Hula hooping is not just a means of childhood fun anymore. Using hula hoops routinely, you can experience overall fat loss on your body. In addition, hula hoops are an effective alternative if your current aerobic activities are feeling routine and can offer a versatile exercise if you need to multitask. So pull that hoop from the basement and get it spinning for a fun way to lose weight.
Hula Hoops for Weight Loss
Hula hoops can be an aerobic activity if you hoop for 10 minutes or longer, which helps you burn the calories needed to lose weight. Hula hooping can actually help you burn 600 to 800 calories per hour. However, if you can’t hula this long, try incorporating at least 10 minutes of hooping into your existing routine. Note that you cannot spot target fat loss on the body; hula hooping, just like other aerobic activities, helps you lose overall weight on the body. With enough aerobic exercise, you can see the results on your problem areas.
Hula Hoops as an Exercise Supplement
Hula hoops are ideal as an aerobic alternative when you’re existing routine has gotten a little boring or you need versatility. Hooping allows you to multitask while doing the exercise, making it an ideal alternative just like a stationary bike or an elliptical machine. In addition, you can hoop anywhere and only need to bring the light hoop as equipment, making it easy to accommodate your routine to changing environments.
What to Buy and Why it Matters
When purchasing a hoop, rest it on the ground and stand it up. The hoop should reach between your waist and your chest. Hoops also range in diameter and weight. Smaller, lighter hoops require more energy to keep the momentum going, which makes it ideal for high-intensity interval workouts where you’re performing multiple exercises in a short amount of time. High-intensity exercise helps you burn many calories. Alternatively, bigger, heavier hoops are easier to keep up, allowing you to exercise longer. This is ideal if you’re hooping for a 45-minute low-intensity workout. Such intensity helps you burn fat while lessening the risk of joint injury.
How to Get Started
Wrap the hoop around your body so that you are in the middle of the ring. Hold the hoop with both arms and rest it on your back, slightly above your waist. Align your feet so one is slightly ahead of the other. They should be shoulder-width or farther apart. Using one arm, spin the hoop around your body. To maintain rotation, rotate your hips and rock back and forth by shifting your weight from foot to foot. This exercise may prove challenging at first, but consistent practice will help.
For Added Help
If you need help getting started with your hooping, look to DVDs, tapes and websites for how-to help. If you’re looking for a more interactive means for help, or if you’d like to make hooping a more social activity, ask your local fitness centers about classes. These classes are headed by instructors that can also make sure your hoop workout is as effective and safe on your body as it can be.
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