Hula hooping is no longer just a simple child's toy. The hoop that used to be just used for fun has become a popular exercise tool. Hula hooping can help to tone abs and other muscles while providing an excellent way to lose weight and improve fitness through cardiovascular exercise.
Abs
Hula hooping is an excellent exercise to tone abs. Because it uses all of your abdominal and oblique muscles, hula hooping is a very efficient exercise when compared to crunches and leg lifts. When hula hooping, your abs are constantly contracted, pushing and pulling your body in different directions, which helps tone your abs through isotonic exercise. Isotonic exercise uses muscle power throughout the exercise and tones muscles as well as providing some aerobic benefits.
Other Muscles
Hula hooping is also a compound exercise, working other muscles besides the abdominal muscles. Your back muscles, glutes or butt and thighs are all working to keep your body stable and the hoop moving. The benefits for these muscles are the same -- increased toning, stability and strength. Working this combination of muscle groups makes hula hooping one of the best exercises for core training.
Weight Loss
For those interested in losing weight, hula hooping offers a fun alternative to traditional cardiovascular exercises like running, swimming and bicycling. Hula hooping elevates the heart rate to burn additional calories, which aids weight loss. Hula hooping for 30 minutes can help burn up to 300 calories, based on hooping speed and individual fitness levels. Combine regular hooping sessions with reduced caloric intake to shed unwanted pounds.
Considerations
When choosing a hoop for exercise, the most important considerations are comfort and ease of use. Whichever hoop allows you to hula the longest is the best hoop for you. A petite adult will probably do best with a 36-inch diameter hoop. A large adult may do best with a 44-inch hoop. Within those general size guidelines, smaller or larger hoops may work better for you. Weighted hoops are often touted for their exercise benefits, but it is not clear whether they burn more calories.
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