Belly dancing is
a popular Middle Eastern or Arabic expressive dance form that made its first
step in Egypt. Contrary to its name, belly dancing engages, focuses and
utilises a lot more core muscle groups than just the belly. The main movements
of belly dance involve various
intricate movements of the torso, hips accentuating the beat of the music,
abdominal muscle control to express composure and graceful movements as well as
shimmies, shivers, sharp turns and spins to create a wonderful oriental
spectacle. This article would discuss the various health advantages and
benefits of signing up and joining a belly
dance class.
First of all, belly dancing is a non-impact exercise that is
highly suitable for women of all ages. Belly dance class usually
involves the movement of the entire body, isolating tension of muscles in the
abdomen, pelvis, trunk, spine and neck while the legs and glutes are used to
maintain the dancer’s balance. Belly dancing is considered a weight-bearing
exercise that increases the density of the bone and prevent osteoporosis. A
heart-pulsating belly dance class is sure to help relieve stress, provide a
total body cardio workout and improve the cardiovascular health, burning about
300 to 500 calories an hour depending on the intensity of the movement. It can
also be a fantastic weight-loss regime when combined with a strictly-maintained
healthy diet.
One healthy advantage and benefit of belly dancing is upper
body toning. The muscles in the various body parts like the arms, chest and
shoulders are all fully utilised when the dancer moves in accordance to the
upbeat music while holding her arms up in the numerous complex patterns like
the serpentine move, shimmies, shivers, spins and turns in between the aisles.
At times, the dancers would also be holding up the veils or the shawls or
shaking the tambourine or finger cymbals as part of their dance routine. Since
all the body parts would be utilised during a dance performance or training in belly dance class, dancers can
expect a much toner, more sculpted arms as their deltoids and triceps of their
arms are much firmer and strengthened. They can rejoice and be at ease that
they are able to prevent the much-dreaded flabby ‘granny’ arms.
Another health advantage and benefit of belly dancing or
joining a belly dance class is the opportunity to improve one’s posture
and the strengthening of the back muscles. The constant twist, turn and the
lively movements of belly dancing undulated and synchronised to the thumping
rhythm of music would increase the release of the synovial fluid, the body’s
own natural lubricant, among the moving vertebrae. The rigorous movement of the
dance routine would also help to even out the compression of the vertebral
discs against each other, which happens with constant sitting behind the desk
and lack of movement during your nine-to-five. Dancers can also expect the
‘feel good’ change in their body, it decreases the likelihood of future lower
back pain, improves the posture and stance as well as providing greater back
strength and flexibility.
