LilithNoor

I'm in my second proper week and generally enjoying it. I can't do the jacknifes (core too weak, wrists toi unstable) and wonder why there's no easier alternative like there is for pushups. I saw someone suggest plank to downward dog as an alternative so will be trying that until I build up my strength

I've been having this problem as well as I'm using small preloaded barbells. Will have to track down some step risers to prop things up.

Welcome to the group!

Thanks folks. Plenty to think about there before I take the plunge!

Yes, that's one accessory I would prefer not to use again (tip for anyone planning to dance on a sprained ankle- don't). Pantaloons arrived on Thursday so am now plotting the rest of the costume. Anyone ever worn a wig for dancing? I recently copied my hair to chin length and fancy long Black hair for this piece.

One of the reasons I like these dresses is that I only need to cover the cups of bras, which is dead easy. The dress hides the rest of it. The dresses are also really easy to make, just buy a cheap floor length dress on eBay and cut out the neckline.

I'm really looking forward to breaking out of the mould with a pantaloons costume. I usually go for cabaret dresses (I like the type with a matching bra) or bedlah with an a line skirt. I make most of my own costumes as finding affordable and attractive costuming in my size is impossible.

A tsp of honey, chopped dates and fresh nutmeg is my current favourite. I like making overnight oatmeal and mixing in dried fruit so by the morning they've plumped up nicely. Raisins, apricots and dried apple are really good

You may want to talk to a physio if your obliques are that bad that they are causing you pain. This site has most of the oblique stretches my teacher uses in our intensive workshops. The pretzel stretch and the lying down stretch are particularly good. http://woman.thenest.com/oblique-stretches-2163.html

I need to start working 100 squats into my day as well- went to an intensive class lat week after two months off and was a quivering wreck by the end of it. The lack of dance was what killed me over Xmas, rather than the eating.

What a strange thing to say. Has the OP actually met any belly dance teachers, or are they extrapolating from a sample group extracted from somewhere the sun is not renowned for shining? My teacher Dawn is the fittest woman I know. She drills like a demon, and is a contortionist as well as a dancer. In fact, of all the…

I liked the idea of taking on another name and building myself a dance persona, so I became Lilith Noor. Lilith was the first wife of Adam, who wouldn't submit to him, and ended up having children with the angel Samael. The myths around her are fascinating, and I would love to capture some of that in my fusion work.…

Lentigogirl. both of those sound amazing, not sure which I'd prefer! So far every outside performance I've done has been cold and wet. I've become an expert at layering up bottoms (leggings, pantaloons, skirt) and tops (bra, choli, veil) and only leaving my midriff exposed (it has more natural padding than the rest of me!)

Not enough cleavage involved for the Sun!

... you do know that the Daily Fail is about as reputable a source as the National Enquirer, right? You'd find more accurate science in a copy of the Beano (but considerably less racism, scaremongering and frankly creepy Diana worship).

I can't view any of the forums on my phone, which is where I do most of my logging. So it's always food, exercise, and check up on my friends list. I log in daily because I have to keep going. I want this to work this time, not to fizzle out halfway and end up back when I started. Every day I log in and measure what I'm…

Nutella. I will just eat it with a spoon given the chance. Crisps and chocolate in large packs are also a no-no. I do buy chocolate bars for the husband, but only enough to last him a week, because then I know if I eat one he has none for lunch!

I love to cook, but as the only cook in the house, I get free rein over the kitchen, which makes it easier to make decisions based on my dietary needs. I tend not to use many substitutes in my cooking. Instead I use small amounts of tasty but fatty ingredients, and only cook the real calorie busters once in a while. Baking…

Oh no, how horrible! I hope you're on the mend now and that you get to dance this weekend instead

Soooo, how'd it go?

How exciting! Top tips from me - Drink something before going on stage so your lips are not stuck to your teeth Smile - you don't have to grin inanely all the way through, but let them know you are happy to be there. Have a 'back up move' in your mind in case your choreography/improv ideas vanish mid step Remember to smile…

I'm so excited about Kajira coming to us this weekend. I'm beginning to get psyched up about performing in front of her on Saturday night. I hoep she likes our choreography!

I don't log anything that I count as part of a standard day (so no logging cooking, walks to and from the water cooler, laundry, bleaching the loo etc). However, I clean house about once in a blue moon, so when I do do it, I feel it deserves logging, because it's bloody hard work when you have that much dust to evict!

I'm definitely taking that advice from Ariellah.

Your body is likely to pack it all on at first, as it thinks it is starving and is hanging on to every calorie for grim death. I would definitely up your calories to at least 1200, and if you are not eating back at least half your exercise calories, do so. You will lose weight much more easily if you are not battling…

I walk forty minutes a day, to and from work, plus walking the dog, so technically yes, I exercise every day. In terms of work-outs or cardio, I hit the gym two or three times a week, and belly dance two or three times a week as well.

I'm Lilith. I started off at about 225lb and am aiming for about 150. Currently at 212, so I'm moving in the right direction. I started putting weight on around 2002, and it just kept creeping on over the years, then stabilised at about 224lb. I don't know why it's taken me all this time to commit to some serious weight…

Lentil dhal,spinach and potato curry and home made chapattis are a favourite in our house on a Monday. I make all of the above in big batches and then freeze them. If I have left over odds and ends of veg I often turn them into a fritatta. Stuff like mushrooms, onions and peppers get sauteed first, veg like carrots or…

Workday meals are pretty samey for me - cereal (special K, shreddies, bran flakes etc) with skimmed milk, carrot and hummus or popcorn at 11, fruit to graze on, then a box of protein, grains and veg for lunch (eg chicken, spelt and green salad), and a yoghurt in the afternoon. Having a set routine keeps me away from the…

30 5 foot 7 SW 16 stone 3 (224lb) CW 15 stone 5 (215lb) GW about 11 stone (can't do the maths on this one) It's definitely refreshing to see lots of other people in a similar boat, rather than the frequent poster gym bunnies. All those toned bodies can be a bit intimidating when you're just starting out!