Health Benefits of Bellydance

FatDancer

Greetings! I copied this from my instructors website...her name is Nadirah of www.bellydancingdivas.com...she was a swim instructor to Navy SEALS and SAR at our local military bases before she became a professional dancer.

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"Health Benefits of Bellydance
Bellydance is an ancient form of exercise designed to strengthen and tone women's core muscles, arms, and legs. Belly dancing is extremely low impact and very fun and energizing. For those looking to lose weight, its caloric effect is roughly comparable to that of a low-impact aerobics class. Yet bellydance is a lot of fun and most students feel energized and happy when they finish class

In bellydance, the knees should always be flexed. Hip and torso isolations in this position strengthen the quadriceps, glutes, and calves as well as the muscles that stabilize the knees and ankles. All of this is accomplished with virtually no impact to the joints. Also, the knee flexion and relaxation of the pelvis required for most isolations relieve stress that can occur in the lower back, placing it firmly on the quads, which strengthen to handle it.

The back muscles are also exercised evenly in bellydance. Hip, torso, shoulder, and head isolations exercise and coordinate all of the muscles in the back in a gentle, controlled fashion. As the back is worked out, so too are the muscles in the front and sides of a woman's body. Muscle development is even throughout the woman's core and posture will gradually improve under the guidance of a conscientious teacher. As an added benefit, bellydance greatly strengthens the abdominal and corset muscles, which frequently translates to a narrower waistline.

Bellydance has traditionally been regarded by tribal societies as good exercise to prepare women for pregnancy and childbirth. In women who have had children, substantial restoration of abdominal tone can be accomplished through bellydance. Some assert that gastric and metabolic functions can also be improved through bellydance. Shoulder isolations are known to massage the thyroid just as core isolations massage the gastro-intestinal and reproductive tracts.

One of the biggest surprises people find in bellydance is how strong their arms must become in order to support the graceful, flowing moves that characterize the dance! Veil work, in particular, gently works the triceps, shoulders, and biceps. The traditional "snake arms" further develop the triceps, creating surprisingly strong, well-formed arms.

Overall, belly dancing strengthens and tones the entire woman's body slowly and evenly with very little impact. Belly dancing is a gift to all women and its practice can, over time, effectively tone your body into its personal, optimal physical shape. This is true regardless of your body type or skeletal proportions. Arms become stronger, posture improves, bellies tighten, legs and glutes strengthen and grow. There is no one "type" of body that's right for bellydance. It is designed to benefit all women's muscular, physical structures. Plus it's a lot of fun, so try it out and see for yourself what it can do for you!"

FatDancer

Greetings! I copied this from my instructors website...her name is Nadirah of www.bellydancingdivas.com...she was a swim instructor to Navy SEALS and SAR at our local military bases before she became a professional dancer.

****************************************

"Health Benefits of Bellydance
Bellydance is an ancient form of exercise designed to strengthen and tone women's core muscles, arms, and legs. Belly dancing is extremely low impact and very fun and energizing. For those looking to lose weight, its caloric effect is roughly comparable to that of a low-impact aerobics class. Yet bellydance is a lot of fun and most students feel energized and happy when they finish class

In bellydance, the knees should always be flexed. Hip and torso isolations in this position strengthen the quadriceps, glutes, and calves as well as the muscles that stabilize the knees and ankles. All of this is accomplished with virtually no impact to the joints. Also, the knee flexion and relaxation of the pelvis required for most isolations relieve stress that can occur in the lower back, placing it firmly on the quads, which strengthen to handle it.

The back muscles are also exercised evenly in bellydance. Hip, torso, shoulder, and head isolations exercise and coordinate all of the muscles in the back in a gentle, controlled fashion. As the back is worked out, so too are the muscles in the front and sides of a woman's body. Muscle development is even throughout the woman's core and posture will gradually improve under the guidance of a conscientious teacher. As an added benefit, bellydance greatly strengthens the abdominal and corset muscles, which frequently translates to a narrower waistline.

Bellydance has traditionally been regarded by tribal societies as good exercise to prepare women for pregnancy and childbirth. In women who have had children, substantial restoration of abdominal tone can be accomplished through bellydance. Some assert that gastric and metabolic functions can also be improved through bellydance. Shoulder isolations are known to massage the thyroid just as core isolations massage the gastro-intestinal and reproductive tracts.

One of the biggest surprises people find in bellydance is how strong their arms must become in order to support the graceful, flowing moves that characterize the dance! Veil work, in particular, gently works the triceps, shoulders, and biceps. The traditional "snake arms" further develop the triceps, creating surprisingly strong, well-formed arms.

Overall, belly dancing strengthens and tones the entire woman's body slowly and evenly with very little impact. Belly dancing is a gift to all women and its practice can, over time, effectively tone your body into its personal, optimal physical shape. This is true regardless of your body type or skeletal proportions. Arms become stronger, posture improves, bellies tighten, legs and glutes strengthen and grow. There is no one "type" of body that's right for bellydance. It is designed to benefit all women's muscular, physical structures. Plus it's a lot of fun, so try it out and see for yourself what it can do for you!"

Families_R_Forever

My sister wanted me to take a belly dancing class with her, of course she is skinny. I really want to take one. I just need to gain more confidence though. Hopefully if I reach my July goal challenge I can do it this summer. Thanks for the info on hoe beneficial it can be. HH:happy:

icandoit

It is a great workout. I was so sore when I did it.
How are you doing Sharon??
I haven't been doing it, but I will get started soon. My Anniversary is in 8 days and I son't hink my husband will be getting his dance.:blushing:
Thanks for sharing.
Renee

FatDancer

My sister wanted me to take a belly dancing class with her, of course she is skinny. I really want to take one. I just need to gain more confidence though. Hopefully if I reach my July goal challenge I can do it this summer. Thanks for the info on hoe beneficial it can be. HH:happy:

I do hope you experience bellydance...you will gain confidence!

You and your sister can always start at home with instructors via DVD.

FatDancer

It is a great workout. I was so sore when I did it.
How are you doing Sharon??
I haven't been doing it, but I will get started soon. My Anniversary is in 8 days and I son't hink my husband will be getting his dance.:blushing:
Thanks for sharing.
Renee

Happy Anniversary Renee! You can still dance for your Husband, it doesn't have to be bellydance...men don't care as long as it's for them and it's seductive!