belly dancing advice

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wilted6orchid
wilted6orchid Posts: 423 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Does anyone do belly dancing for tone? And if so, are there any videos you would recomend? I am currently doing P90X, but am looking forward to something a little more fun afterwards. Thanks!

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  • tiffanygil
    tiffanygil Posts: 478 Member
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    I took some belly dancing classes at the gym and it was fun but I didnt feel like it got my heart rate high enough to be effective at even toning. I recommend yoga. I started last week and I'm still sore and Ive been toning and strengthening for over a year. =) Good luck!
  • RushinBruisette
    RushinBruisette Posts: 2,108 Member
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    If you have Directv, there is a free channel Fit tv and they have 'Bollywood' and 'Shimmy' usually on in the mornings. Actually, I'm watching the last 5min of Shimmy now and getting ready to start the next episode after it :)
  • succeedin2
    succeedin2 Posts: 501 Member
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    I have taken belly dancing but honestly I did not see a difference but it was fun unfortunately, fun was not what I was after I was looking for results. I have gotten more results from the classes such as my step and aerobics that focus on building the core and doing lots of Abs in a short time, I lost quite a few inches 3-4.
  • sweet4keeps22
    sweet4keeps22 Posts: 291 Member
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    Sometimes fun is what you need. I really enjoyed the bellydancing classes I took at the gym taught by a local dance studio. It was a serious workout for your arms especially. After I moved I bought some videos from http://www.goddesslife.com which I still use to spice up my routine (which also includes running, yoga, kickboxing, etc, all of which I recommend). Do what you enjoy most, you're most likely to stick with it! :flowerforyou:
  • wilted6orchid
    wilted6orchid Posts: 423 Member
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    I did have one free lesson from a Russian gal on base here, and it was a lot of fun. She told me that it was good for strength, control, and toning, but not for cardio/burning calories...or weight loss. So I understand that it didn't give some the results they'd hoped for. I did ask her what she did for cardio, because she was in great shape and she said she also taught Zumba. I haven't ever heard of this one and haven't looked into it at all.

    Also, I don't have directTV so any videos that ya'll liked or thought required some strength would be great help.
  • RachSuzanne
    RachSuzanne Posts: 74 Member
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    Hello,

    I actually AM a belly dancer and it is NOT the best way to tone. Belly dancing is a great workout after you've mastered the basics. Belly dancers with tight abs do not get them from dancing alone. Don't be fooled by those women you see in those videos. They are not actual belly dancers.

    Here are some of the most successful dancers in the world and you'll notice they all have a bit of pudge in the front.
    http://www.bellydancesuperstars.com/

    Women are not naturally hard bodied like you see today in fitness competitions. Women are soft and that is part of the allure of bellydancing and gypsy.

    Personally I do a combination of Tribal and Gypsy belly dance. One of the most popular belly dance groups right now is Fat Chance Bellydance. Again, you'll notice these are not little girls.
    http://www.fcbd.com/index.shtml

    Rachel Brice, a pioneer in bellydance, is insanely ripped. But that is because she is also a yoga phenom. She got her start with Fat Chance Bellydance and then created her own style. He physique does not come from bellydance. She does other things in order to have such a body to dance with.
    http://www.rachelbrice.com/


    Don't mistake (as many have) the artist for the art.

    Sorry...ranting....

    Bellydance is fun and can really make you feel amazing, but don't expect a dancer's body from practicing the dance.

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