Hula Hooping for Weight Loss

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Woman doing exercises with hula hoop

Hula hooping is not just for kids anymore! Read this article on this fast, effective and fun new weight loss method.

How it Works

Hula hooping is the fastest way to tone down stomach fat because you’re not only getting a cardio workout but you’re using the abdominal muscles at the same time so it’s technically weight training as well (especially if you invest in a weighted hoop). It’s almost like doing sit ups but more effective and a lot more fun.

How to Choose a Hoop

Unfortunately, it will not be as simple as heading down to the store and picking up a kiddy hoop for $5 because that thing won’t stay up for 5 seconds. You need to find an adult sized hoop, which means for a beginner, you need one that will reach your belly button from the ground when you stand it up. Once you find yourself a decent hoop, you can get started.



How to Hula Hoop

Remember to be patient because it’s not going to stay up the first time you try it but here are some tips on how to get the hang of it a little quicker.

Spinning

To start the hoop off, hold it on your waist parallel to the floor and give it a decent spin to get the momentum going. You may find it easier to balance if you keep your feet shoulder-width distance apart. You aren’t actually moving in circles with the hoop but rather back and forward or side to side. Try both ways to find out which suits you.

Posture

Try to focus on keeping your legs and torso straight while moving only your abdominal muscles (think belly dancing). This will take a bit of practicing to get used to so be patient and don’t give yourself a hard time when it falls (because it will fall!).

You might find that your body wants to bend over when you start hula hooping which will make the hoop drop to the ground. This is a common problem with beginning hoopers but if you try to focus on standing tall and keeping your shoulders straight, you will get the hang of it quickly.

Patience

Remember that it will feel awkward at first and it will fall down but the more you practice the faster you get used to the movements. Once you get the hang of it, you can try walking with the hoop, spinning in circles and then even moving on to other body parts. You’ll be having so much fun you’ll forget that you’re even exercising.

The good thing about hula hooping is that just 10-20 minutes a day will make a difference. Take a photo of yourself in a full length mirror on day one and then again on day seven and you will be able to see that it is already working. Keep it up and you’ll be on your way to a flat, toned stomach.

Have you ever tried hula hooping for weight loss? Do you know of any other fun ways to stay in shape?

Image Courtesy:

“Woman doing exercises with hula hoop” by Elnur, Fotolia <http://au.fotolia.com/id/56924291>

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Joanne Newey

Joanne is a struggling novelist, freelance writer, long time blogger and big time bookworm. She loves learning new things and finds that she can do this through writing. She's a big fan of using natural alternatives to health and beauty products and hopes to share some of her knowledge with you.

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