Ballet has come a long way since the days of boring barre routines, drill-sergeant teachers and recitals. It's worth revisiting those moves you might've done at the dance studio so many years ago. Ballet is enjoying a renaissance among those who admire and desire the long, lean lines and tight muscles of a dancer's body. Ballet's benefits go beyond the aesthetic, however. It's a great way to improve posture, balance and flexibility. Proper posture ensures correct breathing and a stronger core. Flexibility and balance decrease the potential for injury, especially in older people. And by building those strong muscles, you're also building stronger bones. Ballet even benefits your brain - thinking about and controlling isolated muscle movements helps you become better coordinated. Getting those slim legs and toned arms doesn't require donning a tutu and showing up at a studio, however.

Doing a ballet workout is easier than you think and can be done in the privacy of your own home, with just a chair for stability and some soothing music. Fitness trainers recognize ballet's benefits, too - you'll see some incorporating moves like grand plies, which are basically squats. Squats are a great exercise because they build large muscles in the legs and help you burn more fat, even when your body is at rest. Use the back of a chair or even the wall to stabilize yourself and try a few squats or plies. If you need more guidance, then try a ballet workout DVD. The New York City Ballet has some excellent ones that'll help you achieve that beautiful dancer's body.