Belly dancing originated in the Middle East, the Mediterranean and Africa. Egyptian tomb paintings from 1,400 B.C. depict scantily clad women moving in rhythmic manners associated with belly dancing. Although generally regarded as an exotic dance, Saudi women considered the dance sacred and did not perform in front of men. Today belly dancing holds another meaning -- a way to tone muscles and burn up to 300 calories an hour.
Belly Dancing Benefits
If you want to lose weight and tone your belly and are bored with the usual ways, belly dancing can prove a fun alternative to traditional exercise. Belly dancing works the abdominal and pelvic muscles as well as your hips, legs, and arms. It also gives you a good cardiovascular workout. It can also improve your posture and confidence. You can multiply the effects of belly dancing by using weight belts.
Weight Belts
Weight belts come in different sizes and weights. The belt sits above your hips and increases resistance as you perform your movements. The belt has several pockets that can hold the weights. You control the level of resistance by controlling the amount of weight you place in the pockets. When using these weights, position them evenly around the waist to evenly distribute their effects. You can buy decorative belts for several hundred dollars or make your own inexpensively with stretchy material, sand and fishing, scuba or ankle weights.
Abdominal Strength
Weight belts increase your ability to lose weight around your middle. With a weight belt, you carry an extra 8 to 14 lbs. around your lower abdomen. A weight belt helps to strengthen and tone your core and improve your balance. The use of a weight belt also increases the strength of your back. Working with a weight belt during class or practice will also gradually increase your stamina and endurance. If you've never worn a weight belt or are new to belly dancing, consult your physician.
Precision
In addition to helping with weight loss and improved muscle strength, weight belts also assist with the precision of the dance moves. This is more important to serious dancers than recreational dancers simply looking for an alternative form of exercise. However, you may find that, after trying belly dancing a few times, you want to pursue the dance in a more formal manner. New dancers should learn the choreography before adding the weights to their workout. The belts heighten your awareness of your body's movements allowing for greater precision.
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