Ballet Bonus
Kudos, Shape, for 'Ballerina Butt' (January). I've taught adult exercise classes using ballet as a foundation for years. While other forms of toning may burn the same number of calories, ballet builds beautifully sculpted, sleek, strong, flexible muscles capable of wonderfully expansive, fluid movements.
-Derva J. Snider, Burnet, Texas
Everything to Gain
I was very pleased to read Rosa Esposito's Success Story about gaining weight in the February issue of Shape. While many women's magazines focus on weight loss, it's refreshing to know that Shape recognizes that success doesn't always mean losing weight, but instead, means living healthfully.
-Lynn Trujillo, Sandia Pueblo, N.M.
Emotional Support
Thank you for alerting readers in 'Infertile Ground' (Health, February) that endometriosis may hinder fertility. Along with infertility, pain and other debilitating effects, endometriosis can bring isolation, frustration and fear. The Endometriosis Association can help. We offer literature and support networks and facilitate research on the disease. Call (800) 992-3636 or visit www.Endometriosis/ssn. org.
- Crystal Grotberg, Education/Publication Associate, Endometriosis Association, Milwaukee
Best Friends
I found 'Bosom Buddies' (Inner Shape, February) to be an insightful and thought-provoking article. I agree that people need a best friend for support in every way. However, I don't think the friendship has to be between people of the same sex. My best friend is a male and he gives me everything I need, from emotional support to fitness ideas. It doesnt matter if your friendship is same- or opposite-sex; what matters is that you give each other all you can.
-Katrina McLeod, Japan
Getting Into Shape
Until I read the January and February issues of Shape, I was actually thinking of canceling my subscription. I am enjoying the magazine so much more now. I always thought that because I only jogged and played tennis I wasn't in 'shape' to read Shape. And until recently, Shape didn't seem to go beyond exercise. Now, however, the magazine really emphasizes exercises that work your mind, as well as improving yourself by believing in yourself.
Thank you for going beyond the body to include the mind.
-Donna Cohn Viertel, Boston
Mother's Day Homage
I am writing this in honor of my mother, Rosalie Miceli, who is a beautiful woman inside and out. She is the most nonjudgmental person I know and sees good in everyone. She and my father still hold hands after 34 years of marriage. She always puts her family first, and now I'd like to give back to her.
Mom has always been conscientious about staying in good shape. This year, we both celebrated landmark birthdays (30 and 50), and we are committed to reaching our highest potential in the world of fitness.
Since I live in Colorado and my mom is in Florida, we can't be workout partners, but we keep tabs on each other by phone. It's always disappointing when I can't spend Mother's Day with her, but I'd like to honor her in a unique way this May. I feel that she deserves special recognition not only for being a wonderful human being but also for being such a babe at 50!
-Kim Miceli Denver
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