"Hooping" refers to exercise using a weighted hoop, which differs only slightly from its cousin, the traditional hula hoop. Benefits of hooping include improved coordination, strengthened core muscles and better cardiovascular health. Because hooping uses larger and weightier hoops than the plastic ones for kids, they rotate more easily and slowly around the body, making for a fun workout almost anyone can manage.
The Basics
Start by finding the right hoop for you. Don't try to use a hula hoop found at toy stores--you'll want something larger and with more heft. Try a sports store, or shop online. Find a hoop that is mid-torso height when you stand it on end in front of you. Also, the heavier the hoop weighs, the slower the movement.
First Move
Start with your hoop waist-high and parallel to the ground, held up against your back. Make sure your feet are set apart a couple of feet. Push the hoop on one side of you so that it will roll around your body, and bend into the curve, then rock back to your other foot with the motion of the hoop. Sounds hard, but it gets easier. Don't give up--if the hoop falls, pick it up and start again. Starting the hoop counter-clockwise if you are right-handed and clockwise if you are left-handed usually works better.
Take It Slow
With a weighted hoop, start slowly, maybe no more than 5 minutes on the first day, and keep working at it on a daily basis, adding a couple of minutes at a time. If you try to do too much, you'll end up with a sore torso, so go easy at first.
Experiment
Once you have the basic move down, you can try variations to make it more fun. Try starting the hoop in the opposite direction, or see how much you can move it up and down your torso without dropping it. You might be tempted to really wiggle your hips while hooping, but this often makes the hoop more difficult to keep up. Keep at it, though, and you might notice a difference in your weight while you have fun hooping it up.
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