Yolanda Pettinato's Beginner Yoga and and Ana Caban's Easy Pilates Reviewed

Watching me attempt yoga and Pilates in my new personalized fitness plan, while watching DVDs, would probably be one of the funniest things in the world, if I allowed anyone into the inner sanctum. I find myself laughing as I roll off my fitness ball or wallow on the floor in an attempt to maintain balance. The room seems big enough until I stretch and find my arms hitting the ceiling fan. Or I extend my legs and do a rollback to find I clunk into the sofa. I never seem to be centered on my mat. My main exercise is a constant scrooching (it might not be a word, but it is a perfect description) of my butt back onto the mat.

Why am I torturing myself? It is all part of my new life. As a stay at home freelance writer, I am imbued with a sense of self-discipline. I get up when my husband does and I am eating breakfast as he leaves. I do read the paper cover to cover, but of course, that is part of research. At the computer by 8 a.m., I indulge in email correspondence first and then attempt some writing. Sometimes I review the previous day's work and edit furiously. Other days I launch into a fresh piece. Sadly, many days I stare endlessly at a blank screen. With this sitting around, I felt compelled to throw some exercise into my new routine.

As a poor struggling writer, I cannot afford a health club. Thus I must make do in the comforts of my home. I change into shorts and a scraggly T-shirt. This gym does not require a matching leotard outfit. As someone who indulged in a few too many cookies over the holidays, the goal is to tone and trim. I still fit into my clothes. It is just that they are feeling a tad snug. All of the goodies are gone from the house, as well as breads and any other snack foods. Eating chicken and salads, I feel healthier already. My new workout regimen is just icing on the cake. Mmmm……..make that chocolate cake.