Move to the Rhythm: Belly Dance Classes!

Hey Enclave! Looking for something fun to do that’s also a great way to lose weight? Try Belly Dancing classes at Belly-Works Dance Academy right here in Raleigh! If you’ve never done it before, don’t worry; they have absolute beginner classes just for you!

In the absolute beginner belly dance class at Belly-Works, you learn the basic movements and isolations associated with Belly dance. To gain familiarity with the moves, simple choreography may be taught. This is so you can get used to the moves and commit them to muscle memory. Muscle memory occurs when  you perform one move so often for a certain period of time that your body automatically completes the activity without you having to think about it. After a couple of rounds, you’ll be switching your hips like a pro in no time.

During the classes, yoga attire, or work out attire is recommended. This way you won’t be restricted by heavy clothing or get overheated. Water bottles or some kind of liquid to replinish you is also recommended. I’ve taken a belly dance before, and let me tell you, it’s no walk in the park. It’s a lot of fun, but you’ll definitely be feeling the effects of the class the next day. At least you know that after continuous sessions, your body will look and feel great!

Have you ever attended any other type of dance class?

Can’t Seem to Get that Workout in? Try Moving it to the Morning.

When it comes to staying fit, I’m caught between a rock and a hard place. My co-workers have this “Breakfast of Champions” policy which consists of  a daily serving of donuts and bagels for the whole office. Combine that with 3 Taco Supremes for lunch at Taco Bell, and you have a recipe guaranteed to pack the pounds on. I managed to work out pretty regularly for a few months and then my work load interfered. By the time I get home from work, I’m just to exhausted to care.

A friend of mine suggested morning workouts so I decided to give it a try.  I battle with the snooze button every so often, but I’m getting better at it. There really are some great reasons for me to get up and exercise in the morning. 

1. Exercise increases mental alertness. By working out in the morning, you’ll wake up faster and be mentally focused on your day ahead before most people take their first sip of Starbucks.
2. Working out in the morning will help boost your metabolism.  This is a great benefit if you’re trying to burn off a few extra pounds.
3. By working out in the morning, you don’t have time to come up with any excuses not to do it.  Like I said before, sometimes after work when you’re tired, you’re just too drained to hit the gym.  NO EXCUSES in the morning!

Give it a shot and see if morning workouts work for you.  You’ve got a great fitness center here at The Enclave at Crossroads so might as well put it to use…and then you won’t have far to go when you stumble out of bed!

Photo courtesy of  paul_danger_williams

Fitness Training with Tammy!

Are you wanting to get in shape for the summer, but need a little motivation? Watch this video and see if this might be the type of exercise you would enjoy. I really love her videos on fitness training. They are easy to understand and anyone can do the exercises. The fitness instructions on this video are for beginners. Remember, for this or any fitness training session, you must do it routinely to achieve the desired effects. Let’s get in shape!