Time was only Buddhists and hippies did yoga. And Pilates? That was for injured ballerinas, not out-of-shape grandmothers and glamorous movie stars. But now the two practices are as ubiquitous as the Stairmaster, and for good reason: They're a good way to strengthen and tone muscles without the jostle and strain of aerobics (and without that wretched '90s dance music either). And yet, some remain skeptical. Is it hard? Does it hurt? Can my legs really do that? A good introduction for the curious might be this open house at Bishop Arts Pilates/Yoga Studio on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Classes, demonstrations and discussions will be held throughout the day explaining the basics of yoga and Pilates, which are not the same, by the way. Although both include floor mats, stretching and the occasional tinkly music, their effects and techniques are unique. The class is free, which is no small thing. Classes elsewhere can cost $15 or more. Call 469-682-2185 for Pilates and 214-704-6782 for yoga. --Sarah Hepola
Sporting Chance
7/16
What's up with all this poker on TV lately? ESPN promotes the game as a true sport, while Bravo adds celebrity guests to the card table, but these attempts don't make the stuff any less boring. If we wanted to see ugly people sit still for hours and stare each other down between idiotic one-liners, we'd watch C-SPAN. Our love for semi-sports lies on the foosball table. Even novices can get into tabletop soccer without much trouble. See for yourself Friday through Sunday at the Metroplex Foosball Championships held at Pugsley's Library, 2443 Walnut Lane. Entry ranges from $5 to $70 with more than $4,000 of prizes to be given away. Call 214-335-9373. --Sam Machkovech
Oscar-Worthy Performances
7/15
It'll be an evening of firsts at the American Airlines Center tonight: first boxing card in our versatile little sporting/events arena, first main-event title shot for young "Mighty" Mike Anchondo (against former champ and veteran Julio Pablo Chacon) and the world's first opportunity to see Vargas vs. Camacho. That, of course, would be Martin (Vargas) against Joe Ray (Camacho), but even if the famously named bantamweights have only five professional fights between them, they're both hometown boys, so make sure to be there by 7:30 p.m. to catch them. Another local prospect, undefeated Americo Santos, fights for the Miller Lite Lightweight Texas Title. And, while the event will be broadcast live on HBO LATINO, there's nothing like seeing "the sweet science" in person. Oscar De La Hoya's promotions company brings the card to us. American Airlines Center is at 2500 Victory Lane. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster by calling 214-373-8000. --Matt Hursh
