Fantasy fitness 3 new aerobic exercises promote physical, mentalff Photos by RUDY LIWANAG By MAE LORRAINE S. RAFOL very room is a surprise. Open one door and you'll be lured by the pleasant sound of coins tinkling to a feverish beat. The sight gets even UBTER a harem of girls whose belies gyrate along a lively Moroccan music. Clad in colorful tlle costumes, the girl dance languily, emphasizing curves that often make guys crazy ~ a busty torso, a shapely hip, a narow wast, The movements ae hypotizing ~ you ether want 10 stare, or actualy join them “The next room is more exciting, Clothes are literally flying around. With sensual musicas background, the dancers take it slow, taking off one garment at a time. They ‘tease’ heir way tothe end ofa song — hips swaying, legs extending Enter room number three and you'll be greeted by the music of Samantha Jones. Girls clad in skimpy shorts sexily making their way around steel rods. The sensual atmosphere is apparent Belly dancing, striptease, and pole dancing. A place where every men’s fantasy comes true? Hardly. This is actually Movement Dance Studio in Greenhills, San Juan ~ a finess center offering some of the most innovative and exiting fitness activites in the city These dances, despite the otherwise sleazy impression, aré now being introduced asthe latest in the fitness world — making a big leap from club entertainment tothe latest gym programs. The three fitness activities are now considered a the newest aerobic exercises. Much like the classic aerobics (along duration exercise using the large muscle groups of the body such as the legs, back, glutes, and arms through cardio workout), belly dancing, striptease and pole dancing also require extensive use of various body pars ‘According to the instructors of Movement, M22 CRUISING these new exercises help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, improve muscular endurance, reduce body fat, and increase metabolism, The workouts, considered as low-impact exercises (as they cause little stress to the body) are good for those with health problems such as heart disease, vascular disease and diabetes ‘Added benefits provided by these aerobic dances is improved self-confidence, as one of the main requirements when engaging in these workouts is sensuality and feeling sexy with one’s own body, Ws all in the hips According to dance instructor Lala Hlao- Dinglasan, belly dancing is the perfect workout for women asthe dance is considered a symbol of femininity and happiness in the MidEastern countries where it ‘originated — the rapid beat of Mediterranean music that accompanies the dance is very lively, and the movements ‘often emphasize a woman's curves. Belly dancing is actually a good workout if you have a specitic problem area that you wish to improve, “Belly dancing entails a lot of isolation, it can focus on the chest, the tummy, the hips, legs or arms, * said Lala, Lala said that during the dance, the movements of hip drops, cicles, figure eights, and shimmies put the joints and ligaments in the lower back and hip through 2 full range of gentle, repetitive motion. This movement helps increase the flow of synovial fluid (nature's lubricant) in these joints. When movements are done properly, the pelvis is tipped forward, or tucked somewhat; a neutral position that can help prevent lower back problems. According to Lala, belly dancing can burn up to 300 calories per hour and can vary depending on the intensity of the activity Arms and shoulders are exercised when doing