Hula hoops are a simple toy meant for childhood fun. However, dusting off that hula hoop can also help adults with weight loss. Hula hoops are an inexpensive way to melt fat off the body, and are a great alternative if you're bored with running or cycling. Use hula hoops for a fun workout that gets you swinging those hips and losing that weight in no time.
Function
Hula hooping functions like all other aerobic activities: it speeds your heart rate up and allows you to burn calories. In fact, hula hooping can help you burn 600 to 800 calories an hour, the equivalent of an hour-long run on the treadmill, says "Time" magazine. However, if you can't sacrifice an hour, hula hoop for at least 10 minutes of your exercise routine to provide you with the aerobic weight-loss benefits.
Directions
To hula hoop, wrap the hoop around your body with you in the middle. Rest the hoop against your back and slightly above the waist. Position your feet so that one foot is ahead of the other but still shoulder-width or further apart. Push the hoop around your waist with one hand. As the hoop moves, shift your weight back and forth between your legs to keep the hoop rotating.
Benefits
Hula hooping offers more than just weight loss; it is an easy way to energize an aerobic routine that may be getting boring. In addition, the hula hoop is versatile. You can rotate it around your hips in a traditional fashion, or use it to work other areas of your body, like your arms, neck and legs. Hooping also offers the same benefits as a treadmill or stationary cycle, and allows you to exercise while performing other activities, such as watching TV and talking on the phone. Lastly, hooping helps hone your balance, an essential asset for other exercises.
Resources
There are plenty of resources available if you're a beginner looking to expand your hoop exercise options or looking for a more social workout environment. There are many DVDs, tapes and websites dedicated to hooping, as well as games for gaming consoles like the Wii Fit. In addition, many gyms offer classes aimed at teaching hula hoop exercises.
Buying a Hoop
When purchasing a hoop, look for the right size. The hoop, when standing vertically on the ground, should reach between your waist and your chest. In addition, weight does make a difference. Smaller, lighter hoops require more energy to keep them afloat and rotating, while heavier and bigger hoops are easier to keep up, providing you more energy to exercise longer. Since a child's hoop is typically too small for adults, make sure to purchase an adult version, which can cost around $30 or more.
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