Is Belly Dancing The New Pilates? 5 Benefits To Be Gained From This Feminine Exercise

Belly dancing has a rich history connected to feminine art, making it the perfect exercise for women who are bored with more traditional exercises like yoga and pilates. Before you sign up for a belly dancing class at your local dance school, let’s take a quick look into what belly dancing is.

What Is Belly Dancing?

Though historians believe the practice to be much older, belly dancing was introduced to the Western world in the 1830s when Europeans were exposed to traveling dancers from Egypt known as the ghawazee troupe. Belly dancing has Egyptian roots, but it’s mostly known as a Middle Eastern dance that has been integrated into popular forms of Western dance. Popular belly dancing moves include shimmying, undulations, and hip hits. 

Many of the moves can be perceived as sensual, but belly dancing is much more than what you’ve seen in movies. American belly dancer Jensuya says belly dancing is “the art of putting the music on your body, of dancing with moves that represent both the sound and the feel of the music in a particular way, in a particular aesthetic.” The belly dancer becomes “the final member of the band, the visual member of the band.”

Here are five awesome benefits to belly dancing and some other alternatives to yoga and pilates if you're feeling the urge to switch up your fitness routine.

1. Cardio and Muscle Growth

We all know that cardio is important, but you don’t have to use an elliptical for an hour to get a good cardio workout in. Belly dancing is a fun way to raise your heart rate for a good cardio workout (it can burn over 400 calories an hour), and it’s also great for toning your core muscles. 

2. It Improves Your Posture

Since belly dancing is a great core workout, one of its many benefits is improved posture. It also strengthens your "back, knees, and pelvis," which also helps in improving posture. Even if you aren’t interested in taking a belly dancing class, you can find free YouTube videos with simple belly dance tutorials to improve your posture.

3. It Boosts Your Confidence

Though all types of exercise can boost your self-confidence and self-esteem, belly dancing has a way of making you feel sexier. The exercise is inherently feminine and encourages you to embrace your natural sensuality. Tapping into this side of your femininity will naturally make you feel more confident and sexier, all while getting a good workout in.

4. It Can Help with Labor and PMS Symptoms

Historians believe that belly dancing was initially created as an exercise for pregnant women to prepare for labor, and this is still true today. Taking a belly dancing class can be great way to prepare for labor during pregnancy (just be sure to ask your doctor first), but you can also take advantage of belly dancing classes if you’re not pregnant to reduce menstrual cramps.

Historians believe belly dancing was created as an exercise for pregnant women to prepare for labor.

5. It Can Help with Digestion

You’ve probably heard a lot about the importance of gut health lately, and the good news is you can improve your digestion through exercise. Belly dancing is the perfect workout for helping digestion, as you’re working out the muscles that work with your digestive system. Who said that improving your digestive health and having fun were mutually exclusive?

Similar Alternatives To Belly Dancing

While belly dancing is a great alternative to exercises like yoga and pilates, there are plenty of other feminine exercise alternatives you can try out. Zumba classes are a fun way to both socialize and burn some calories. Latin dance classes can help you embrace your sensuality through dances like salsa and the rumba. And don’t rule out some of your favorite activities from childhood, like ballet or tap. You can likely find an adult class at your local dance school or community center.

Closing Thoughts

Belly dancing is so much more than a sexy type of dance you see in movies – it’s a great and fun way to burn calories and work your core. If you’ve ever been interested in giving belly dancing a try, why not find a local class and sign up?

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