Health Benefits of Belly dance

The benefits of Belly dance are both mental and physical. Dancing provides a good cardio-vascular workout and helps increase flexibility and strength. Many Belly dance styles emphasize muscular "isolations", teaching the ability to move various muscles or muscle groups independently. Veil work can also build arm, shoulder, and general upper-body strength, and playing the zills (finger cymbals) can build strength and independence of the fingers.

Belly dance is a low-impact exercise allowing you to burn calories without a lot of jumping or bouncing. At the same-time, it is a major weight-bearing exercise because the dancer is on their feet and moving throughout the dance, strengthening bones and helping prevent osteoporosis. Belly dance tones the entire body while focusing on the torso or "core muscles." During the dance, arms are typically held aloft and often ladies find it takes a few lessons to build up the necessary arm strength.

Belly dance is suitable for all ages and body types, and can be as physical as the participant chooses. As with starting any new exercise routine, people would be wise to consult their doctor before starting a Belly dance regimen. It's also important to talk with the Belly dance instructor to find out the level of difficulty in the classes. The practice offers mental health benefits including an improved sense of well-being, better body image and self-esteem, and the generally positive outlook that comes with regular, enjoyable exercise.

In addition, this ancient art form aids a woman's biology, particularly during menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. Most significantly, however, the powerful creative energies that all women possess can find expression in an art that permits us to be natural and feminine without fear of our bodies.