We all want to be in shape. We want to look and feel healthy. If this wasn’t true, then explain to me why there are fitness centers and gyms all over the place. We all have goals of a certain body image that we would like to attain at some point. What is yours?

There are some us of to have the physique of our favorite athletes. Others imagine how great they would look if they were as skinny as a supermodel. Let me ask you this. Have you thought about getting your body in the peak physical condition of a dancer? How about a ballet dancer?

Ballet dancers need to have near perfect physical conditioning to be able to run, jump, and flex and yet maintain a sense of serenity in doing so. If getting fit is a passion of yours and you love classical music, a ballet workout routine may be just the thing to help you get your daily exercise. Here some tips to get you started.

• The first thing you’ll want to do is to start your workout routine by warming up. A good warm-up helps to prevent any kind of muscle pull or tear injuries. Spend some time stretching the muscles in your legs and arms and then get in a cardiovascular warm-up exercise through walking or running in place.

• Get yourself setup near the barre and work through the positions of classical ballet. If you don't belong to a class or an instructor to guide you through all of the proper foot and hand position for each, there are plenty of DVD’s and books which describe and detail the proper posture and foot position for first through fifth positions.

• Use ballet movements like the tendus to strengthen the leg, hip and glut muscles. You’ll strengthen the backs of your legs and thighs while lifting and firming your behind by focusing the movement in small forward foot motions.

• You’ll want to get your heartbeat going by doing some simple ballet jumps. If you are unsure how to perform these jumps, practice a little on their movements before you go all out with them. From first position, spring upwards through your toes with your arms arched gracefully over your head. Keep your knees fluid avoiding any injury as you return to the ground. The movements should be small and focused for the muscles involved, not on jumping to great heights.

• You’ll be using the ballet barre again. This time you’ll be using it to shape up your arms through elevated push-ups and pull-ups. Set your hands at shoulder width on the barre and place your legs and feet at a comfortable angle. Bend your elbows and dip towards the barre. The pull-up is done by sitting under the barre with your legs outstretched and pulling your chin up towards the barre by bending at the elbows.

• Continue keeping your arms in second position to work your deltoids out. Next, have your arms raised above your head into third position which increases your cardiovascular workout. Your heart will need to beat harder in order to pump blood above your head.

• The classical music creates a sense of calmness while you work out. Combined with the fluid movements of ballet, you have a great way to exercise some of the day’s stress away.