My Fitness Secrets to Getting in Shape and Staying Motivated

In my profession, I get a lot of questions. Some are typical, such as, “Where did you learn how to belly dance?” Some questions are too odd to print. However, by far and away, the most frequent question I receive is, ‘How do you stay in shape?” I think people find it hard to believe that what I do to keep physically fit is actually and exclusively what I teach – The Goddess Workout Belly dance for Fitness .

I created the Goddess Workout classes and DVDs to share my fitness secrets with all women. Honestly, it is the only thing I do for exercise and it’s all I need. Belly dance has defined my shape, given me curves, and toned my muscles. On top of it, it's fun, makes me feel sexy and I am fortunate that it is the way I make a living.

I have the dual blessing to actually love my job and I love my workout. I know that both of these things are rare, but I am proof that it is possible to love your workout. Most people hate the treadmill, running or their workout of choice. With life moving at such a quick pace, why do an exercise routine you loathe? The Goddess Workout is truly a joy to do.

It is a surprisingly great workout! It simultaneously provides a cardio workout and tones the muscles in a unique way different to other workouts. I love how The Goddess Workout tones my body, especially my waist. But here in lies my real fitness secret: cardio is key to keeping weight off, since the very basic nutrition equation is calories in and calories out. We know that eating is considered calories in, which most diets regulate (Deprivation!) But cardio is how you burn calories off. By doing the Goddess Workout several times a week, I burn a lot of calories.

Another one of my fitness secrets to staying in shape is that I am committed to my fitness routine. I have a responsibility to my students; therefore, I don’t have the luxury to skip a workout.

It would be irresponsible to not mention that diet and nutrition are an important part of living a healthy lifestyle. But as for a fitness practice, nothing compares with belly dance!

Posted on Fri, November 14, 2008 by Ms. Dolphina

8 comments (Add your own)

1. Jennifer wrote:: You obviously have a total dancer's body!
Thu, November 20, 2008 @ 10:28 AM
2. Goddess Findings wrote:: Thanks for this post Dolphina! You are always an inspiration to me--I admire your dedication and love of the dance and always wonder how you keep your gorgeous bod in shape- its nice to know you dont starve yourself. It also reminds me that my body always looks better when I make a promise to myself to keep up the commitment. Keep up the great work.
Cheers,
Janice
Sun, November 30, 2008 @ 8:42 PM
3. Shelia wrote:: It is answers like this that remind me that hard work pays off in the long run. Dolphina, you are always such a motivation in my life and someone that I truly admire. Thanks for everything. I think you need to write a book..."How to be a Goddess" as a companion to your Goddess workout. *grins*
Fri, December 12, 2008 @ 7:03 AM
4. Amber Ross wrote:: how can i stay in shape and loose weight faster?
what is the best things to eat while loosing weight?
Mon, January 12, 2009 @ 7:10 AM
5. Amber Ross wrote:: how can i stay in shape?
Mon, January 12, 2009 @ 7:11 AM
6. Dolphina wrote:: Amber - if you would like, I could tell you more to reach your health goals, so write me. However, what I am saying in this blog in the most simple terms is: I do the Goddess Workout to stay in shape! So try doing my DVDs about 3 times per week, start slowly and do push yourself if you cant finish them at first. Good luck and let me know your progress!
Mon, January 12, 2009 @ 1:19 PM
7. Lara wrote:: Yes, write a "How to be a Goddess" book & scatter yummy goddess recipes throughout!
Sat, June 20, 2009 @ 1:49 AM
8. Mandy wrote:: I totally agree with Lara about the book! Bellydance is what actually got me interested in fitness, and since then I've also tried hula, yoga, pilates, and even kickboxing. Nothing else has made me so proud of what my body can do, or of my delicious womanly curves. :) I think it's wonderful that you created the Goddess workout that encourages us to have fun and love what we have already instead of only keeping our eyes on an impossible goal that the media tries to feed to us. We Goddesses are a beautiful rainbow!
Fri, December 11, 2009 @ 5:12 PM