Now, if you’ve never heard of Bellyfit, I hadn’t either until about four years ago. I was introduced to it when I started taking yoga classes at a local women’s gym. I had left my beloved yoga instructor mentioned in How It All Began in search of something closer to home – when I came across another incredible woman who happened to teach yoga and Bellyfit. Her name is Tamara and she is a real spitfire. Tamara always used to plug her Bellyfit class as we wrapped up our yoga mats and were about to take our leave (as Bellyfit was immediately afterward). I took Tamara’s yoga class for about a year before I finally decided to give Bellyfit a try. I’m sure you’ve noticed by now if you’ve been reading my posts from the beginning that I am not one to make hasty decisions. The day finally arrived when I had heard Tamara’s persuasive promotion of her much loved Bellyfit class enough times that I was convinced to stay after yoga and check it out. Looking back, I wish I hadn’t taken so long to give it a whirl. I had so much fun and was instantly hooked!
By now you’re probably saying okay, enough already…what is this Bellyfit you speak of? For starters, it was created by a woman named Alice Bracegirdle in Victoria, British Columbia in 2007. It is now done in 15 countries and as just mentioned, is a whole lot of fun! Bellyfit combines meditation, focused breathing, dance, yoga, and Pilates in a group setting. The fluid movements are a specifically choreographed routine set to really great music. Some of the themes for the routines are based on the elements: Fire, Earth, Air and Water. One of the things that I really appreciate about Bellyfit is that it works for women of all ages and fitness levels. If you’re feeling energetic, it can be an intense workout that leaves you flushed and sweating, and if you have less energy you can dial it back. Adaptations are always given to help with your fitness goals and to help you move more gently if you are nursing an injury, but still want to get out and move your body in a safe manner.
Class always starts with a moving meditation to ground ourselves and find our focus and breath. Next, we move onto a warm-up and then to the cardio portion of the workout. Bracegirdle, in Best Health, says, “Many of the movements are focused on the hips, shoulders and rib cage, and are circular and undulating. There’s a fluid, sensual feel that’s balanced with strength and female power.” In a one hour class we end up doing about 40 minutes of cardio, 10 minutes of toning and 10 minutes of yoga inspired stretching. Did I mention that you can also burn more calories than you would by taking a spin class?
I really like how the entire class is choreographed and that the sections are repeated a few times. It allows you to get into a rhythm and really feel the music instead of constantly focusing on learning new steps. I truly enjoy that I get to have a good time dancing while working on various muscle groups to tone my body. Tamara regularly provides cues throughout the class to keep us on track, particularly when we are changing from one movement to another and when she sees one of us doesn’t quite have a new step/movement down yet. I love that it is a safe space where we get to move our bodies in strong and sensual ways. I love that we have become a community of like-minded women and I love the way I feel after a class is done. I also love that it is exercise that I truly look forward to. Oh, and did I mention how much fun it is?!? Tamara inspires us, encourages us, empowers us and genuinely cares about us. We started as a group of strangers not knowing each other’s names and we became a community of women who truly care about each other’s well-being.
Sadly, due to Covid, in-person classes had to be cancelled. However, Tamara quickly adapted to the situation and started providing classes via Zoom. I attended these for a while, but then things just didn’t work with my schedule. I have been away from Bellyfit for over a year now and miss it greatly. I am looking forward to my schedule opening up in the near future and being able to participate again. Not only do I miss moving my body in that way, but I sincerely miss Tamara’s enthusiasm and energy. She is a true people person. You may have shown up to class feeling a bit down, or in your head about your day, but you leave class feeling energized, stronger, more flexible and more in tune with your body.
If you feel that Bellyfit is something you would like to try, no matter where in the world you are, you can contact Tamara by clicking this link to her Facebook page. (Don’t worry, I have her permission to say this!) I know she would love for you to try out one of her classes. Thanks so much for hanging out with me today and taking the time to learn about something I enjoy so much. I hope this post helps you feel like you know a little bit more about, and may even be interested in trying, Bellyfit.
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