The benefits of hula hooping as a hobby are many. It can be used for all levels of fitness and ages, it’s a fantastic way to relieve stress, get in some daily laughs and make new friends! In this article, we’ll explore why you should start hula hooping today!
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Why is Hula Hooping a Hobby?
Hula hooping used to be just for kids, but in recent years it has become more than just a hobby. It’s so fun and easy to do, all you need is some motivation, dedication, and strong abs!
You can start off by mastering the basics of keeping the hoop spinning around your waist. Once you get good enough, you can work on more advanced tricks like shoulder hooping and orbitals. This hobby is so much fun, it has gained popularity throughout clubs in school gyms, parties to festivals all over the world!
Each time you hula hoop your abs will be put to test. You’ll strengthen your core muscles by making them work to control the rotating hoop around your waist.
Using muscles that are not usually used during normal daily activities can lead to better balance and coordination which are key features for preventing injuries in sports or daily life.
And if that’s not enough of a reason already then here’s some more – there are several physical benefits of hula hooping including weight loss, improved lung capacity, and improved posture.
If you’re thinking, why not just go to a gym? Don’t forget that you can choose your workout intensity and don’t have to put up with someone else’s music taste. You can tone those six-pack abs by simply having fun!
No special equipment is needed either, as long as it’s safe for you. There are also no age restrictions on hula hooping; anyone from five years to 100 years of age can take advantage of this hobby and all its health and fitness benefits if they feel like it! It provides an excellent way for the whole family to get active and healthy together without breaking the bank at your local gym.
Hula Hooping is low impact it is easier for people who want to start working out again after an injury. The slow rhythmic swinging of the hoop is more gentle on joints, causing less impact and making it easy for anyone to do.
If you are looking for a fun way to get into shape or stay active then hula hooping can help you achieve your fitness goals!
What are some Benefits of Hula Hooping?
There are so many health benefits of hula hooping, let’s take a closer look at just what makes this hobby so beneficial. Research has shown that hula hooping is a great exercise because it tones muscles in your waist, hips, and thighs. Coupled with improved balance and coordination due to the repetitive movement will give you a strong core along with better posture!
Throughout the hula hoop workout, your lungs are constantly being utilized which means you are getting more oxygen throughout your body. This also means that you are improving your lung capacity meaning it will be easier for you to do vigorous activities in the future!
If you have ever noticed how lighthearted and happy hula hooping makes people then that is because they are releasing endorphins into their system. These hormones make them happier by soothing their nerves, relieving stress, and even reducing pain. It’s no wonder so many people turn to this hobby as a way to keep themselves happy!
Another amazing benefit of hula hooping is weight loss. Over time with frequent practice, these tiny circles can burn up to 500 calories per hour! Even if you don’t lose a lot of weight it’s still great because you are challenging your body to work out more efficiently. This will make any future workouts that much easier!
Hula hooping is fun enough that anyone can do it, even young children. It not only keeps them fit but allows them to release energy which they might otherwise have trouble controlling if left alone for too long. Hula hooping provides an all-natural way for parents and their children to bond while getting healthy together. You can even start hula hooping along with your kids without worrying about how old you are because there are no age restrictions whatsoever!
How to Get Started with Hula Hooping
Choosing the Right Hoop
The first step is to find the perfect hoop for you. When it comes to hula hoops, size matters. If you’re a beginner, go for a larger, heavier hoop. These are easier to control and keep up on your waist. Look for hoops that are about waist-height or slightly below when standing upright. Once you gain some experience, you can experiment with smaller, lighter hoops for more challenging tricks.
You can find hula hoops in many places, from toy stores to specialized fitness shops. However, if you want a customized hoop, you can even make one yourself! All you need is a polyethylene irrigation tubing, available at most hardware stores, and some colorful duct tape to decorate it. There are plenty of online tutorials to guide you through the process.
Mastering the Basics
Now that you have your hoop, it’s time to get moving! Start by standing with one foot slightly in front of the other, and hold the hoop against your lower back. With a gentle push, spin the hoop around your waist, making sure it’s level and parallel to the floor. Relax your core, sway your hips, and find a rhythm that works for you.
Remember, practice makes perfect! At first, the hoop might drop after just a few rotations, but don’t get discouraged. Keep at it, and soon you’ll find that magical sweet spot where the hoop stays up effortlessly. Focus on small, controlled movements of your hips, and try to maintain a consistent speed. It’s all about finding your groove and getting into the flow!
Leveling Up: Tricks and Challenges
Once you’ve got the hang of waist hooping, it’s time to level up and try some tricks! There are endless possibilities when it comes to hula hooping, from hand tricks to leg hooping and even dancing with the hoop. You can find countless tutorials online that demonstrate different moves and sequences.
One popular trick is the “off-body” hoop tricks. This includes moves like hand hooping, arm weaving, and shoulder hooping. These tricks require you to explore the space outside of your waist and add some creativity to your hooping routine. Don’t be afraid to experiment and let your imagination run wild!
As you progress, you might want to join a local hula hoop group or attend workshops to meet fellow hoopers and learn from each other. It’s a great way to exchange tips, inspire each other, and build a supportive community around your newfound passion.
Essential Equipment for Hula Hooping
To get started, you really only need a few key pieces of equipment:
- Hula Hoop: Of course, this is the most essential piece of equipment. Hula hoops come in different sizes and weights, so you may want to experiment to find what’s comfortable for you. Generally, larger and heavier hoops are easier to use for beginners, because they rotate more slowly. As you gain more skill, you might prefer a smaller and lighter hoop for tricks and dance movements. Hoops made for fitness often have added weight to make workouts more challenging.
- Comfortable Clothing: Clothing that allows a full range of motion is important. Tighter fitting clothes are typically better than loose clothing, as loose clothing can interfere with the hoop’s movement. Natural fibers like cotton can help the hoop grip and prevent it from slipping.
- Non-slip shoes: If you’re hula hooping outdoors or on a smooth floor, you’ll want shoes that can grip the surface without slipping.
- Water Bottle: Hula hooping is an aerobic activity that can make you sweat, especially if you’re doing it as a workout. Stay hydrated by having a water bottle handy.
- Mat: If you’re hooping indoors, a yoga mat or other soft surface can help cushion any falls and protect your hoop from hard floors.
- Mirror: This is not essential but can be helpful. A full-length mirror can help you check your form and make sure you’re moving the hoop correctly. It’s also a great tool when learning new tricks.
- Instructional Videos/DVDs or Classes: While not a physical equipment, having a source of learning and inspiration is essential. There are many online resources available that can provide tutorials and routines.
- Music: Again, not a physical equipment, but hooping to music can make the activity much more enjoyable and help you develop a rhythm.
- Safety Gear (Optional): If you’re working on tricks or more advanced moves, you may want to consider safety gear like knee pads or wrist guards.