| I never thought I would take belly dancing classes - I | | | | little pain in my side... like when I run for a long time. |
| am a horrible dancer, not to mention extremely | | | | So, I decided to research the health benefits of belly |
| uncoordinated! But when a friend suggested that we | | | | dancing. This is what I found: |
| take the class together, I agreed reluctantly. Upon | | | | ¾ Belly dancing improves bone density - Since |
| entering the dance studio for the first time, I was | | | | you are on your feet during belly dancing, it is |
| nervous about what to expect out of the class. Will I | | | | considered a weight- bearing exercise. Weight bearing |
| be the only one who can't dance? Will I have to | | | | exercises can prevent osteoporosis. |
| show my belly? Is belly dancing purely a dance for | | | | ¾ Belly dancing can help you lose weight - |
| entertainment purposes? How hard is this going to | | | | According to worldbellydance.com, belly dancing can |
| be? | | | | burn up to 300 calories per hour. |
| All of my questions were quickly answered to my | | | | ¾ Belly dancing can lower stress levels. The |
| satisfaction, with the exception of one--but I'll get to | | | | repetitive movements that are required during belly |
| that later. I was definitely not the only one who | | | | dancing will keep you concentrating on the task at |
| could not dance or who did not have some sort of | | | | hand instead of worrying about the stresses in your |
| dance background, and I did not have to show my | | | | life. |
| belly. Thank goodness! We also found out that belly | | | | Although I am not even close to being a belly dancing |
| dancing is definitely not just for entertainment | | | | pro, I am proud of myself for throwing caution to |
| purposes only. It's hard! | | | | the wind and taking the class. If it is this much fun to |
| I hope that last statement didn't scare you off. Belly | | | | lose weight, prevent osteoporosis, and lower my |
| dancing is hard because it is actually a workout! I | | | | stress levels...I'll be back for more! |
| realized this not far into the class when I found it | | | | *Note - As with any other new exercise program, |
| difficult to catch my breath, and I got that familiar | | | | consult your doctor before beginning. |