Brand new year hot new bod: experience the transformative promise of Pilates to produce visible results. It won't just give you a sleek, strong core—it will also tone your thighs, and boost your buns as well as sculpt your arms and back

Shape, Jan, 2005 by Alexa Joy Sherman

UPPER-BODY PILATES

YOUR PROBLEM ZONE Weak shoulders, back and arms; overall lack of muscle tone and definition in upper body

YOUR GOAL To get a strong, sculpted look above the waist

THE 10-20-30 PROMISE By extending and reaching in these exercises, you strengthen your arms and sculpt your shoulders and back. These moves challenge your triceps, chest, shoulders, and upper- and middle-back muscles. "By about the 10th to 15th session, you'll see more definition in your shoulders and arms," Ungaro says. "By session 20, the chest opens and the physique becomes more balanced."

CARDIO Rx Choose cardio machines that work the arms, such as a dual-action elliptical trainer, Versaclimber or rowing machine. Swimming, boxing and martial arts are also ideal.

Photography by Nick Horne

Alexa Joy Sherman is a freelance writer in Los Angeles who hopes to achieve both body-shaping goals of this Pilates program.