PILATES. What is it? Maybe we should begin by defining what it is NOT....
PILATES IS:
...that mercury thermometers are probably not found on your store's shelf? The operative word: mercury.
This time of year many are asking, how much water should we drink everyday? Answer: While the average person needs at least two quarts daily, hydration will depend on a number of individual factors. There is no one answer, as some would think. You have to ask questions like: What is my body size? What illnesses do I have? How would those illnesses factor in to my water intake? How much do I exercise? What climate am I exposed to? How hot or how humid is it? Xperts say: On average, drink 7-10 ounces of water for every 20 minutes of exercise (Get Fit Now). Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink water. Be ahead of the game: be safe. 
Enjoy Pilates by a toasty fireplace outside in the eve. Yes, outside. Even in the spring! Check out the wide variety of garden "fireplaces" you can purchase for under $100. If you have a Pilates mat, it will withstand the patio or even the grass. You may have to get up really early in late day to find cooler temps, but it will be worth your sacrifice. Try it; you may fall in love the idea. Research tells us that being outside in the fresh sunshine not only boosts our Vit D intake (in which many of us are deficient in), but it also boosts our spirits. Winter time especially calls for us to make the effort. But now that it's summer, think how much easier this challenge will be to add to your weekly diet! What more could you ask to add to an already wonderful system of wellness?
If you don't have a bicycle, purchase one. But take it a step beyond and ride the thing at least a couple of times a week! Be sure to include a regime of walking as cycling only has proven to not to be as helpful with the prevention of osteo. Why not walk one day, and cycle the next to break up the monotony that often causes us to forgo exercise all together. 
Sunday-A warm or even hot fruit smoothie (that you make with no sugar. Honey, maybe, and lots of fruit). Monday- Baked Sweet potato (great fiber). Tuesday-Roast or buy a chicken and use it for chicken salad. Add pecans, sunflower seeds, red grapes, cooked egg whites, and a tad of mayo. Wednesday-Celery (natural sodium, not salt!). Thursday- Granny Smith apple (they are the best apples 4 U). Friday- Plain yogurt with fruit and granola. Saturday- Belgian Waffles. Make your own waffle with fresh strawberries, and real whip cream. 
Check out the new series: 
Double Leg Stretch
