second that on the yoga. some of those poses are really challenging, getting a stretch and a workout at the same time. mentally refreshing.

I think yoga is a great thing, except for my own self. I come out of there wanting to beat somebody up but not having the enery for it. I get all this anger inside of me while holding those stupid poses. I have tried every kind imaginable too - Iyengar, Bikram, you name it. Now, don't get me wrong, I think the idea behind it all is great. Stretching is great. I have been in ballet since I was 4 years old, jazz since I was 12, and taekwondo all through college. So for me, I think holding the poses keeps all that energy inside, while dancing I can express it and relieve it. I have had good luck with Pilates though, and that's great core work. And dancers base a lot of their movements off Pilates. So I second the idea that yoga is great, just not for myself! You learn to relax, you become more flexible, and mentally tough just trying to hold that pose.

As for core work - I would suggest Pilates, and a book that I came across called Core Performance by Mark Verstegen. Most of his exercises include use of those balls that you can do crunches on. But there are a lot of great exercises that really work and are challenging that you can also change a little to make even more challenging if you want. Hope this helps!

Now heres the question, pillaties or yoga, and does pillaties have the same effect on males as it does on females?

thank u, again