Belly dance as exercise/workout

This is the perfect way to workout for all of us women who are, well, just lazy to go to the gym. Imagine a workout that is fun and easy and you actually look forward to do. It sounds almost impossible, but it is true with belly dance.  And you can also try some of the Shakira moves.  (Related:  Dancing with the stars)

All cultures have some form of belly dance because it is a dance of fertility. Our hips are our weapons and the source of our femininity. This dance is great because it helps not only at a physical level, but it can also help us to be more self-assured and more uninhibited. 

Belly dance is not only from the Middle East or Spain; in Europe the gypsies have been belly dancing forever. In the Pacific islands, we know the dances of Hawaii have many elements of belly dancing. In India as well as in other cultures, there are many forms of belly dance.  (Related article:  Beauty secrets of Arab Women)

Benefits of belly dance as a workout

• It isolates parts of body helping to tone and strength specific muscle groups

• If you dance energetically, it is great cardio exercise

• It strengthens the abdominal muscles; therefore, helping to have a better posture

• It is a great break from the everyday gym routine

• It is fun, really fun! And I say this because I do it.  (Related: Stacy Keibler)

• Everyone can practice it, independently of our body size or dance ability

• It is great for women who love to dance, because they already have some dance rhythm, but really, every one can do it.

• It is a very feminine dance that makes you feel feminine and happy with your body (Bellydancing to raise self esteem); so it helps build a positive body image

• It does not require great coordination. If you dance flamenco, you better be coordinated. If you are in a choreographed aerobic workout, you also need some coordination so you do not feel as the worse in the pack. In belly dancing, you can follow your own rhythm