Although using a hula hoop seems like an activity for children, more companies are creating adult-sized versions. According to a University of Wisconsin study sponsored by the American Council on Exercise, a single hula hooping session burns approximately 210 calories in 30 minutes. For the most effective workout, you need to choose the best hula hoop for you.
Size
The right size hula hoop will make a big difference on how good of a workout you get. If the hoop is too large or too small, you may find it difficult to keep the hoop around the waist. To measure a hula hoop, hold the hoop on the ground in front of you. While resting vertically, the top of the hula hoop should reach the area between your chest and your waist.
Light Hula Hoops
Lighter hula hoops without weights require more energy to stay moving. This extra effort will increase your calorie burn. If the hula hoop is on the smaller side, this will also require more hip rotations to keep up the exercise. If you are new to hula hooping, you may find it difficult to keep up the effort to use a lighter and smaller hula hoop for prolonged periods of time. Lighter and flexible hula hoops are also suitable for arm and leg hooping.
Weighted Hoops
The benefit of a weighted and larger hula hoop is that you'll find it easier to keep the momentum. Although you are not burning as many calories as you are when using a lighter hula hoop, you may be able to keep exercising for longer. You should not use a weighted hula hoop if you have back problems.
Considerations
If you are taking a hula hoop class, ask your instructor for the best type of hoop to use. Examples of specialty hula hoop classes include Hula Hoop Pilates and Dance Hoop. The Pilates class may focus more on core strength and require a weighted hula hoop. The more aerobic Dance Hoop is likely to require a lighter and smaller hula hoop.
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