Is it a den of relaxation or a torture chamber? The water fountain and soothing music suggest Zen but the straps attached to pulleys and springs look a little like a medieval rack. 

With five reformers (sliding boards hooked up to springs for resistance training), one “Cadillac” (a larger training table) and a scattering of other Pilates paraphernalia, there is no shortage of gear to whip those inner muscles into compliance.

A separate room in the back hosts mat classes where Pilates gets grounded with a variety of balls, rollers and wedges. 

A former dancer, owner Deborah Ward started teaching Pilates to help her dance students rehabilitate and balance out their bodies. Before long, she discovered the benefits were addictive, so she opened Pacific Interior Pilates four years ago.

Whether you find yourself pulling and pushing yourself on the apparatus, breathing deeply as the instructor hypnotically talks you through the floor exercises or twisting while perched on a padded arch, you’ll soon be a convert, too. Though a bit awkward, the positions promise to strengthen, lengthen and stabilize those muscles.

But don’t come expecting an instant six-pack. Pilates is working those deep-down muscles, the ones that support the bigger ones. That’s why so many athletes count on it to rebalance, strengthen their core and ward off injuries.

For a little peace of mind and some grounding, we’ll happily do some time on the rack.