Benefits of Belly Dancing

Yesterday, while watching television, I got to see a dancer performing belly dancing very gracefully. She looked so pretty and her movements were so sexy. I commented belly dancing as another way of doing something sexy, to my husband. He smiled and said, “You don’t know. Belly dance has lot of health benefits and it is a form of exercise too”.

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This kindled my curiosity. I thought of making a mini research about belly dancing. I was amazed to see the health benefits, both physical and mental benefits related with that. Before knowing the benefits, here are few details about belly dance.

Belly dance is the traditional dance of Arab countries, which is called as “Raqs Sharqi”, meaning “Oriental Dance”.  It is also called as “Middle Eastern Dance” or “Arabic Dance”. The costume varies from place to place and tradition to tradition. The dance has evolved in various stages form traditional dance to modern one.

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When I talk about belly dance, few may think “Oh no. It is too sexy and she is talking some rubbish, which a woman should not talk about”. But, just go through the benefits listed below and you will never repeat those words. Also, be aware, I’m not asking you to learn and dance in public. You can just include this too, in your daily exercise routines.

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Even men perform this in some places of this world.

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Physical Benefits:

1.       Reduces tummy – The first and foremost thing, most of the women, who are mothers look for is, tummy reduction. Belly dance helps in that. According to Australia’s Gastroenterological Society, belly dance helps in digestion and in releasing digestive hormones. It prevents constipation. Also, by moving and rolling the belly, the abdominal muscle gets strengthened as it causes contraction in the tummy muscles.

2.       Helps reducing weight – Are you in a serious search for the ways to reduce your weight? Belly dance could be a fun way to do that. Belly dance controls your body metabolisms and also reduces excess fat all over the body and helps in reducing your weight.

3.       Body and Muscle Toning – By making belly dance movements, the muscles of each and every part of body, especially abdomen, thighs and arms get toned. It helps to burn the extra fat in one particular part of body and hence make that part toned.

4.       Relives from back pain – Belly dance helps to increase the secretion of synovial fluid which is also called as natural lubricant of the body and joints. This helps in the lubrication of the joints, especially the lower back and hip, as belly dance is more involved in lubricating these areas. Hence your back pain will get reduced.

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5.       Better posture – By the toning of muscles and burning of fat and reduce of excess weight, you will get a good shape and posture for sure.

6.       Increases bone density – Belly dance is performed in standing posture, which means, on feet. This is a weight-bearing exercise too. Hence it can prevent osteoporosis and strengthen bones.

7.        Good Night sleep – After a great and good exercise, it is obvious that one will get a good sleep. Helps to keep insomnia at a long distance.

8.       Good for childbirth – Belly dance is a very good exercise for prenatal. It tones the abdomen muscles, hips and pelvic muscles, which all play important roles in pregnancy.

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Mental benefits:

1.       Reduces stress – In general, exercising and especially dancing reduces stress. Belly dance creates positive energy and hence helps in reducing depression and stress.

2.       Increases Self-esteem – Good shape, more confidence. By doing Belly dance, one will lose the excess weight and fat, getting good posture. This will boost their self esteem.

So, what are you waiting for? Start your belly dancing today. You can learn it on your own from the various videos and lessons available online. Else, you can join your nearest coaching center.

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