Eye on Fitness: Grace Jang

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By Grace Jang
Bio | Email | Follow: @GraceJangKTVA

Story Created: Jul 4, 2012 at 8:55 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Jul 4, 2012 at 8:55 AM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - Obesity is an epidemic in Alaska.

That is according to state health officials who say our children will be the first generation of Alaskans who won't live as long as their parents.

And we adults aren't setting very good examples.

About 3 in 5 Alaskan adults are overweight or obese.

So in an effort to get everyone up and moving KTVA CBS 11 News is airing a special series this week: Eye on Fitness.

Previously, KTVA CBS 11's Lauren Maxwell took us inside her step aerobics class.

Now, head into Studio One Pilates with me, Grace Jang.

I first started practicing pilates several months ago.

For most of my adult life, though, I stayed in shape with martial arts, but after a debilitating accident left me with a herniated disk, I had to take a break from tae kwon do.

And now, I’m one of the more than 11 million people worldwide who practice pilates, because it's safe and gentle.

It's a form of exercise created in the early 20th century by 'Joseph Pilates,' a German boxer who taught the forms while in an internment camp to other detainees.

More than a hundred years later, there are hundreds of pilates studios in the U.S.

What sets Studio One apart is that it's inspired by rolfing – a form of bodywork.

It takes effort, focus and concentration.

You inhale through your nose, and exhale through pursed lips.

Each instructor's story is a testament to the effectiveness of focused breathing.

I'm eager to get back into martial arts but for now, though it may be years before I’m even half as good as some of the instructors.

I'm eager to get back into martial arts, but for now, I’m learning the power of pilates.

The series continues this week with Bill McAllister on the tennis court, Corey Allen-Young and Janessa Webb playing basketball, and Brett Shepard playing soccer.

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