Bellydance For Body Shaping: Abs

Who this DVD is for:
-a student of belly dance who wants to get more strength and tone in her abs, make her belly dance movements stronger, or wants a great abdominal workout, or
-a follower of the bellydance aerobic fitness trend who wants an intense workout, or
-someone who owns both of Neon's instructional DVD's and is comfortable with the moves taught there, or
-someone with previous dance experience who is good with "monkey see, monkey do" style learning

Who this DVD is not for (yet):
-if you want a video to LEARN belly dance
-if you are new to belly dance and don't yet have a grasp of the basic movements.
-if you don't want to get a great abs workout. (No kidding around here!)

Before beginning this workout it's important to keep in mind what it is -- a workout. Although you will practice bellydance, as all of the sections are completely comprised of bellydance moves, don't expect to buy this DVD and have it be your one-stop shopping for instruction and workout. They haven't made anything like that yet. The pacing required for instruction is way too slow to get your heart rate up for a cardiovascular or fat burning workout. Stopping to explain the movements would disrupt the flow of the workout and would keep it from being nearly as good. In order to work the abdominals, one must drill them without taking breaks for explanation. Neon is an excellent Bellydance instructor but the purpose of this DVD to get your abs in shape, not to learn how to dance.

There is absolutely no bellydance instruction on "Belly Dance for Body Shaping: Abs." This workout was designed for someone who already knows bellydance and wants to be lead through a great workout; it's difficulty would be considered at the Intermediate level. The movements are all done quickly in succession leaving no time for instruction. Although instruction is beyond the scope of this video, Neon does give pointers as to what muscles to be contracting for the different movements -- more like good reminders than instruction.

Andy Troy, a certified strength and conditioning specialist, pops in throughout the workout with helpful, real-time tips for getting the safest and most conformable workout. This is important so you don't strain your knees or lower back.

Two sphere shaped diagrams representing the ribcage and the pelvis are always on the left side of the screen to show how each movement relates to the muscle groups in the area. Although they will help you understand what move you are doing at any given time, they will by no means help explain. A basic knowledge and competency with belly dance are required here. You don't have to be the star attraction at the local Mediterranean restaurant here, you just need to have a basic working knowledge of belly dance.

A progress bar counts the number of moves you have done so far and shows you how many left till the next change. This is helpful for both cueing and motivational purposes.

If you already know what you're doing, bellydance wise, this is as good of a practice session as it is a workout -- excellent overall.

Neon delivers the best abs workout and I have fun doing it. She is very graceful, perfect cueing, awesome digital effects to show you the moves and whatnot. The exercise is broken down into 3 sequences, followed by a dance sequence/routine with each. You get a cardio workout because she does not stop and talk then move but you can follow her easily because she delivers perfect cueing through oral instruction and the special effects. I think the quality of the DVD is top notch and Neon is mesmerizing...I owned a LOT of bellydance workout and by far this one is the best! (I also purchased the Bellydance Party by Neon and it has the same top notch quality).

I have been bellydancing for about a year now. I have a TON of DVDs and this one by Neon is by far one of my fave! Its detailed, its fun, and before you know it you have worked out for 15 min and it leaves you feeing energized ready for the next workout or for the rest of your day. I love how Neon has given 3-dimensional diagrams so you can understand the body movements, but make sure you have a basic understanding of bellydance because Neon doesn't explain them, but they aren't too hard to figure out but in order to them right get a good book or a good beginner video that explains them so that you can be safe. Also another awesome DVD that is great to workout to or just dance is the Ultimate Bellydance Fitness Workout which features Neon along with a cast of really talented dancers. I loved Body Shaping for Abs & I can't wait to get Body Shaping for Buns & thighs!

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