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Belly Dance for Getting and Keeping Fit by Suzanne O’Brien

So with Summer right around the corner again, so many begin thinking of ways to get in shape for “more revealing” clothing. From tank tops to shorts to bathing suits, it is the time of year we all tend to show more skin. So of course we prefer to be trim and tone. Every Spring we look for ways to achieve this. Though we all know it can be done at any time of year.

There are many health benefits to belly dancing. Belly dance is an exercise that tones and strengthens all the muscles of the body while building flexibility (especially in the hips, spine and rib cage). It also builds arm strength, improves posture, aids digestion, and relieves stress. This dance is known as a “muscle dance” as opposed to a “step” dance. This makes it low-impact, so it is easy on the joints and a good exercise choice for women of all ages.

Belly dance can also help prevent back problems. The back muscles are evenly used as are the muscles around the rib cage. This allows for a strong back while promoting good posture helping to prevent back problems.

By learning to undulate or, roll your stomach, you strengthen the muscles that aid in digestion. These muscles also aid in child birth. The hip moves and shimmies help to strengthen the pelvic muscles which also aid in pregnancy and childbirth.

Other health benefits include muscle control, mind-body coordination, increased balance, mood elevation, a sense of grace, and core conditioning. Belly dancing also benefits the heart. While performing belly dance you will not only tone and stretch your body, but you will also sweat a bit giving you a cardiovascular workout. It can burn over 300 calories an hour once you learn all the moves and really get into all out dancing. This can aid in weight loss. Besides these benefits it has also been shown to increase ones self esteem and body image. Because of it’s ability to achieve this it is a good choice of exercise for teens.

Belly dance offers many health benefits. It is definitely a total body workout. It would seem that with all of it’s benefits, that practically every woman could benefit in some way from this dance form. It can even aid in weight loss and heart health.

About the author: Suzanne O’Brien (Sakkara) has been dancing/teaching belly dance for 25+ years and offers video belly dancing lessons at bellydancingchick.com. Although her videos are not intended for those wanting a cardio workout right away, they do provide a slow, basic and methodically broken-down training for the total beginner/newbie who wants to learn it as the artform it is. A real dance.