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Losing Weight with Belly Dance

© Shira

Belly dance may help participants lose weight depending on lifestyle and healthy choices. Some classes are a more vigorous workout than others, but must be balanced with frequent exercise and a nutritious diet to be a source of weight loss.

How Much Exercise Does Belly Dancing Give You?

Belly dancing can burn 250-300 calories per hour. Some belly dancing classes are full of movement while others spend a lot of time learning finger cymbal rhythms, waiting for corrections from the teacher, or listening to explanations.

If weight loss is a priority, choose a teacher that keeps students moving continuously throughout the class time. The class will be especially valuable if it involves traveling steps, because moving the large leg muscles burns more calories than moving other, smaller muscles.

When practicing at home, use drum solos or fast music, and incorporate a large number of moves that engage the legs and hips. Don't eliminate slow music and finger cymbal practice from practice time, however, as the skills are important for overall dance skill.

Healthy Habits for Belly Dancing

There are a couple of bad habits that belly dancers can get into. Avoid these for weight-loss efforts to be more successful:

• Avoid snacking after class, or at least choose healthy foods.
• Take a bottle of water to class. Filling up on water before and after class will help control cravings.
• Avoid wine after a performance in a restaurant of nightclub.

Belly dance can strengthen the cardiovascular system, ward off osteoporosis, and improve stamina. If combined  with a sensible diet, it can play a valuable role in weight loss.

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