The origins of the hula hoop can be traced back nearly 3,000 years ago to ancient Egypt, according to Marin on the Move. The hula hoop was a popular toy in the 1960s, and the Denver Post reported in 2009 that hooping was making the hula hoop popular again. Participants in hooping use larger, weighted hula hoops or customized hoops. Hooping classes and clubs are popping up all over the country. Many hula hoop users point to the dual benefits of using the hoop -- fun and exercise.
Targeted Workout
Marin on the Move says exercising with a hula hoop allows you to target your abdomen, waist and hips. The movement required to keep the hoop aloft works your abdominal muscles and can even work your legs, since you must shift your weight back and forth between them to keep the hoop moving. According to Marin on the Move, using the hula hoop also can correct your body alignment and improve your posture.
Cardio
Using a weighted hula hoop during an exercise routine can serve as an aerobic activity if you sustain the movement for 10 or more minutes, according Dr. Edward R. Laskowski of MayoClinic.com. Marin on the Move says you can burn as many calories hula hooping as walking an eight-minute mile or taking a high-impact aerobics class.
Strengthening
Using hula hoops as exercise equipment can build your core strength, according to Anne Dellinger, Denver hooping teacher. Many hoopers find benefit in using weighted hula hoops for strengthening workouts, but Laskowski recommends avoiding weighted hoops if you have back problems.
Fun and Relaxation
Many hoopers find joy and relaxation in using the hula hoop. Some hoopers use the hula hoop as a form of meditation. According to Hooping.org, the hula hoop is showing up at dance events where people use customized hoops to perform or just engage in group fun. For many people, the hula hoop has dual benefits -- it provides a fun way to work up a sweat.
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