What is Belly Dancing?
Belly dance is a Western name for an Arabic style of dance developed in the Middle East. Native to North Africa, Asia and the Middle East, belly dancing is based on one of the oldest social dances in world history. Belly dance is a fusion of many dance styles, it undoubtedly has many different origins, many of them in ethnic folk dances. With its growing popularity in the western world, belly dance classes are thriving throughout the UK, with many styles being taught including traditional, modern, tribal, Persian, Oriental, Turkish, Greek, Egyptian and American Tribal.
Weight loss
Belly dancing can burn up to 300 calories per hour depending on the intensity of the workout. Combined with a healthy diet, belly dancing can be apart of any weight loss regime. As with any form of exercise that uses the abdominal muscles, belly dancing aids digestion. The gentle swaying of the torso helps food move along the digestive system.
Ante-Natal Benefits
The movements of a belly dancing routine tones the abdominal muscles used during a natural childbirth. Hip tuck movements are similar to those taught at prenatal classes. A belly dance routine can also aid in the recovery process after childbirth as a means of again toning the abdominal muscles. New mothers should, however, always check that it is safe to do so with the advice of their GP or doctor.
The Health Benefits
The spinal column contains more bones and ligaments than any other part of the body. Almost every movement of the torso depends on its flexibility and function. Belly dancing tones the muscle groups connected to the ligaments and vertebrae in the trunk and pelvis area building the back muscles evenly. Belly-dancers use their torsos a lot more than ballet, modern or tap dancers. These movements, coupled with shoulder movements, exercise the back muscles, and they exercise the muscles evenly. b back muscles prevent back injuries and promote good posture.
Exercising the carrying muscles without impact, a belly dancer uses their quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteus maximus! So you can also expect a great lower body work out with minimal impact to the knees and ankles. Belly dancing also strengthens the arm muscles as participants must create and hold many elegant poses. Veil work can also build arm, shoulder, and general upper-body strength.
The Feel Good Factor
In a fast paced lifestyle, the repetitive movements of belly dancing can contribute to lowering stress levels and promoting calm. Stress causes certain muscle groups to contract. This causes a build up of lactic acid which causes pain. The blood flow to muscles also decreases. Belly dancing gently stretches these muscles and increases the blood flow easing the lactic acid. The practice offers mental health benefits including an improved sense of well-being, better body image and self-esteem, and the generally positive outlook that comes with regular, enjoyable exercise. A good way to unwind after a stressful day.
Who Can Take Part?
Belly dance is suitable for all ages and body types, and can be as physical as the participant chooses. This is a low impact exercise regime.
Lessons
Lessons are usually an hour long and in most cases twice weekly. Your costume can be as simple as comfortable exercise clothes, simple harem pants or a long skirt and a hip scarf. It's also important to talk with the belly dance instructor to find out the level of difficulty in the classes.
If you are interested in this treatment you may also want to see Burlesque, aerobics, Aqua Fitness, Body Conditioning, Body Step, and Figure Fit.