Health Benefits of Belly Dance
Practicing Belly Dance can have many rewarding health benefits both physical and mental. Like many dance styles your entire body works with the music to convey a story. What’s unique about this dance style is that it was created by women, for women (We will dive deeper into that in a different article). Belly dance is the only form of dance that was born out of pure femininity and allows women all over the world to continue expressing themselves through this dance despite social norms. Here are just a few of the many health benefits of Belly Dance:
Weight loss
Belly dancing has many intensity levels, but at any level your heart rate will increase and you will burn calories. This makes belly dancing a fun and interactive way to lose a few extra pounds.
Bone and muscle strength/stabilizing muscles
Belly dancing conditions your entire body with a particular emphasis on the core, back, glutes and quads. The combination of movements such as shimmy and other hip movement patterns require your hips, lower back, glutes, quads and core muscles to strengthen in order to maintain control and make the movements sharp. The strengthening of these muscles improves stability and posture.
Digestion
The movement patterns performed during belly dancing can help improve digestion. Movement in general is beneficial for the digestive system, however belly dance is particularly beneficial because of the specific torso movements involved in this dance style. Movements such as a figure eight, accent or shimmy requires the hips to move in all planes of motion which can help relieve any pain or discomfort in the belly as well as aids in digestion.
Reduce stress/relaxation
Belly dancing is meditative and allows women to feel like their most feminine self. Dancing can be done to choreography or freestyle as a form of self-expression. When performing these movements, the body releases endorphins and dopamine which calms the mind and allows you to feel at ease. Belly dancing also allows women to step out of their comfort zone and embrace all body types which then helps to boost self esteem and an overall sense of well-being.
Childbirth
The hip movements in belly dance are also used as exercises for opening the hips for childbirth. This is really important because if women are practicing this regularly then it could help maintain and prepare a healthy body for pregnancy later on. Belly dance has provided a way to tone specific muscles that can create better conditions for a natural birth with no added equipment.
There is no question that belly dancing leaves you feeling incredible. Whether you need a quick and easy exercise to knock off a few pounds or an evening stress reliever after work, belly dance could be exactly what you are looking for. You can practice anywhere you’d like with the Majestic Woman app, no gym or equipment necessary. Just you and your beautiful smile! Check in next week to learn more about the art of Belly Dance.
references:
History and Origins of Belly Dance
Belly Dance
The Secret Health Benefits of Belly Dancing
Benefits of Belly Dance
What are the Truths and Stereotypes of Belly Dancing