Pilates

Buzz: Pilates builds core strength (trunk and torso) and muscle tone to create a solid foundation of support. Exercises develop flexibility and lengthen the spine for an overall long lean look with rock hard abs and a shapely bottom.

What is Pilates Exactly? Pilates is a form of exercise developed in the 1920s by Joeseph Pilates that has continually grown in popularity. It is similar to Yoga but the primary goal is to develop core strength. Exercises are challenging yet gentle and appropriate for most people.

Beginners: Work at their own pace and are led by an experienced instructor - improvements are realized over time.

What to wear? Bare feet and yoga pants. I love my lululemons!

Equipment: Yoga mat. Other equipment is often supplied by the club and includes stabilization balls, foam rollers, weighted balls, straps and long elastic bands.

Celebrities: Jennifer Aniston, Madonna and Paris Hilton regularly practice pilates to maintain that glam Hollywood look. Elite athletes like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant incorporate pilates into their regular training to enhance performance.


Best Classes: Have experienced instructors, dim lighting, inspiring music, mirrors and are ideally located in or near your neighbourhood.

Initial impressions: Immediately after class I feel relaxed, energized and stand a little taller. Next day I can have sore muscles but I am always glad that I went.

Review: I have been practicing pilates weekly for several months and am happy with my progress. Over time, I have increased my positive energy and gained the confidence you can only get from rock hard abs and a shapelier booty. Pilates promotes relaxation and is a great anti aging strategy. Regular practice of pilates and/or yoga can easily make you feel 5-10 years younger.

Remember: Stay with it. Breath through poses and stay hydrated. Stay in control, move purposely and without momentum. Fewer controlled movements are better than many sloppy ones.

Cautions: Check with your doctor before embarking on a new fitness program.

Cost: $5-$15 per class.

The Art of Yoga

Buzz: Regular yoga practice develops strength, flexibility and balance. It improves self awareness and posture to make you look and feel younger. Yoga incorporated deep breathing and mediation to provide energy and reduce stress.

What is Yoga Exactly? Yoga originated in India and has been practiced for at least 5,000 years. It consists of poses or postures that are practiced regularly over time. Each pose has a name that resembles how you look when performing it. Common poses are downward facing dog, cat, cow, child, frog, happy baby, warrior... Poses are performed individually e.g. tree or performed in flowing sequence e.g. sun salutation.


Beginners: Work at their own pace led by an experienced instructor. Beginners and regular practitioners perform the same postures - improvements are realized over time.

What to wear? Bare feet, t-shirt and yoga pants. I love my lululemons!

Equipment: Yoga mat.

Best Classes: Have experienced instructors, dim lighting, inspiring music, mirrors and are ideally located in or near your neighbourhood.

Initial impressions: Immediately after yoga practice I feel relaxed, enlightened and stand a little taller.

Review: Great things can happen. I have been practicing yoga weekly for several months and am already ultra flexible. I have attained measurable progress in terms of strength and balance. My posture has improved greatly and I look and feel younger. I have also learned to relax completely. Yoga reduces stress and is a very effective anti aging strategy.

Remember: Breathe through the postures and keep hydrated.

Love Yoga: You may also enjoy pilates.


Cautions: Check with your doctor before embarking on a new fitness program.

Cost: $5-$15 per class.