The many benefits of belly dancing
Fitness, femininity, and passion.........By Pierre Coda

Many women come to me asking for one thing that they can do to stay fit but is not a pain, for example, going to the gym and being with all those women with great bodies or eating totally tasteless diet foods. Based on my personal experiences (my wife learned bellydancing) and feedback from others, belly dancing is that one thing that is not fun and does a lot of good to the body.  And now that Shakira has embraced it, and Marissa Tomei does it to lose weight, there is all the more reason to try it.  (Related:  Dancing with the stars)

Let us review the benefits of bellydancing:

Great way to exercise, but it does not seem like exercise You can practice right in your home if you wish.  If you do decide to attend belly dancing classes, chances are that there will be a lot of women like you in the workout (if you are obese or overweight) because bellydancing is for everyone no matter your body type Restores and rejuvenates your body Teaches you moves that help you discover your femininity and moves that will charm your man, not only in the bedroom but even when you walk  (Related article:  How to seduce a man?)

I became a fan of bellydancing when I watched one of the workout videos by Kathy Smith.  I believe it is called Flex Appeal.  What really mesmerized was a solo dance by one of the dancers who goes by her (assumed) Middle Eastern name Ansuya (you don't have to get a name like that but I hear that many women actually do).   When you watch this particular part on the DVD, you realize how attractive a woman can look when she masters this dance.

What else should you watch out for?

1. Start slow since it can be pretty tough on some parts of your body.

2. Think of it as fun rather than a pain.

3. Unlike exercising in the gym (which is a physical workout), think of a belly dance workout as a mind and body workout.  (Related article:  NIA is also a mind and body workout)

4. Consult a doctor if you already have a medical condition or if you feel ill during or after the workout.

Develop a new attitude

Remember that belly dance is not just a workout or a dance.  It is a spiritual experience which will literally transform your personality and make you feel more sensual and feminine.  That is why I recommend that you also buy a belly dance costume along with the accessories because once you wear your costume you do feel different.  Many women that I have spoken to speak of belly dance in almost religious terms.  For them, it is something sacred.  So try to develop a new attitude and feel the 'woman' inside you come out totally transformed.  (Related article:  Belly dance show)

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