Aging, kept in balance

Growing old gracefully can mean just that -- staying physically active so that movements are made with grace, strength and confidence. That’s what Carol Argo, a Palos Verdes fitness instructor, hopes viewers will achieve with her new DVD, “The Anti Aging Method,” (SOULjourn, 2005) targeted to women in their 40s and 50s and offering a full-body workout using a number of disciplines.

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“The Anti Aging Method”: This eclectic, fusion-style workout features dance, tai chi, yoga and Pilates moves. That’s not meant to intimidate -- the segments are straightforward and easy to follow. Argo explains every facet of the exercise while demonstrating it, always emphasizing proper form. Segments include a warm-up, dance (using flowing movements), posture exercises, Pilates abdominals and yoga, with a bonus segment on yoga poses done on a chair. Through all, balance and core strength are emphasized. “Balance starts to decline before we become seniors,” says Argo, who’s been teaching various fitness classes for 19 years. “The balance exercises are dynamic, and that’s what people need, since we’re out moving in the real world.” Dance is popular with women “because they like to move their core and rib cage -- it feels good. That’s what creates that natural sway in the hips which we tend to lose when we get old.”

Price: $18, available at www.antiagingmethod.com.

-- Jeannine Stein