Health Benefits of Hula Hooping
Did you know hula hooping has been around for centuries? There's historical evidence to prove hooping was one of the many physical exercises practiced by the Greeks. In olden days, hoops were made from wood, bamboo, grass, vines, and even from metals such as iron and copper. The hula hoops that are available in the market today are made from safe plastics. Hooping as a toy for children was introduced in Great Britain in the 14th century. In the early 19th century, some British soldiers happened to witness "Hula" dancing in the islands of Hawaii.
The trend of using hula hoops to lose weight caught on like most fad diets, although this is one that can be labeled a healthy weight loss method, and not exactly a fad one. For those looking to build an abdominal core, while also strengthening other muscles that run along your body, hula hooping is your next best option to losing weight, and staying in shape.
Benefits of Hula Hooping with a Weighted Hoop
Hula hoops today meant for weight loss and muscle toning, are designed in a different way as compared to the ordinary version of the plastic hoop. They're now made from material that is tough, and not as lightweight, ranging from 3 lbs. to about 7 lbs. These hula hoops come with padding, to help cushion the tough material against your torso as you rotate it. The prices of these fall within $25 to about $88, depending on the kind and make.
Hula Hooping Workout Benefits
Labeled as an effective cardio workout routine, hula hooping has even been introduced as an exercise in gyms, and fitness centers. So what can it do for your body, you ask? Take a look...
Can Lift Your Spirit
Hula hooping is an activity that is of immense fun, and doesn't invite that element of boredom into the routine. It can improve your mood, and also help boost your confidence while driving yourself to attain the body you want.
A More Flexible You
Weighted hula hoops are a much preferred option to go with, since its plastic counterpart is not as result bearing. The spine / discs are not familiar with flexibility, where they're benefited because the rotating motion will help make it so. You can curb yourself from experiencing back problems / injuries, and will find it increasingly helpful when doing heavy chores, and other workout routines.
Tones the Body
You hips, glutes, abdomen, thighs, legs, and knees get an entire workout through hula hooping. Because you balance yourself in a way that allows the hoop to stay circling around your torso, your muscles are in a tense state of trying to remain steady. You can always alternate your moves by rotating the hoop using your forearms, since this area can also be toned quite drastically as you progress.
Blood Circulation and Stress
Blood circulation is improved because of the continuous movement of the entire body, helping those suffering from high blood pressure, while also helping your heart build its muscle mass to help fight against strokes and heart attacks. A plus point is that even stress levels drop, because of its relaxing effect on the body.
Battling the Cons
A lot of people may feel dejected at first when starting out on hula hooping, but you need to understand that practice makes perfect. Find someone to help you get started. If you slip up many times while rotating the hoop, just remember that you're human. No one is a born expert when it comes to twirling it, so allow yourself to take time to adjust to the new routine. Gyms and aerobic class centers have instructors that are ready to be of help when teaching you how to use these. Find a comfortable hula hoop to work with, since bruising is evident around the torso area if the padding isn't one that is cushion-like. Don't beat yourself up about not getting the hang of it, because once you do, you'll be on your way to achieving that much-awaited physique.
Hula hooping is an incredible workout prop, and it will help you stay in shape and not tire from this form of exercise. You can always learn how to do this by viewing tapes that you can watch at home, or sign up with friends at your closest fitness center, to make the most out of this hoop.
