Pilates is an exercise program that strengthens and elongates the muscles through a series of controlled repetitive movements focused on the body's core abdominal muscles. The program was developed by Joseph Pilates who immigrated to the United States in 1920 and opened up a "Body Conditioning Studio" that attracted such dancers as George Balanchine and Martha Graham. Since Pilates's death in 1967 at the age of 87, disciples have adapted his techniques under other names. We include these variations here with the original practitioners of Pilates's teachings.
And we recommend Pilates to everyone, both the mat classes and the use of Pilates machines with a trainer, because aside from a lucky few who seem naturally blessed with washerboard abs, the rest of us can benefit from the tightening of abs, derriers, and the elongation of our spines.
YOGA These days, what counts as "yoga" eludes easy definition. In essence, if you do yoga poses, you are a quasi-yogi: you are moving your body in a healthful way that both stretches and strengthens your body and mind. The practice of yoga requires quiet, focus, and exertion from our bodies and our minds. The physical aspect can be demanding (often 150 push-ups in 75 minutes); exacting (balancing on your forearms), and encompassing (to push your body someplace your mind is reluctant to go). In return, regular practice will seep into your daily life, improving the other sports you enjoy, your dealings with yourself and others, and your perception of life.
Main Street Manhattan
My Snapple cap has just informed me that Manhattan is the only city in America without a Main Street. In fact, none of her streets or avenues could be considered primary arteries – this city is full of large, tiny, and in-between streets you will enjoy navigating.
The streets are numbered from the East Village north, starting at 1st Street and continuing to 220nd Street. Streets are typically three car-lengths wide: a traveling lane sandwiched between two sides of parked cars. On alternate side of the street parking days, the sandwich is open-faced.
You will also notice that the north/south blocks are short. Twenty north/south blocks equal one mile. The seven avenues of the east side equal approximately a mile (her width varies); the width of Central Park is one-half mile, and five cross-town blocks of the west side equal a mile. Crossing Manhattan from north to ...