Miranda Esmonde-White, a former ballerina and TV and video exercise star, shares a glimpse of her unique new workout called Classical Stretch. This program combines various techniques from classical ballet, tai chi, pilates, yoga and even physiotherapy. Designed to extend flexibility and to reduce inches, this workout boasts results such as leaner muscles, better posture, a flatter stomach and more.

Watch the video below from her video Classic Stretch: Full Body Workout (Volume 1) to work your waist and, as Miranda says, "let the motion guide your body." Also see the bottom of the page for another great stretch.

Baby Stretch
Benefits: Stretches the hips, slenderizes the buttocks and relieves back pain.

Preparation: Lie on your back with both legs bent, feet flat on the floor and wiggle your hips slowly for five seconds to relax the back muscles.

The move: Taking 30 seconds, pull your right knee in toward your chest. Grab your right ankle with your left hand and gently pull the leg across your body toward the left side. The left leg remains bent. As you hold the stretch, move your buttocks around, stretching different parts of the hip joint.

Repetitions: Repeat four times, switching sides each time.

Esmonde-White says: "Take your time. This is a long, deep stretch. You'll feel a nice stretch through the hip and buttocks area. It's OK to round your back and raise your hips slightly off the floor as you do this. This exercise feels wonderful - remember to move through it slowly."

Get more great stretches from Stretch your way to great health in the October 2004 issue of Canadian Living magazine.