Flamenco
Core stability
Flamenco is excellent for posture. This is achieved by keeping a long, straight spine, shoulders back, tail bone tucked under and the core-stability muscles around the middle pulled in and up.
three stars
Upper-body strength
You have to keep your arms above your head for long periods with flamenco, moving them in graceful twists and sweeps. This quickly develops long, lean muscles in the arms and shoulders.
four stars
Beating osteoporosis
Weight-bearing exercise is key in helping to prevent this bone disease. The stamping movements and higher frequency of travelling steps boost preventative benefits, as they increase the load on bones.
five stars
Fitness levels
The fast pace and dynamic, explosive moves of flamenco boost heart rate and stamina, and make it an excellent calorie burner
four stars
Feel-good factor
Flamenco is a highly expressive, passionate, rhythmic dance. The combination of a chance to express emotion and its visible body benefits can seriously boost self-esteem
five stars
Belly dancing
Core stability
Although flamenco improves posture, belly dancing really hones it, isolating the muscles around the middle to perform the shimmies and figures of eight that characterise the dance
five stars
Upper-body strength
Requires near-constant elevation of the arms, sometimes using props such as veils. It teaches you to isolate the upper chest and shoulder muscles for upper-body shimmies
five stars
Beating osteoporosis
Fewer weight-bearing movements, but ideal for older women because it's gentle, and for those who have osteoporosis (but first see your GP), because it places little impact on the joints
four stars
Fitness levels
Generally a slower form of dance than flamenco, but its shimmying, hip drops and other moves will still boost endurance and get your heart rate up to increase fitness
three stars
Feel-good factor
A sensual, emotional dance, which is supposed to communicate your feelings to the audience, offers the same feel-good benefits as flamenco
five stars
