PULSE.

PILATES POWER: Los Angeles-based Pilates instructor Mari Winsor reveals her seven secret weapons for a killer powerhouse in the Winsor System video kit (Guthy-Renker; $39.99). With names like ``The Roll Up,'' ``Single Leg Stretch'' and ``Spine Stretch Forward,'' the Pilates moves sound harmless enough. But put them all together, and your midsection will soon know why Winsor calls them weapons. The workout requires no equipment other than a floor mat and plenty of willpower. The kit includes ``Basics Step-by- Step,'' ``20 Minute Workout'' and ``Accelerated Body Sculpting'' videos. For more information, visit www.winsorpilates.com.

- Mariko Thompson

TAUT AND TONED: You started with good intentions. You bought the weight bench and the dumbbell set. But now the weight bench has become a clothes hanger and the dumbbells are propping the door. Get jump-started with ``Strength Training 101 for Women'' (StudioWorks; VHS $9.99, DVD $14.99), the latest release from Body by Jake. Jake provides a systematic approach to weight lifting that gradually increases weights and repetitions. The 40- minute how-to video reviews proper form for each exercise and even provides a handy pocket guide for the gym. Anyone who employs ``Don't quit'' as their motto is going to keep it simple. With this video, Jake delivers as promised. For more information, visit www.bodybyjake.com.

- M.T.

PULL UP A CHAIR: Jodi Stolove has heard all of the excuses for not exercising. One says her knees hurt. Another says it's too cold out. So Stolove, a professional dancer and weight-loss counselor, designed the perfect couch potato workout. ``Chair Dancing Through the Decades'' (Chair Dancing International; $19.95), a seated aerobics workout, requires only an armless chair and a sense of whimsy. Even the klutziest dancer on the dance floor will be able to follow this fun 48-minute routine. Stolove, who created chair dancing while recovering from a broken foot, moves arms and legs to the Charleston, the Twist, disco dancing and more. The workout can also be done on a stability ball instead of a chair. Other seated workouts include ``Sit Down and Tone Up'' and ``Chair Yoga.'' For more information, visit www.chairdancing.com or call [phone].

- M.T.

GOOD MEDICINE: Sufferers of autoimmune diseases often have to take an arsenal of medicines - and sometimes they don't mix well. Pharmacist Laura Hicks of the Medicine Shop in Thousand Oaks will discuss the latest drug cocktails and answer questions at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Westlake Village Urgent Care Clinic (formerly Westlake Village Hospital), 4415 S. Lakeview Canyon Road, Westlake Village. The event is sponsored by Lupus International and the Conejo Valley Lupus Support Group. Call Mary Weyand at [phone].

- Barbara DeWitt

CANCER TALK: Dr. Mark Pegram of UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center will discuss the latest research on targeted cancer therapies, which experts hope one day will replace conventional chemotherapy. Molecular cancer therapies are based on a new understanding of the role that genes and molecules play in regulating the growth and spread of cancer cells. The event, set for 7 p.m. Feb. 11, is free and will be held in the RPB Auditorium at UCLA. For more information, call [phone].

- M.T.

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