This is probably one of the most popular misconceptions about Belly Dance. The truth is that there is no indication or proof that Belly dance increases the hip size or produces weight gain. In fact, Belly dance can provide excellent training that tones your entire body. Like most exercise programs, belly dancing burns calories to help with weight loss, improving muscle tone and flexibility, it also allows you to move your body in a new way that awakens your femininity and improves your self-esteem. Reduce your worries about the shape of your body and appreciate your curves when you're dancing.
As in any form of exercise, the more you move (dance) the more calories you will burn. Belly dance burns between 250-300 calories per hour, so if you enroll yourself in regular classes (3 to 4 times a week for example), it will aid with weight loss and a molded body shape. Remember to keep in mind the basics of weight loss and weight gain: if you eat more calories than you burn, you will gain, if you burn more than you eat, you will lose. Most dancers are conscious of what they eat most of the time. The healthier, natural and nutritious your diet is, the better you can nourish your muscles and have a correct hormonal environment.
That said, it would seem a bit absurd to think about why this misconception is so common. There are some factors to consider:
1. A smaller waist can make the hips look bigger. Practicing this dance on a regular basis, and maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, results in a smaller waist. However, a smaller waist can give the appearance that the hips are larger due to the toning of the upper body muscles. This is no reason to be alarmed or discouraged. Consistency is key and Belly Dance it’s no exception. Constant practice will also help you reduce and tone your hip muscles.
2. It is common to see women with large hips (or curvier and corpulent, if you’d like) practicing Belly Dance because it is a dance that enhances the curves of women. Unlike other sports, such as triathletes or runners, where women have small hips (and overall proportions), belly dancing accepts women of all shapes and sizes.
3. Belly Dance costumes are designed to enhance curves and make them more pronounced. That optical effect is useful to highlight belly and hips movements, but they can also give a visual illusion of hips being wider than they really are.
Now that this doubt has been solved, make sure to enjoy your Belly Dance classes as well as the many benefits this dance has to offer you:
· Reduced muscular tension. Working each body part separately allows fluidity and coordination; and the elimination of tension knots that are formed either by stress, physical fatigue, or lack of exercise of certain muscles.
· Relieves menstrual pain. It is scientifically proven that thanks to pelvic movements an internal “massage” is performed in this area that reduces menstrual pain.
· Improves digestive health: wave movements, promote digestion and prevent constipation.
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