Although you may not have realized it when you were a kid, hula hooping provided many health benefits, including better posture, improved coordination and a good cardio workout. According to a study conducted by the American Council on Exercise, hula hooping is just as effective as a boot camp or cardio kickboxing class. Purchase a hula hoop and try it at home or sign up for a hula hooping class at your local gym, community center or health club.
How it Works
Hula hooping involves swinging your hips around in order to keep the hula hoop from sliding down your body. As a result, this works your hips and thighs, as well as your legs and core muscles. It's easy to incorporate other body parts as well, like your arms, neck or upper body. According to the American Council on Exercise, 30 minutes hula hooping will allow you to burn an average of 210 calories. For added enjoyment, hula hoop to your favorite music or sign up for a hula hooping class where an instructor integrates music, hula hooping and dance moves.
The Hoop
Unlike the hula hoop from your childhood, hula hooping to improve fitness may involve a weighted hula hoop. When compared to plastic hula hoops, a weighted hula hoop is easier to keep moving. Hula hoops with less weight require more effort but also provide a tougher workout. Choose whichever hula hoop that best matches your fitness abilities or your desired workout level. Also, when choosing a hula hoop, place it on the ground so that it stands up vertically. Pick one that measures between your waist and chest. The bigger the hoop, the easier it is to work it.
Hula Hooping Benefits
Not only is hula hooping an enjoyable way to exercise -- which may make you want to do it more often than a workout you don't enjoy -- it also works several muscles at the same time. It helps trim and tone trouble spots, including your hips, thighs, glutes and abs. Hoopnotica instructor, Pamela Crawford, tells Today's THV the first place you may notice weight loss is your waist and thighs. Twirl the hula hoop around your arms to strengthen upper body muscles. Regular hula hopping also improves your fitness level, spine flexibility and coordination.
Practice Makes Perfect
If you haven't hula hooped since you were a kid, you may not be able to twirl a hula hoop around for 30 minutes straight. Start off with a small goal of hula hooping for a minute or two without stopping. As your fitness levels improve, increase the time. Replace a larger, heavier hula hoop for a smaller, lighter hula hoop as your fitness levels improve. With practice, you should be able to hula hoop for 30 minutes or more, which will not just slim your hips, but your entire body.
References
- American Council on Exercise; ACE-Sponsored Research: Hooping -- Effective Workout or Child's Play?; Jordan Holthusen, John Porcari, Carl Foster and Scott Doberstein with Mark Anders
- Today's THV; The Health Benefits of Hula Hooping; Lindsey Tugman; April 2011
- Mayo Clinic; Do Weighted Hula Hoops Provide a Good Workout, or Are They Just a Gimmick?; Edward Laskowski
- 3FatChicks; 6 Fitness Benefits of Hula Hooping; June 2010
- Time Magazine; Hula Hoops: From Child's Play to Real Exercise; Catherine Sharick; September 2009
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