What’s All the Hula Hoopla About?

From its modest fad beginning here in the U.S. in the 1950s to its current revival in the past few years, hula hooping seems to be where it’s at. Hopping is a popular form of exercise because it’s fun, simple and inexpensive. Hooping is a great exercise for individuals of all fitness levels. While everyone is different, and everyone hoops at different intensities, generally speaking, one can expect to burn about 200 calories in 30 minutes.

How to pick a hoop: Many of the hula hoops sold in stores are designed for tiny children’s bodies and are not ideal for those looking to use a hula hoop for exercise. Some sporting goods stores sell hula hoops with exercise DVDs and or exercise instruction manuals; you’ll find these hoops to be bigger and heavier.  The larger your midsection the larger you will want your hoop to be. You can also make your own hula hoop or purchase one from the many hoop vendors online.

How to hoop: When you picture hooping in your head you may think of the hips making small circular motions not unlike a belly dancer. In reality to make your hoop swirl you need to place one foot slightly in front of the other and move your hips forward and backwards. This may seem counterintuitive at first but you will get the hang of it quickly. As far as which direction to hoop, there is no right or wrong, just do what comes naturally.

Once you start hooping it can be hard to stop and it’s easy to forget that this form of play counts as exercise! Start slowly and practice often. Hoop while watching TV, or in the backyard, once you gain more confidence you may even be able to do tricks! Enjoy playing at anything; it offers you the opportunity to move and laugh.