Originally Posted by Razia

I'm putting this out there for anyone who might have a suggestion.........

It was recommended to me by my teacher, Melissa, NOT to do crunches as it shortens the abdominal muscles. This seems to make sense to me (although I don't know exactly how much truth is in that statement), but belly dance isolations alone aren't going to be enough of a workout for my abs. I often feel like my torso is a block of uncooperative meat anyway, so I would like to find some excersises that strengthen and lengthen (if that's the right word). My long term goal is not to have a rippling 6-pack, but to be able to isolate and use the full range of muscles in my core. I want deeper undulations, sharper contractions, stretchier obliques, and--cue dramatic music--to be able to do a belly roll!

My budget is tight right now, so pilates classes will have to wait, but does anyone have any DVD suggestions?
Thanks!