Pilates: a series of movements that improve strength and balance. Pros: good for abs and core strength, improves flexibility. Cons: slow calorie burn, not effective for weight loss.

Spinning: Riding a stationary bike at different speeds and resistance levels. Pros: great cardio workout and calorie burner (about 500 calories in 40 mins). Cons: little upper-body conditions.

Yoga: series of exercises that emphasize specific postures and controlled breathing. Pros: strengthens core, improves flexability, improves mind-body fitness. Cons: slow calorie burn, difficult for newbies.

Kickboxing: series of punches and kicks. Pros: works most muscles including core, improves balance, great aerobic workout. Cons: may induce false sense of security.

HipHop: exercise class using the latest trends in choreography. Pros: great calorie burn and aerobic workout, fun. Cons: self-esteem issues if you can’t get the moves.

Looking for a class or a place to workout? Check our camp, clinic and league resource for a gym near you. Know of a great place not included in our database, be sure to let us know!

November 5, 2008

So what happens when you’ve signed a contract with a company that goes belly-up? Well if you’re MMA fighter Gina Carano, your contract is an asset that can be auctioned to the highest bidder.

The bankrupt EliteXC, who promoted Carano, recently posted a notice of public sale saying its assets will be sold, including the following:

all contracts between any Debtor and mixed martial arts fighters (including, but not limited to, Kevin Ferguson a.k.a. “Kimbo Slice”, Gina Carano, Jake Shields, Robbie Lawler, Frank Shamrock, Antonio Silva, Brett Rogers, Dave Herman, Scott Smith, Nick Diaz, Cristiane Venancio Justino a.k.a. “Chris Cyborg”, Eddie Alvarez, Yves Edwards and Wilson Reis)

Carano and Cris Cyborg, who are two of the highest-profile women in MMA, are caught in the middle of this mess.  They can’t look for fights elsewhere and there maybe potential legal battles when their contracts are bought by promotions they have no interest in fighting for.

Unfortunately, business is business and it’s not always fun.

Carano’s bout against Kobold, on the main card of EliteXC: Heat, takes place at the BankAtlantic Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and will air live on CBS October 4 beginning at 9pm ET.

Carano’s celebrity has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few months after putting on an exciting fight at EliteXC’s debut show, appearing on the Oxygen network’s Fight Girls show amd NBC’s American Gladiators, and being seen in numerous magazines all over the world.

Though known as the “face” of women’s mixed martial arts, it’s not necessarily the label  she’s looking for. BecauseIPlayedSports.com provides some nice background on Carano. There’s also an LA Times interview today where she talks about her life, ‘American Gladiators’ and the guys at the gym.

Since she’s fighting this weekend, check out Gina’s bio and a video promoting her upcoming Elite XC fight.

 New to MMA?? Read ProElite’s “MMA 101″

(Editors Note: Carano beat Kelly Kobold improving her pro MMA record to 7-0. According to EliteXC, Carano’s next matchup will be against Cris Cyborg and will be the biggest fight in the history of women’s MMA.)