Although Yogalates takes the two exercises to create one unique system, Pilates and Yoga come from two very different backgrounds.

According to a page on the University of Florida’s Web site, “the exact history and origins of yoga is uncertain; however, there are pieces that have been connected and allow us to make some conclusions. It is known that yoga originated from the East.

The earliest signs of yoga appear in ancient Shamanism. Evidence of yoga postures were found on artifacts that date back to 3000 B.C. Evidence of yoga is found in the oldest-existing text, Rig-Veda. Rig-Veda is a composition of hymns. Topics of the Rig-Veda include prayer, divine harmony, and greater being.”

Although most people think that Yoga is about flexibility and breathing techniques, it’s also about building strength and balance in the muscles.

Pilates, on the other hand, was created in the early 20th century by a German of the same name.  KidsHealth, a non-profit Web site from Nemours, explains that Pilates, “is a body conditioning routine that seeks to build flexibility, strength, endurance, and coordination without adding muscle bulk. In addition, Pilates increases circulation and helps to sculpt the body and strengthen the body’s “core” or “powerhouse” (torso). People who do Pilates regularly feel they have better posture, are less prone to injury, and experience better overall health.”

As I discovered in my class, Yogalates takes movements from Pilates and Yoga to target your core and leg muscles, but also stretch your entire body.  For me, it was the latter that was the most difficult, especially with a man (possibly in his 50s) doing ridiculous contortions while I couldn’t even reach my toes.

Then again, his headband, spandex and personal Yoga mat made him look pretty experienced.  For more information on Yoga and Pilates, the Yoga Journal and Balanced Body have very useful Web sites.

And anyone interested in mastering Yoga like the guy in my class, here’s some motivation for you:

“Minerva Reyes, 35, of West Asheville, didn’t move her hips much before she started taking the classes at Anytime Fitness on Patton Avenue in Asheville.

‘I was too embarrassed,’ she said. ‘After the class, I can move now.’”

Check out the link to read the full article.

Like a lot of people, riding a bike was my primary source of transportation as a kid — and I loved it.

This is what initially drew me to the class.  After all, what could be better than jumping onto a stationary bike and taking a ride with my fellow classmates?

The answer is riding a stationary bike WITHOUT a resistance knob.

Located on the middle of the frame, the knob allows a rider to change the difficulty of his/her ride.  I warmed up on level four — the only relaxing portion of the next 45 minutes.

Although one may think riding a bike works a few leg muscles, trainers take participants through a variety of motions to change which muscles are used.  It adds variety and (depending on what resistance you choose) makes the ride very challenging.

Just look at why Cayla Wigfall, my class’ trainer, chooses to lead riders every week:

Q: What made you choose to do this?

A: I love cycling.  I’ve been doing it for what seems like forever. It is my favorite form of working out and I love creating routines and putting music to them.

Q: Why do you think people should try group cycling?

A: It is one of the highest calorie burns out there. It is great cardio and great endurance training for the leg muscles. If you can do an hour of intense cycing, then there is no other workout that you can’t do.

Q: How did you become a certified trainer?

A: I went to an eight-hour certification class at UNC-Greensboro last May. The certification was through AFAA, and they schedule all different types of fitness certifications all over the country.  It cost $129, and the certification is valid for a year.  Most of the people who become certified have been cycling for a long time.  I’ve been doing this for about six years.

“Take bike riding to a whole new level!  Now you can have the same fun of riding a bike you had as a kid with the health and fitness benefits you need as an adult.  All levels are welcome as you ride up hills, sprint and just cruise.  Set to motivating music with the guidance from a certified instructor, this class will keep you coming back again and again.”

Exclamation marks and a reference to my childhood?  Consider me in.

- JW

The atmosphere of the Student Recreation Center’s class felt like a nightclub, with Justin Timberlake and Pitbull songs blasting through the gym’s speakers.

I must admit, it’s been a while since someone (instructor or otherwise) made a serious request for me to gyrate the lower half of my body.  Then again, I can’t remember the last time I was included in a group of 50-plus women.

Thankfully, the routine has a bit of everything, from hip-hop dance moves to more classic ones, like lunges and squats.

Here’s a video that demonstrates some of the motions done during class:

But don’t be intimidated by these Zumba pros.  The tempo at the SRC suits those familiar with danced-based exerices, as well as first timers.  And if you fall behind — something I became very familiar with — the point is to keep moving and have fun.

Be sure to visit campus recreation’s SRC gym schedule to find out when the next class will be in session.

- JW

After a short hiatus,  it’s time to get things rolling.  This week, I’ve chosen a few classes that should take me well out of my comfort zone.  In the past, my workout regimens were centered around weight rooms and a very short run.  But Wednesday, I’ll be headed over to the SRC for Zumba.

I was a little unfamiliar with Zumba.  Honestly, I chose it strictly for the name.  But after a little research, I found out that Zumba was created by a Colombian fitness trainer named Beto Perez.  Perez brought his system to the United States in 1999.  The exercise is a cardiovascular activity based in Latin dance rhythms.  For more information, visit Zumba’s Web site.  I hope everyone will notice the slogan: “Ditch the workout, join the party!”

Party?  Let’s hope so, because anyone who’s seen me dabble in Latin dance knows I’m a long way from Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman:

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the full review.

- JW

Hopefully by visiting this site, readers will get to know what’s available and whether or not these options are worthwhile.  For anyone who’s been too skeptical or too nervous to enter a class and break a sweat, this is the site for you.

To better introduce you to the content this site will be providing, please read this FAQ:

• Q. What kinds of exercise classes will you be trying out?

• A.  Nothing is off limits.  I’ll be looking for classes that sound as interesting as they are worthwhile.  Of course, I’ll be starting with classes that are more female friendly (i.e. Pilates, Yoga, Tae Bo, etc.)

• Q. After posting about classes, will you give information so that students will be able to find and join classes?

• A. Of course, all the background and time information about the classes, as well as who to contact in order to sign yourself up.   Most classes will be done in Ram’s Head or the SRC.

• Q. Will readers be able to comment on your posts?

• A. Yes.  I welcome any contributions and personal comments from people who have gone through classes I write about.

• Q. Can readers request for certain classes to be reviewed?

• A. Anyone who wants me to visit a class I have not written about can email me at jwoodall@email.unc.edu.