Treadmills can get monotonous, weight lifting can be technical, and hitting the pavement is difficult to motivate yourself to do. If you need a good exercise that is fun and effective, put your childhood skills to use with a hula hoop. It is quickly becoming a new fitness trend as hula hooping takes the ordinary out of exercise while still having many benefits.
History of the Hula Hoop
People of a ceertain age remember hula hooping as a child in the 1950s and 1960s. However, hula hoops have been around for thousands of years in various forms. The type we think of today came to be in the early 18th century when some sailors noticed that hula dancers move in a fashion similar to a hoop. They made their debut in the United States in 1958 when the toy company “Wham-O” produced the plastic hula hoop. Today they come in many forms, including a weighted version that is used in fitness classes throughout the country, according to the Spinninghoop website.
Hoopdance
Traditional hula-hooping and hoopdance are similar, but their styles vary. Although traditional hula-hooping can be a beneficial form of exercise, hoopdance steps it up a notch. According to hoopnotica.com, modern hoopdance, which is different from the Native American hoopdance, incorporates belly dance, hip-hop, and rhythmic gymnastics into hula hooping.
Benefits of Hoopdance
Hoopdance can be beneficial physically, mentally, and emotionally. As a cardiovascular exercise, it can help you tone your body, lose weight, and develop a strong core. The movement causes increased flexibility and coordination. While it takes you back to your childhood, you are likely to laugh, have fun, and experience an overall improvement in mood. And because it is low impact, most people can do it.
How to Choose the Right Hoop
The American Council on Exercise suggests choosing a hoop that has a minimum diameter equal to the height of your waist, and a maximum equivalent to your chest height. If you have trouble keeping the hoop going, choose a heavier and bigger hoop. If you are a seasoned hooper and are looking to use the most energy and burn the most calories, opt for a lighter hoop, as it will require more effort to keep it moving.
Considerations
The Mayo Clinic’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist, Dr. Edward R. Laskowski, suggests avoiding both weighted and traditional hula hoops if you have back problems. They may exacerbate the problem. As with any new exercise routine, consult your physician before starting.
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