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Pilates
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| Pilates
was originally crested for injured dancers, but the
moves can teach you proper alignment so you move gracefully
while working out your powerhouse muscles -- abs, lower
back, thighs and buttocks. Increase strength, flexibility
and endurance and improves posture, alignment, coordination
and balance -- all without building bulky muscles. Nothing
is forced or repetitive; you emphasize correct form
rather than going for the burn. |
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Yoga
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| The
typical yoga workout blends strength, flexibility and
body awareness. Many classes also include a spiritual
element; it's not unusual for a class to include some
chanting, prayer, candles or incense. There are many form
of yoga, but Hatha is the most common. It includes all
the basic yoga moves and breathing exercises, but doesn't
include the religious aspects of some other forms. Yoga
energize your body and calms your mind. Most people begin
to see and feel improvements in their flexibility, strength
and stress levels after only a few classes. It's portable
and affordable. |
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Boot
Camp |
| Boot
camp is a fast-paced, military-style interval-training
class that incorporates calisthenics like the ones you
did inthe fifth grade. Classes include jumping jacks,
pushups, runing in place, football-style drills and lots
of yelling. If you've always wanted your own personal
frill sergeant, you'll love these classes. Tons of repetitions
will tone muscles, and the fast-paced drills will keep
your heart pumping. The result: a serious workout and
great calorie burner. |
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Kickboxing
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A
combination of boxing, martial arts and aerobics. You
get a full-body workout that increases balance, strength,
flexibilty and endurance. Kickboxing classes are less
formal than traditional martial arts classes. Moves include
kicks and punches -- some classes also include jump rope,
punching a heavy bag or a series of shadowboxing drills.
What could be better
than punching or kicking something to relieve stress
? Besides providing a great head-to-toe cardio and calorie
burning workout, you'll also learn some-defense, balance,
coordination, speed and agility.
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Step
Aerobics |
| Take
a rectangle shaped platform, stack it atop one or
more sets of Lego-like blocks called risers, add some
spicy music, an enthusiastic instructor, a group of
ready participants and voila -- you've got yourself
a step class ! Once you learn the basic moves for
getting on, off, over, across and around the step,
the instructor will have you put them all together
in choreographed sequences. Burns tons of calories
with about half the impact of running. Give your butt
and legs an awesome workout. It's fun and entertaining
espeacial if the teacher's good and the students are
into it. |
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Power
Walking |
| Walkingis
one of the best fitness activities there is. It's
easy, it can help you lose weight, it's good for your
heart, and the risk of injury is virtually nil. Walkling
is inexpensive and low tech -- all you can adjust
your pace, technique, and the terrain to accommodate
your fitness level. |
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Weight Training |
| Weight
training uses either specially designed machines or
free weights (steel disks, long bars and short bars).
You can use this equipment to strengthen and reshap
every area of your body. Weight training increases bone
density and musxle mass, helps improve athletic performance,
revs up your metabolism so you burn more fat and calories
(even at rest), perks up your posture, boosts your confidence
and makes you feel better about yourself. |
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