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bellydancer arm workout

guess what? Zills (finger cymbals) are a great workout for your arms.

After a 3 hour workshop with Rachel Brice doing choreography with zills, my arms are still hurting 2 days later. (all my other parts hurt too of course, in a good way).

But I've been surprised how I felt every muscle in my arms from constant zill use. I don't usually sign up for zill workshops because I feel I know the rhythms pretty well, but now I might just for the exercise!

Rachel Brice is the sweetest, funniest superstar dancer. I wish I could take from her every week!

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