Patch Picks: Best Places to Get in Shape

31441 Santa Margarita Parkway, Suite B, Rancho Santa Margarita

Though Pilates became a sort of “fad” a few years ago, this form of exercise is actually decades old, used originally to train dancers and gymnasts. If you’re tired of long lines for the elliptical and crowded classes at the gym, Precision Pilates might be the perfect place for your next workout. Nestled in the Spanish style shopping center on Rancho Santa Margarita Lake, this 2200 square foot studio is more than just a place to get fit: it’s an oasis. Owner Brian Harper brings 25 years of body movement experience to the studio; he spent 12 of those years studying Pilates under prestigious teachers. His staff has been specially trained in the Reformer Pilates method, which involves flat beds utilizing springs and pulleys for optimal results. Clients of Precision Pilates come from all over and have nothing but rave reviews for this place. Jennifer, 46, of Mission Viejo says: “I feel pampered by the personable, knowledgeable staff. I love the attention and small classes.” Gail, 57, of Laguna Niguel adds, “As I get older, I love the balance, strength and flexibility I get from Pilates. I feel like I’m going to a spa treatment, not an exercise session.” Instructors keep class sizes to a cozy 7:1 student-teacher ratio, which means more individual instruction. Precision Pilates is one of the most affordable Pilates studios around, with reformer packages starting as low as $19 per session, and payment plans are available. What are you waiting for?

Lotus 7 Yoga and Pilates

29941 Aventura , Suite F, Rancho Santa Margarita (in the Plaza Empresa center)

Most people think of yoga as a bunch of weird pretzel-like stretching exercises, but this centuries old fitness technique is so much more. Yoga has been proven to provide stress relief, pain relief, increased strength, healing, self realization, better circulation and weight management. The instructors at Lotus 7 focus on the Hatha yoga method, a traditional practice that uses  posturing and breathing techniques to develop accurate alignment, core strength, flexibility, balance, concentration and breath control. Other classes include Mat Pilates, Pregnancy Yoga, Guided Meditation, and Mixed Martial Arts. The 3,000 square foot wellness center, voted Best of OC 2010, provides a serene ambience for both yoga junkies and newbies. It also offers special classes for a fee, such as the “Healthy Back Workshop” and “How to Create and Sustain  a Home Yoga Practice.” All yoga instructors are yoga certified. Lotus 7 offers new clients a two week unlimited package for $25; clients must be residents of the OC. Individual yoga sessions are $18, but packages are available for a reasonable cost. Can you say Namaste?

Rancho Santa Margarita Lake

Off Santa Margarita Parkway

If you’re looking for a way to get moving but don’t want to spend a dime, take a trip to Rancho Santa Margarita Lake, also known as Lago Santa Margarita. The 1.1 mile loop is just enough to get your heart rate up, but if you’re really looking to burn calories, speed up to a run and jog three times around: you’ll have just run a 5K! Got the kids with you? No worries; toss their scooters, bikes and the stroller in the back of the car and head on down. You’ll be in plenty good company, and you can even stop to admire the ducks or play on the grass or mini-playground along the way. Treat yourself at the Mercado Del Lago with a bagel, ice cream cone or iced coffee afterward. The view is scenic, the price is free and the sun is out … so what are you waiting for?