- By Caroline Callahan Janson

Serene, inspiring, and welcoming are hardly words any New Yorker uses to describe 14th Street. But FLEX Studios deserves all three words and then some. The bright, happy space features classes that are rigorous but not aggressive in tone. The teachers are knowledgeable and the 4,500 square foot space is crystal clean, with a wide open seating area and well-kept bathrooms, lockers and changing space. (The magazine selection rivals that of any newsstand so feel free to come a few minutes early!) 

Owner: Jeanette Simon 

Classes Offered: Pilates, Barre, TRX and combination classes that incorporate all three. 

Why You Should Check It Out: Energizing playlists, form-focused teachers, and quick results are the draw to FLEX Studios, which is inspired by the philosophy that cross-training leads to long-lasting change in the body.  The three methods here are Pilates, TRX and Barre, and though each of the classes are different, all tie into one another. The pace of these is designed to maximize every minute of class—and ensure that you break a sweat!

What Makes It Such an Effective Workout? Small class size helps: FlexPilates classes have a max of 11 people, Barre classes cap out at 15, and you won’t find more than 12 people in TRX class. Teachers focus on form while maintaining a quick pace. Even the most fit will feel challenged here. 

Know Before You Go: Bring your own water (or bottle!). The studio doesn’t sell bottled water but it does have a water filtration system and sells refillable water bottles.

Advice For First­-Timers: You’ll notice most teachers and class participants wear ToeSox, toe-less socks that allow your toes greater traction on the machine. We just wore our regular socks but if you feel like investing in a pair, they sell them there. 

Amenities: Filtered Water, Lockers, Boutique, Towels 

Don’t Miss: The FLEX Studios blog, which features everything from a smoothie recipe by instructor and Co-director of FlexBarre Jackie Dragone to a deconstructed Pilates class playlist.

Nearby Healthy Eats: Hu Kitchen (5th Avenue just south of 14th Street) and Feel Food (6th Avenue and 12th Street)