Health and belly dancing
The benefits of belly dance are both mental and physical. Dancing provides a good cardio-vascular workout and helps increase both flexibility and strength. It focuses on the torso and core muscles as well as building bum and leg strength. Many belly dance styles emphasize muscular "isolations", teaching the ability to move various muscles or muscle groups independently. Veil work also build arm, shoulder, and general upper-body strength, and playing the zils can build strength and independence of the fingers. Belly dance is suitable for all ages and body types, and can be as physical as the participant chooses. The art form tones the arms, strengthens and tightens the abs and obliques, and improves flexibility. As a form of exercise, it can burn as many calories as jogging, swimming or riding a bike.
Belly dance is considered a non-impact, weight-bearing exercise, which is especially good for women, since it can reduce the risk of osteoporosis. There is minimal stress on knees and feet. Depending on the rhythms of the music and the repetitive body movements, participants can increase breathing and raise their heartbeat, which can assist in building cardiovascular strength.
Belly dance is considered a non-impact, weight-bearing exercise, which is especially good for women, since it can reduce the risk of osteoporosis. There is minimal stress on knees and feet. Depending on the rhythms of the music and the repetitive body movements, participants can increase breathing and raise their heartbeat, which can assist in building cardiovascular strength.
Stress reliever
Performing the intricate moves and dance steps of a belly dance necessitates great concentration. The dancer must focus on her performance routine thus relieving her mind of the worries and cares of her everyday world. As she dances she stretches and exercises her muscles. The combination of the mental and physical exercise the dance requires, makes belly dancing an excellent stress management technique.
Physical Benefits
Traditionally the dance was to hone a woman’s muscles to prepare her for pregnancy and childbirth. Modern belly dancing still utilizes the muscle groups in the abdomen, pelvis, spine and neck. In addition to aiding with the stages of childbearing, the other physical benefits of belly dance include:
- Improved posture – due to strengthened back muscles,
improved self-esteem and reduced stress levels - Weight Loss
- Improved abdominal tone and strength
- Strengthened pelvic and gluteal muscles
- Prevention of lower back problems – strong abdominal
muscles reduces the strain on the lower back muscles - Improved hip flexibility
