The hula hoop is not just a toy for kids, it’s a cheap, fun way to tone your midriff. In October 2009, "CBS News" reported that even First Lady Michelle Obama was spotted with a hula hoop around her waist. The evolution of hula hooping to simply "hooping" has brought with it larger, customized hoops that make it easier for people of any size to participate. Get "hooping" and you’ll soon be fitter than ever.
Exercise
Hooping.org touts hooping as a great way of exercising. According to the site's article "What Goes Around, Comes Around," hula hooping tones muscles and provides a low-impact cardiovascular workout. The movement engages different muscle groups, such as the obliques, gluteals and hip flexors. Also, hula hoop workout DVDs are available in stores. By changing hoops, you can change the intensity of your workout. Start with a larger hoop, which will rotate at a slower pace, making it easier for beginners. As your skills improve, use smaller hoops for a more fast-paced exercise. Weighted hoops are also available, to which you can add more weight as you gain strength in your abdominal muscles.
Coordination
If you are new to the sport of hooping, you might not take to it right away. But with a little bit of practice, you should notice improved balance and coordination. Your body will soon learn how to balance the hoop as it swirls around your waist. Your abdominal muscles appear to control the hula hoop, but it takes mind power and total body coordination to keep the hoop going.
Relaxation
According to LoopyHoops.com, you can also use hula hooping as a meditative tool. While hula hooping, you are forced to concentrate on your body’s repetitive movements, which can be soothing and satisfying. Try spinning the hoop at a slower pace rather than a frenetic one.
Stimulation
LoopyHoops.com suggests grabbing a hula hoop to take a break from studying or to relieve sluggishness. The movement of spinning a hula hoop can spark your creative juices or even encourage you to start dancing. Turn on some energizing music, and suddenly a simple rotation can become a dance party. You might even find that using a hula hoop makes you feel sexier, both during and after the exercise.
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