Cincinnati Spotlight: Unique Exercise Ideas

So you’re tired of the gym and your usual run has lost its charm and you don’t want to take up a new sport that requires lots of equipment and you’re bored with workout videos….so where do you go to get a new outlook on toning, stretching, and fitness? Ah, you’re lucky, for here in Cincinnati you can no only do yoga and pilates, you can also take up belly-dancing (great for your abs); tai chi (excellent for balance) and a host of other great activities designed to engage both your body and your mind.

Belly-dancing is becoming more popular every year as more women look for low-impact exercises to compensate for those years spent running, jogging, and damaging knees. The art of eastern dance is a storied and sensual one, and appeals to women of all sizes and shapes. In fact, says one student, there’s nothing more empowering of seeing “women of a certain age undulating their hips and being generally exuberant in their femininity.” Here in the Queen City, there are several places where you can learn to isolate those abs and tilt your hips in time to the swirling music of the East. At the Lion of Babylon studio in Oakley (513-321-4433), Niran Al-Ubaidi teaches students from beginners through experienced, focusing on not only the physical aspect of the dance, but also the beneficial self-image that comes with learning such an art. In Deer Park, you can study belly dance at Habeeba’s Dance of the Arts (513-794-0055, www.habeebas.com). Habeeba’s teaches traditional Middle Eastern belly-dance and offers classes for all levels of students. New classes start every month, and students of almost every level can participate in performances and demonstrations given by the school. Habeeba’s also teaches hula for those interested in the Polynesian dance.

Traditional step-dancing is also taking off as a great way to work out, enjoy some music, and have a good time. Spurred on by the successes of shows like Riverdance, Irish and Scottish dancing schools are popping up all over. The Cincinnati Highland Dancers (http://cincyhighlanddancers.webs.com/) offer classes in traditional Scottish Dance four days a week for children and adults, and sponsor a competition team. The Cincinnati Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (http://www.rscdscincinnati.org) also teaches Scottish dances including reels, jigs, hornpipes, and the strathspey. Students learn in groups, and there’s plenty of exercise to be had in learning all of the steps, jumps, and turns of these entertaining dances. If it’s Irish dancing you’re looking for, the McGing Irish Dancers (513-891-6066) are one of Cincinnati’s best-known troupes, performing at festivals and Music Hall. They offer youth and adult classes and are also competitive, traveling to Europe and Canada for dance competitions.

If showing off your belly isn’t quite your thing, and you’re not sure your joints can take the jumps of Irish or Scottish dance, the White Willow School of Tai Chi (513-791-9428) may be just the place. In an old house in Cincinnati, students learn relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and ways to meditate before learning their first form, known as the Heaven Form, from instructor Vincent Lasorso. Students are encouraged to progress at their own pace through a number of forms, each focusing on different goals in balancing the body and emotions. Generally a very gentle form of activity, tai chi is excellent for practitioners of all ages, including the elderly.

Another great gentle method of stretching and rebalancing the body is the Alexander Technique. Developed originally by an actor who noticed that the tension in his body prevented him from projecting on stage, the Technique teaches students to adjust the alignment of their bodies for natural and efficient motion and movement. By using everyday activities and movements, Alexander helps its practitioners gain flexibility and reduce pain from injury, chronic pain, pregnancy, and repetitive strain injury. Musicians, dancers, actors, and athletes frequently practice the Alexander Technique as part of their daily living to help in those more focused areas. Here in Cincinnati you can take lessons in the Technique from a number of certified teachers including Nancy Dawley at her AT studio (513-936-8933); Vivien Schapera (513-542-1010); Michael Matzko (513-591-0244); and Tina L. Holsapple (513-321-7551).