When Arthur Melin first started selling the Hula-Hoop in 1958, he intended for the hoop to be a simple play toy for children. But Melin might not have been surprised to see people use it for exercise purposes. After all, he got the idea for the Hula-Hoop after watching boys in an Australian gym class swivel their hips to keep a wooden hoop moving.
Using the Hoop
Dr. Edward R. Laskowski says that Hula-Hooping can be considered an aerobic exercise, as long as you do it properly. To burn fat and calories Hula-Hooping, stand tall and hold the hoop against your back, just above your waist. Place one foot slightly in front of the other, and spin the hoop around your waist, shifting your weight between your feet and moving your hips to keep the hoop moving.
How Long to Exercise
Aim for exercising with your Hula-Hoop for at least 10 minutes to get the most aerobic benefits. If you can manage to spend 45 minutes a day Hula-Hooping while you listen to music or watch television, you can lose significant calories and fat and help your body lose excess weight. Hula-Hooping intensely for one hour can burn as many calories as running on a treadmill for an hour, according to an article in "Time." Hula-Hooping may be a more fun form of aerobic exercise that you might be able to stick with longer if you don't enjoy running or other more traditional cardiovascular workouts.
Weighted Hoops
You can find weighted Hula-Hoops to use in your exercise routine. Lightweight hoops actually require more energy to use. Bigger and heavier Hula-Hoops are easier to use, meaning you may be able to lengthen your workout and keep going for longer, burning more calories and earning more weight-loss benefits. Exercise Hula-Hoops range in weight from 1 to 4 lb. Try out a few different weighted hoops to see which weight you prefer.
Considerations
If you have back problems, steer clear of Hula-Hoops, especially weighted hoops. You may do further damage to your injured back by Hula-Hooping. Make sure you use the right size Hula-Hoop for your body. When you stand and hold your hoop in front of you with one side on the ground, the top of the hoop should reach between your waist and your chest.
References
- History.com: This Day In History — Hula-Hoop Patented
- MayoClinic.com; Weighted Hula Hoops: Exercise Gimmick or Good Idea?; Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.; July 2009
- "Time"; Hula Hoops: From Child's Play to Real Exercise; Catherine Sharick; September 2009
- American Council on Exercise; ACE-sponsored Research: Hooping — Effective Workout or Child’s Play?; Jordan Holthusen, M.S., et al.
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