If you are the type of person who avoids traditional forms of exercise, such as jogging or swimming, hula hooping might be a viable alternative. It is different and fun, and you can perform it almost anywhere. Hula hooping started as a recreational activity, and has now evolved to be a form of fitness training. According to Edward R. Laskowski,M.D., writing for MayoClinic.com, hula hooping can be an aerobic activity, as well as adding variety to your fitness regimen.
History
In 1958, Richard Knerr and Arthur Melin, of the Wham-O company, began marketing the hula hoop for the American public. They created the original hula hoop after hearing about Australian school children who were using a bamboo hoop in gym class. The hula hoop manufactured by Wham-O was made from hard plastic, and immediately became widely used throughout the United States. According to the Wham-O website, 25 million hula hoops were sold in four months.
Types
Hula hoops are manufactured in two varieties, unweighted and weighted. There is also a travel version that folds up to make a smaller hoop. According to Dr. Laskowski, weighted hoops are easier to use than unweighted hoops. When standing in front of you, a hoop should reach one-half way between your navel and your chest to be the correct size.
Considerations
If you are using a hula hoop to improve your fitness level, be sure to make your exercise sessions aerobic in nature. Aerobic exercise should be performed for at least 15 to 20 minutes, while maintaining 60 to 80 percent of your maximum heart rate. An unweighted hula hoop requires a faster motion to keep the hoop rotating than a weighted hoop. Consequently, using an unweighted hoop requires more energy. A weighted hoop requires less motion to keep the hoop rotating, but it is easier to maintain the rotation. Using either type of hoop, you should check your heart rate two or three times during a session. While this may disrupt your session, it will determine whether or not you are exercising in your aerobic heart rate zone.
Group Training
Fitness centers and gyms have incorporated classes that feature hula hooping. Crunch Fitness, for example, has a class that incorporates the core exercises of Pilates with hula hooping. Other hooping classes feature limbo moves that strengthen the lower back. According to Catherine Sharick of Time.com, participants enjoy the classes because they are fun and they get results.
Benefits
Hula hooping as an aerobic exercise, has health-related benefits. Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart, improves energy levels, controls blood sugar and improves moods. Aerobic exercise also increases high-density lipoprotein, the "good" cholesterol, and decreases low-density lipoprotein, the "bad" cholesterol. Hula hooping also strengthens the muscles of the abdomen and lower back.
Warning
Avoid hula hooping if you have a back condition or a history of back problems. Consult with your health care provider before beginning any new activity.
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