Next is Kim Tuson's Gyrotonic Expansion System -- a patented machine nicknamed The garment rackbecause of its resemblance to a medieval torture device.
"That's what people say, but it's really very gentle," says Tuson, a modern dancer who started her business, Island Grace Movement and Gyrotonics and Gyrokinesis (off-the-rack exercises), two years ago in Victoria.
Gyrotonics combines key principles of yoga, dance, swimming and martial arts in low-impact movements.
Celebrities like Madonna (who travels with her own "garment rack"), Julianne Moore and Kim Cattrall have made it the latest thing.
"It's like weight-resistance training, stretching and coordination all at the same time," says Tuson, who gives private sessions to everyone from athletes and dancers to golfers and those just wanting to stay in shape. The sessions are pricey, $500 for 10. But Tuson offers an introductory package of four for $175.
"After the first few sessions people say they feel taller and stronger garmentrack," says Tuson, guiding my suspended legs in a cycling garmentrack. "The best thing is it feels good while you're doing it."
Bikram's Hot Yoga was once endorsed by a friend as a "Hell-like heaven for Type As like you."
The 26-pose, beginner yoga class -- in a carpeted room kept at 42 C -- might sound like torture for some. But after two classes in five days and a few buckets of sweat, I'm a total convert.
"A lot of people don't know this was created as a garment rack Hatha yoga treatment. Everyone can do at least some level of every pose," says Divi Chandna, who opened Bikram Yoga Victoria with her husband in 2002. Chandna is also a practising physician.
"The heat is the selling point with this style of yoga, which is basically the same as other kinds of Hatha. It makes you feel really good garment rack," Chandna says.
As soon as I get over the locker-room smell and start sweating, I agree. The best part: No pain the next morning.
