Belly dancing involves a lot of steps when you move your feet nimbly, to give the shaking belly effect.

This helps you execise and strengthen the muscles on your legs and keeps your joints well oiled too.

The steps involved works a long way in preventing osteoporosis.

Orthopaedic surgeon Dr PR Sidhwa says: Belly dancing can help you by keeping you active but remember that besides dancing you need your proper calcium intake to keep osteoporosis at bay.

Consult with your doctor, tell him the intensity of the dance you plan to undertake and the number of times a week you will be going there and he will prescribe your calcium needs accordingly.

In this photograph: Pop singer Rihanna

Photograph: Getty Images / ShowBizIreland.com