What effect does belly dancing have on the abs?

Question

I'm already a dancer, going on 17 years, mostly jazz. I've recently started belly dancing though and dammit my abs are sore! Mostly just under my ribs and my obliques.

I guess my question is; Is belly dancing building up my abs or just stretching them? Because I've never seen a belly dancer with abs before so I'm not inclined to believe they are building up. And obviously it's stretching my muscles but stretching is used to prevent/alleviate pain - not cause it.

So - what's going on in my mid-section ... ?

Answer 1

You are just utilizing your muscles for a long period of time in ways you are not used to. Probably, using muscles you do not normally use. Lactic acid builds up and bamm! It hurts. You will survive. Do you want me to perform CPR? :)

Answer 2

Dans edebiliriz tabii ki

neden olmasın

Answer 3

Very simple, just stop it.

Answer 4

You are working your abs in a new way.  No, you aren't bulking up your abdominal muscles.  You are toning them and making them stronger.  Although I have seen a couple belly dancers who do, most belly dancers may not have six-pack abs, but they usually do have fairly strong core muscles.  Many belly dancers that I know incorporate some pilates and yoga into their workouts, in addition to a bit of cardio for building stamina.

Answer 5

If your muscles are sore, then you're getting ripped. :-)

Let me explain.

Abdominals are muscles. Muscles cannot be "stretched". They can, however, become lean by being stretched and strained (the same thing that rock climbing does to muscles) instead of bulky like a wrestler's. If you want Arnold Szchwarzenegger's abs, then you're in the wrong place. But if you want lean, strong abdominal muscles then stick to what you're doing.

Muscles, when they work, use up fat and when they rip they become sore. Then when the protein replaces those tears in the muscle tissue, your muscle enlarges and strengthens.  

The only way anything will "stretch" and "flab" is if a belly dancer eats McDonalds every day and does absolutely no exercise. I mean, some obviously grow a belly on purpose (hence the name belly dancing), so that may be one reason.

Nevertheless, the question is better posed to your instructor though. :)