Depending on what time of day it is, taking a stroll past Room 6 in the White Building will introduce you to various types of exercise. You may see step aerobics, calorie killer, or butts and guts, among other things.

The methods used in these classes seem to be standards in the fitness industry. The ups and downs of these techniques have been studied extensively. Although yoga has been in existence for thousands of years, major studies of its benefits have not been conducted until recently.

It seems as though yoga and pilates are huge buzzwords in the fitness industry today. Many avid gym-goers, however, tend to brush these types of classes off as ineffective uses of their time, for people who can bend like pretzels or as just plain old boring. I am here to tell you that these beliefs are simply false!

First and foremost, what exactly is the difference between yoga and pilates? Pilates and yoga are somewhat similar forms of exercise, but they also contain many unique elements defining each type of exercise.

While pilates focuses more on stability, yoga's focus is more on flexibility.

Also, pilates involves more dynamic exercises (involving movement and repetitions) while most yoga exercises are static poses (positions that can be held for a time specified by the instructor).

PSU Fitness combines both forms of exercise into a class called "Pilates/Yoga Fusion." This class effectively combines elements of stretching, toning and flexibility into one highly valuable and efficient class.

Adding yoga and pilates to one's weekly gym routine will return serious benefits. When most of us think of being fit, we think only of body composition and muscle mass. Truth be told, there is really much more to the fitness equation than just these two variables.

Flexibility, strength and endurance are three more aspects that are absolutely crucial to a well-rounded, successful fitness program. This is where yoga and pilates come into play.

In a recent study posted by ACE (American Council on Exercise), it was stated that "the regular practice of Hatha yoga significantly improved the subjects' flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, and balance."i A study on the benefits of Pilates stated that "Pilates remains one of the most challenging and effective means of building core strength and stability."

So yoga and pilates are good for your fitness program ... what else? As for those of you who believe that you are not flexible enough to try a yoga or pilates class, there are modifications that can be made to almost every exercise or pose performed throughout a class.

All PSU fitness instructors are trained to demonstrate the beginner and advanced options or exercises for their classes.

Even if it is your first time in such a class, you will have no problem jumping in and giving it a whirl.

Last, but certainly not least, yoga and pilates are not boring classes! The classes are always done to some type of music. For some classes, relaxation music may be used.

In others, a mix of more tranquil music that we all listen to on the radio and our MP3 players is used to set the mood for the class.

Also, the class will flow seamlessly from pose to pose and exercise to exercise. Your body should feel challenged throughout the class, but not pushed to the limit.

Your muscles will be talking to you, but certainly not screaming!

In a yoga and pilates class, you can set your level of intensity by modifying exercises so that they best suit your personal ability and fitness level.

The class will fly by, leaving you feeling more toned, flexible and relaxed. As busy, stressed out students, we could all use an hour out of the day to refresh our tired bodies.

All that said, I encourage you to stop by the White Building and give Pilates/Yoga Fusion a try. There are at least two classes offered daily Monday through Thursday and also one on Sunday.

Go to www.psu.edu/dept/fitness for a schedule. You must have a valid PSU Fitness membership to participate.

I promise, your body will thank you!