Get Cut With This POPular Pilates Combo Class

Not far from the coffee shop where I found those savory cookies in Silverlake, resides an unassuming studio where followers of a yoga-ballet-pilates hybrid are bellying up to the Barre to buff their buns of steel.

The studio is called Pop Physique and features a class called "Pop Sculpt." It is designed to create elongated arm and leg muscles, a firm butt, and ripped abs...similar to those of a prima ballerina.

I tried out an evening class at the Sliverlake location (they just opened a brand new swanky Studio City spot) and was pleasantly surprised by the non-traditional techniques.

Pop is not like most sculpting classes that force you to get fit. The small deliberate movements performed in the class are subtle and can be seemingly ineffective if not performed correctly.

In classes like Power Yoga, you will most likely feel the burn regardless of the energy you put into your poses. In Pop, you must make sure you are positioning your body perfectly and coordinating your breath to obtain the desired effect.

For instance, the picture to the right appears to be a simple stretch. and that is exactly what it felt like at first when I tried it.

However, once the instructor corrected my breathing and readjusted my focus on engaging my abdominal muscles I realized it was an undercover tummy torturer!

And that's how all the moves are. From what appears to be a pretty standard push-up, to an ever so slight leg extension, to a petite pile, each and every move is maximized by the level of intention you put into it.

When you do it right, you will feel the fire. If the soreness in your buns and thighs isn't enough of an indicator of the class's effectiveness, the results of repeated practice, visible on their devotees' bodies, are.

It's an hour long and they keep classes small (15 students) so everyone has enough space to be comfortable and maintain their concentration during the relatively short period.

Pop Sculpt costs $20 a class or $100 for a month of unlimited access. They also give a 10% discount to college students.

Note: This workout is not for those who prefer high intensity classes or those who need a drill sergeant for an instructor. Butt for those who have the ability to self-regulate, this is an excellent option to attain that derriere you so desire.