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Shape Up Your Groove Thing
Bellydancing as Exercise By Carma Haley Shoemaker
"Bellydancing provides an easy and fun way to exercise," says Bidasha. "Bellydancing is unlike many other dance forms that contain harsh or jerky movements. Bellydancing is more like yoga: Different movements target different areas of the body. For example, 'shoulder shimmies' are great for the deltoids, as well as the biceps and triceps. 'Hip drops' are great for the obliques, as well as the gluts and the calves and quads. In addition, bellydancing works many of those muscles that many women state they never knew they had."
But does it really work? Can you dance, have fun, learn something as exotic as bellydancing and truly see results? According to the Bidasha sisters, yes. "Most people see immediate results," says Bidasha, who along with her sister Deena, created a bellydancing exercise video series available at www.bellytwins.com.
"There are these muscles on the underside of your arm, just inside your armpit," says Carol Winger, a laboratory technician from Greenville, S.C. "I never knew about these muscles until Veena and Neena showed me during bellydancing class. At first, these muscles were a little sore, but after about a week or so, they quit hurting, and the little bulges I had when wearing a bra were gone! The movements are fun, and the results are there."
Don't be fooled into thinking that bellydancing is only for women. The movements are detailed and intense enough for men to get a great workout, too. "Anyone can benefit from bellydancing even men," says Bidasha. "In ancient times, women practiced and performed this dance. Today, many men are also in bellydancing classes."