Ballet dancers more fit than swimmers

Do ballet dancers really have better overall fitness than swimmers? Why, yes they do. Now we're talking elite dancers and swimmers here -- like, members of the Royal Ballet and English National Ballet School and a squad of British National and International Swimmers, including members of the Olympic squad.

Researchers from the University of Hertfordshire in the UK tested these athletes in 10 areas, including strength, endurance, balance, flexibility, and psychological state. And of the 10 measures, the ballet dancers scored stronger in seven of them when taking into account body size. One winning measure: Grip strength. Ballet dancers were 25 percent stronger.

The purpose of this study was to help each athlete build an individual fitness profile. Says one involved professor: "The results reveal the very different physical make-up of the two types of athletes and when it comes to training and recovery from injury, it is critical to know precisely the fitness profile needed by the participant in any physical activity."

What can you take from this study and use in your own life? Well, how about signing up for some ballet lessons? Or hop in the pool and swim your little heart out -- obviously, both options offer solid workout opportunities. And keep in mind the measures mentioned above and work on each one in your own life.