Since shaping-s invention in 1988, millions of Russian women have attended shaping classes in an effort to get fit. A crossbreed of home exercise videos and aerobics classes, the concept is simple: women gather in a room, and, under the watchful eyes of a trained instructor, they exercise in front of a video screen. To learn more about this phenomenon, LifeStyle spoke for a few minutes with Boris Ivlev, the head of the Moscow office of the International Shaping Federation.

LifeStyle: What is shaping exactly?

Boris Ivlev: It-s a common mistake to consider shaping as a variation of aerobics or another kind of dance-fitness. Shaping is a way of life, incorporating nutrition and even some elements of creativity and art. Some people include concepts of appearance. But basically, women gather in a room, and do exercises together while an instructor makes sure they are following the routine.

LS: Is it true that shaping was invented in Russia?

BI: Yes. It started as a method of training aimed at correcting body shapes and was patented with the USSR Patent Office in December 1988 by Ilya Prokhortsev. He is currently president of the International Shaping Federation.

LS: How has shaping developed since that time?

BI: In addition to classical shaping, a number of variations have emerged, for pregnant women, children and youth and senior citizens. Shaping-Juni, a program developed by the Shaping Federation for juniors, concentrates on flexibility and coordination. Shaping-Pro is for those women who, in addition to striving for a beautiful figure, want to improve their posture and grace.

LS: How do you incorporate computer testing into your programs?

BI: Computer testing is an essential part of any shaping program. Performed on a monthly basis it helps determine individual programs for exercise and nutrition.

LS: What does a typical shaping program involve?

BI: First of all, all clients need a medical check-up. Then, it-s usually recommended that beginners start with two 55-minute sessions a week. At the designated time, they simply gather and emulate exercises shown on one of the monitors.

LS: Does shaping use any equipment?

BI: Yes, weights. However our weights are not so heavy compared to those normally used in fitness centers. In shaping, the weight load is not so important T the main goal is to tone muscles, not to build them.

LS: Is it possible for men to do shaping?

BI: There is a special program, Shaping for Men, however male shaping has not become that popular. Shaping was created primarily as a health and beauty system for women.

For clubs operated by the Shaping Federation, pass for 8 sessions (twice a week) costs from 150 to 300 rubles.

Where to go for shaping:

SHAPING CLUB VORONEZHSKY
14 Voronezhskaya Ul. Bldg. 2
Metro: Domodedovskaya
Tel: 397-6472

SHAPING CLUB CSKA
39 Leningradsky Prospekt
Metro: Aeroport
Tel: 151-0783

SHAPING CLUB SPORT-BAZA CSKA
17a Komsomolsky Prospekt
Metro: Frunzenskaya
Tel: 296-0131