Artemis, you'll love it! I found it really relaxing and enjoyable, but I could feel that I'd worked my stomach muscles by the end of the hour. I can't wait until next Friday!
I bought a pilates machine from QVC and it really helps my back and hip problem. It strethches you out and makes you use your core (ab) muscles. It's not an extreme workout but I've had to catch my breath a few times when I'm done. I bought the one with the trampoline attachment so you can do cardio on it as well.
When are you going to Rome, that's my ultimate dream and what I hope to treat myself to when I'm done losing weight. I'm thinking of booking my trip now for the Fall (added incentive).
I'm going to Rome on 24th July - I can't wait, even though it'll be like a sauna there at that time of year.
You should go there in the fall - what an incentive! Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit, because it's still warm but not unbearably hot and humid - I'd go there myself in September/October but I'm too impatient to wait that long!
- I can't wait, even though it'll be like a sauna there at that time of year. 
I have a lot of lower back pain so could do with something like that 
