NOTE: I have posted this question in several categories in the hopes of getting the most responses possible, but if you answer in one category, don't feel obliged to answer in another. I'll find the answer.

I am looking for some exercise alternatives. This is what I need to do:

• Lose ten pounds
  
• Lower my cholesterol a wee bit
  
• Improve my flexibility
  
• Build more muscle tone and burn fat

Currently, I am doing Billy Blanks' Tae-Bo workout, and it is going well, but I would like to branch out. Unfortunately, I cannot afford a gym membership or actual lessons, but I've found some video workouts that I would like to try but I wanted to get some opinions first.

I am looking into yoga, pilates, ballet, yogilates, and ballecore. I have been to all of the websites I could find, but I want honest opinions and real experiences that cannot be found on those sites. Which would be the best to achieve the results that I want? Has anyone tried any of these? Is there anything else you would recommend?

And finally, on the cholesterol topic… I need to lower it a bit but I don't eat that much that is high in cholesterol as it is, so I have a dilemma! What should I avoid? What foods are hi in 'good' cholesterol?

Thank you all!

I know that one of the over-all muscle toning, flexibility promoting workouts is Yoga. Done correctly it also has the benefit of focusing your mind and calming your emotions and thoughts.

There is evidence that cholesterol levels are effected by both genetic and dietary factors. Here is a site that provides dietary guidelines for "Good" cholesterol.