Hula Hoop Exercises For Fitness And Abs

Posted by admin in Fitness Articles on 02 7th, 2009

Hula hoop exercises are a modern phenomenon. The hula hoop was invented in the 1950s and in those days when weight and fitness were not such big issues in the western world, it was seen as a piece of play equipment for kids and young teens. Girls would whirl them around their hips in the school yard.

Then the hula hoop fell out of fashion, until it was rediscovered in recent years as a great way to tone up, especially for the stomach and abs. It became all the rage in LA and was taken up by celebrities such as Beyonce. Suddenly this discarded toy gained a whole new market in the world of exercise and fitness.

Now you can buy weighted hula hoops. This sounds like it would be harder work but in fact it is easier to keep a weighted hoop spinning around your hips – or any other part of the anatomy. At the same time, the weights give you a great workout – and it’s a lot of fun!

For a general hula hoop workout that can increase overall fitness as well as working particular muscle groups, keep the hoop spinning while you perform squats and arm raises.

To perform a leg raise using the hoop, stand with feet hip-width apart, toes pointing forward. Hold the hoop in front of you as if it was a big steering wheel. Turn the hoop to the right and lift your right leg out to the side. Repeat. Then turn the hoop to the left and lift your left leg out to the side, and repeat. That series is one rep. You can do 10 reps or more. Then go back to spinning the hoop around your hips.

To avoid muscle injury and strains, be sure to go through a warm up series of stretching or marching on the spot before you start your hula hoop exercises. Check with your doctor before starting if you have any health problems. The hula hoop exercise movement involves several muscle groups and it can be great for strengthening the core muscles of the back. 

There is a lot you can do with a hula hoop apart from the regular spinning around the waist. You can begin by having it turn lower on the hips or up almost around the ribs. You can use it on arms and legs. As you become more expert, you can dance with the hoop.

Hula dance classes can be found in some areas. Here you can learn advanced moves and dance workouts using the hoop under the tuition of an experienced teacher. If you don’t have access to a class, you can pick up a hoop dance DVD and learn the same routines by performing regular hula hoop exercises in the comfort of your own home.

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