Benefits of Hula Hooping

Hula hooping is an activity enjoyed by both kids and adults. You may not be aware, though, that you can actually integrate hula hooping into your daily or weekly exercise program. Depending on how you use your hula hoop, you could get quite the workout while hula hooping.

Types

Most people are familiar with the standard hula hooping on hips. You can also twirl a hula hoop around your neck. Another exercise is to roll the hula hoop around one arm at a time. There are also several aerobic workouts you can do when using a hula hoop. For example, you can twirl the hula hoop around one ankle and skip over it with your other foot. This is almost like running in place. Some people even use a hula hoop as a modified jump rope.

Benefits

Hula hooping can tone the various areas of the body. Standard hula hooping (when you roll the hoop around your waist) will help to strengthen and tone your hips and waist. Keeping the hula hoop around the center of your body can also be a good workout for your thighs and strengthen your back. You can use the hula hoop to tone your neck, arm and leg muscles as well.
Hula hooping for 30 straight minutes can be just as beneficial as jogging for 30 minutes (depending on your workout). Doing so can help you lose weight, strengthen your heart and lower blood pressure.
You can also purchase a hula hoop with massage balls in it. These hula hoops can be a great way to loosen your muscles and relieve tension.

Misconceptions

Using a hula hoop from a toy store can have health benefits, but you probably will not see the physical results that you desire. Instead, you will need a weighted hula hoop. These can be found online and at many stores that sell exercise equipment. Using a weighted hula hoop is no different than lifting free weights at the gym. Doing so causes the muscles to work harder, which in turn strengthens your muscles.

Warning

Just because hula hooping is an activity you may associate with children does not mean you should take it lightly. As with any exercise program, you can easily injure yourself hula hooping if you don't perform the workout properly or if you overexert yourself. You should always stretch out your waist, back, arms, legs and loosen your neck before and after you begin your hula hooping workout.
Always consult your physician before you start any new workout. Doing so is another way to ensure your safety during and after you exercise.

Expert Insight

Contact local gyms and health clubs to learn if they offer any hula hooping programs. These programs are similar to Jazzercise and other aerobic workouts. Here, you will work with trainers in order to get the most out of your hula hooping workout. These classes are especially recommended for those new to the hula hoop.
If you're uncomfortable with taking a hula hooping class or you just don't want to spend the money, you can find plenty of instructional videos on websites such as You Tube and Expert Village. These videos allow you to enjoy plenty of hula hooping workouts from the comfort of your own home.