Belly dancing for the maternity crowd
Categories: Just for moms, Pregnancy & birth, Fun & activities
It seems a group of women near Milwaukee, Wisconsin are really putting the belly into belly dancing. Belly dancing has become a popular form of exercise, aided, no doubt, by the gyrations of pop singer Shakira, and pregnancy apparently doesn't represent a barrier to joining in. In fact, it can be a fun way to stay strong while pregnant."It just sounded like an interesting way to exercise and move your body," said Marie Ponder, who is seven months along with her first. "There is walking and going to the gym and doing elliptical work, but that doesn't sound appealing at all when you're pregnant," she said. "It's funny, because you think of being pregnant as being swollen and big and you gain weight. But it actually makes you feel in touch with your body and makes you feel sexy."
According to Michelle Douglas, a doctor of osteopathic medicine, exercise "can help with a lot of musculoskeletal pains women experience when they're pregnant, such as low back pain. And it can possibly give you an easier, shorter labor and less depression. If your body is more fit, your body will endure more and be able to bounce back."
I've seen a fair number of belly dancers perform who didn't fit the traditional teenage boy's idea of a belly dancer and they were actually quite good and a lot of fun to watch. If there are classes in your area, it might be worth looking into as a fun way to keep in shape.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Chelsea 9-16-2008 @ 4:55PM
I actually found myself doing the belly dancing from classes I had taken years earlier during labour. The sway of my hips really helped me through the contractions!
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Jan Bay 9-16-2008 @ 5:52PM
Once you think about it, the right areas are exercised and I'll bet the dads aren't complaining about the view either! Sounds like a win, win situation. I don't object to the physical activity, but somehow I can't picture me with a pregnant belly in one of those costumes.
Jan from http://www.unique-baby-gear-ideas.com/
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Each 9-17-2008 @ 3:58PM
That is so funny.
28 years ago when my Mum got pregnant with me, her doctor told her she had to quit her belly dancing class!
My how times change.
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