To develop a strong stomach, choose an exercise such as dance with a solid concentration in developing core muscles. Dancing keeps your brain and body healthy. Physically, it strengthens your legs, tones your arms and works your core. Because your core is used so much in dance, a sleeker middle often is a natural side effect. There are certain types of dance that actually create a stronger stomach.
Ballet
Ballet is an intense form of dance that actively works your core throughout every session. There are ballet fitness classes springing up everywhere because of the positive effects of ballet on the body. About 10 minutes of ballet burns about 57 calories according to Calorie-Counter.net. Ballet focuses on small isometric movements that strengthen every inch of the body including your stomach. As you perform the graceful movements of a ballerina, your stomach is providing the necessary control and power to dance effortlessly.
Belly Dancing
Belly dancing is an art form derived from Middle Eastern culture. The hip movements are repetitive and rely on your ability to maintain a dropped pelvis. The stomach is engaged actively at all times throughout a belly dance routine. Even the deep transverse abdominis muscle is targeted in belly dance. Some forms of belly dancing can burn up to 300 calories per hour and replace belly fat with a strong, lean stomach.
Zumba
Though belly dancing and ballet strengthen the stomach, if the stomach is covered with fat, you may feel uncomfortable exposing your strong abdomen. You can take your routine up a notch by adding dances that not only strengthen the stomach but provide a great cardio workout as well. This will help shed that unwanted layer of fat hiding your abdominals. Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance fitness program that is a fun, exuberant workout. This fast-paced workout can burn from 300 to 500 calories per hour.
Hip-Hop
Hip-hop is another style of dance that provides a high-impact cardio workout and sheds serious body fat. Hip-hop consists of strong, big, solid movements and engages the core with each one. The dance moves often are tight and challenge your balance, forcing the stomach muscles to engage and strengthen. Hip-hop dance is becoming an increasingly popular workout specifically for the effects of hip-hop on the belly.
References
- Calorie-Counter.net: Flat Stomach from Ballet
- "Harvard Heart Letter"; Calories burned in 30 minutes for people of three different weights; July 2004
- "AARP"; Let's Dance to Health Getting Motivated; February 2005
- Belly Dance Atlanta: Health Benefits of Belly Dance
- "The Daily Aztec"; Pirouette into shape with ballet barre; Sofia Casillas; July 2011
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