Move Well
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Why not try ballet for fitness? You may have given ballet a try when you were knee high to a grasshopper, but have you ever thought about going back to it?

Your memories may be of tiptoeing around in sweet little leotards and tutus, but ballet is actually a lot harder than it is given credit for - and could therefore be a fantastic way to get fit whilst having fun.

A range of classes are now offered at gyms around the country which require no past experience in the discipline.

What's more, they could offer a more comprehensive workout than activities like aerobics and yoga.

Alexandra Wood, a fitness instructor and dancer, told the Telegraph that ballet can make you more flexible, lengthen and strengthen muscles and improve your cardiovascular system.

"It's a complete body toning and aerobic exercise, with a strong emphasis on postural alignment. We're talking fitness and elegance in one," she commented.

Georgia Brown of the Guardian recently gave ballet a try, attending a local course with a qualified teacher and dancer.

She said it began with basic steps before progressing on to more complicated routines including pirouettes and arabesque positions, followed by muscle-building exercises such as stomach crunches.

The writer said she was surprised to find her heart rate was faster than it was during her regular jogging sessions and recommended that anyone looking for a sociable fitness class that is challenging and creative gives it a try.

Marion Ballard of Women's Fitness also recently said anyone giving ballet a whirl should not expect to simply float around on a dance floor or stage, pointing out that the discipline requires coordination, memory and strength.

If this sounds right up your street, you could do a quick internet search or have a look around your local area for posters advertising classes with qualified instructors.

Then, all you’ll need is some workout clothes (your yoga or aerobics ones should do) and you could be pas de chat-ing your way to the barre in no time.