Belly Dance anyone?

Does anybody belly dance as part of their fitness routine?  I have decided to add it in for fun and variety.  I'm to self conscious to go to a class right now, so I was wondering if anybody could recommend some dvds they like to use?

Also, how has bellydancing improved fitness, changed body etc.?

i started doing belly dancing for wimps that i got from the library. and loved it. saw results in my abs and every where. it makes you feel great and sexy. and i was more comfortable doing this at home. but found it extremly fun.

I've always wanted to try belly dancing, but I'm a chicken. I'd like to know how it goes for you! I'll add you to my friends list so you can keep me posted!

Bellydancing is WONDERFUL! 

I didn't learn through DVDs, I learned from classes and now I can teach beginner stuff, but it is a WONDERFUL aerobic activitiy.  It burns calories and makes you feel sexy all at the same time. 

I cannot sing the praises of bellydancing enough.  With work, you can also increase flexibility, but I highly recommend doing yoga or pilates to help with that as you can learn important things like how not to muck up your back (for instance, if you've just done a deep back bend, do your body a favor and give a long soothing forward bend). 

Bellydancing is for any one of any shape or size.  Though I have better movement at 180 than I did at 250, I had no problem dancing at 250. 

I don't know if videos will tell you, but keep in mind that you can be topped and bottomed or right or left hipped (or shouldered) like you're right or left handed.  You might be really bad at chest movements, but you can rock head movements, so don't give up if you find SOME parts difficult.  Work through them, and don't give up. 

Be a sexy proud woman!  Bellydance!

::steps off soapbox::

I saw your post and I had to reply because I LOVE belly dancing, not only for its fitness benefits but also for the way it has improved my confidence.  I've been doing classes for almost two years and I would highly recommend it to any one- regardless of shape or age (there was a woman in a recent class that was 92!).  I've been impressed with the variety of students that attend class so you shouldn't feel self conscious. 

Just a few things to look forward to if you keep up with it - awesome abs, strengthened back, defined legs, flexibility...the list goes on and on! 

A couple videos that might help you to feel more confident:

Tribal Fusion - Yoga Isolations and Drills for Belly Dance with Rachael Brice.  (I just use for the belly dance drills, which are basic)

Heatbeat of Belly Dance - Rhythms and Belly Dance Combos by Jenna. (A good all-around video, includes warmups, shimmy drills, and some lessons on choreography).

Good luck!

Thanks for all the tips!  I just ordered those videos.... can't wait to try them out!

Ok just a little update here....  I did this video I got at borders... think its called Eastern fusion tribal belly dance..... it is hard!  But I loved it.  I can feel it starting to train my body to move differently....  I am going to try to do it every morining before work..  If any one else out there has been too self conscious to try this but always wanted to... now is the time.... I love it...

Ok let me add here one little tidbit of info.... one of my great male friends has a girlfriend that is a member of belly dance Superstars.  If you have never heard of them google 'em.  They tour the world performing....  I saw her perform and was mesmorized.  I haven't told her yet that I am trying it out because I am too emberassed, but really she has the most beautiful body from belly dancing....  If I could only gain 1/100 of that I would be so happy.

I bellydance with a troupe and solo and am absolutely in love with the art form. I take three classes a week in two styles, and also have troupe rehearsal and performances--its great exercise and so fun you don't realise you are getting in a solid workout.  I'll be teaching a beginning class starting later this month, and am working on choreos for several upcoming solos. My stamina and flexibility have greatly imporvied, as have my cooridination, grace, and self esteem/body image. Its a win-win scenario if you ask me, plus I get paid for performances now, which certainly helps defray the costs of ongoing classes.

Last  year when I was losing weight I did Belly Dancing classes for 6 months and really liked it.

I can't vouch for what it did for my body as I was also walking, dieting, and strength training at the same time.  But it did help me to get back some of my femininity and grace.

Then this year when I reached my goal I started on classical ballet instead as that is what I used to do over 20 years ago.

So belly dancing was a great stepping stone for me!

I joined the gym I am at now SOLELY because they offered belly dancing classes. I started taking the classes in late June, more than anything only because I have always wanted to try it!!

After the first class I was discouraged - because I felt like a complete dork. DON'T STOP - DON'T GIVE UP!! I kept going, because I wanted to be better at it and I have improved a lot.

I have noticed that my upper torso area has slimmed down - however, I also incorporate weights, kickboxing and jogging into my fitness regime. But let me tell you - I have never felt so sore after leaving my belly dancing class.

It's fun. It's better if you try going to a class because the instructor will motivate you, as well as the other women who just started attending. Don't be intimidated. Don't be embarassed. HAVE FUN!

Good Luck!!

I started belly dancing in June and LOVE it.  It makes my back feel sooo good.  I try to get there as often as I can, but at least once a week.  I've been steadily losing weight and inches, but I'm watching calories and doing other stuff too, so I don't know how much if because of the belly dancing.

I figure any movement things I do for FUN will be best in the long run because I will continue them even on days when the WORK part of working out is a drag!

I just ordered a belly dance DVD exercise video.  I think it includes some yoga stretches.  I can't wait for it to come.  I'm too far from anywhere to do classes so this is the best I can do.  Anybody else get good results from belly dancing?

Well, the DVD came today.  "Beyone Belly Dancing" with Jenna.  It's 2 hours and 20 minutes long.  I started with the warm up and stretches for 30 minutes.  It seems to be something that would be a good daily workout for me.  I just have to find time when no one is in the house...ha.

Belly dancing is wonderful and I consider it a light aerobic workout.  It also makes you feel extra sexy.  The only downside is that once you get good and develop the flexibility needed to perform those moves you must keep at it.  If you stop bellydancing for a while your stomach will sag and create a very particular look to it.  Ask any indian or middle eastern person and they will tell you this if you don't believe me.