the Victorians didn't have air-conditioning, 27-inch televisions, and Ethernet connections to the Web. Wet bars and refrigerators in every room almost qualify the eight spacious suites as studio apartments. (Many are bigger than a lot of Boston studios.) North Tower has the views of the Charles River, while Morningside is splashed the light from east-facing bay windows. 9 Bay State Rd., Boston, MA innboston.com.