I am not a jock. I have never been a natural athlete. I do not do well at gyms and all their classes. Bikram is my exercise of choice- stretching in 110 degrees heated room with an average of 20 other hot, sweaty yogis for an hour and a half each session. (Friends have said if they went to a class, that would be an adventure for them!). Bikram makes me feel good, but kicks my ass. However, I want to expand my options.
I tried another type of yoga. A place nearby offered a deal on 3 consecutive Wednesdays. How could I not try it? Kundalini yoga is much more spiritual. But not relaxing for me. Holding my arms in one position for many minutes (while chanting along with the leader) seems tougher than burning 2000 calories in a hot yoga class! However, I now know more about gurus, the evils of wind energy and the meditative factor of repeatedly singing ancient Indian or Hindu chants. And the spiritual coolness of a kundalini “awakening.”
Adventure Wednesday is about exploring new things. Enter my friend who wanted to try something fun too. And, coincidentally, a coupon shows up in my email for a belly dancing class! It also happened to be close enough to our offices, and (of course) on a Wednesday evening! So, we had to try a new-to-us exercise class.
Self Perceptions
Shakira, what I wished I looked like…
What I think I look like when I do a belly dance body roll
What I really looked like belly dancing (that’s me in the pink shirt)
Great for Self-Confidence!
The class was crowded with all sorts of women of different sizes, colors and fitness levels. I felt right at home as the instructor had curves – real woman curves. No washboard abs needed! My friend and I put on the colorful scarves with coins attached. The coins make noise when you move, making us a little more self conscious. Belly dancing is harder than it looks! As we attempted to move our hips in the basic 8 configurations, or shimmy or body rolls, smiles started to sneak in where nervous grins had been. When the large, roll-y, women behind us started giggling, we all broke out laughing. Class was so much fun! Laughing makes exercise not seem like exercise.
Trying something new when it comes to exercise, not only builds muscles, but builds confidence. And the perk of laughter, and even more so if shared with a friend, makes this one awesome reward for taking the risk! Are you ready to try belly dancing?
You need more fun & spontaneity in your life, and aren’t sure of next steps or the path to follow. Let’s connect! You could choose a free 15 minute chat, various courses, or even select one-to-one coaching.
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