Hula hoops have become a popular workout tool for adults.Not only are they cheap and easy to use, but they also provide a fun way to burn calories and strengthen core muscles.When you get back in the hula swing, you can mix it up and learn more difficult routines for a varied and exciting workout.
Step 1: There are manageable goals to identify.
While hula hooping is a great way to get some extra aerobic activity and tone your muscles, it can't replace all other aerobic activities or compensate for inadequate strength training.Hula hooping is a great way to add variety to your workout regimen.Hula hooping can be used to tone and strengthen thigh and hip areas.A 30-minute hula hooping session can burn calories for a woman and a man.
Step 2: Pick a hoop that is on the floor.
You might be tempted to grab your child's hula hoop out of the garage or resurrect your own childhood hoop, but chances are these toys won't work for your purposes.When placed in front of you, it will stand from the floor to your navel.The bigger the hoop, the easier it will be to swing.Take your waist-size into account.If you have a bigger waist, you need a larger hoop.
Step 3: There is an open space where you can move comfortably.
No matter what you need a space for, you can swing your hoop without obstruction.There are no trees, pillars, or furniture in the room or corner of the yard that could impede your hoop movement.If storage space is an issue, you can find a retractable or inflatable hoop that will take up less space in your house or yard.If you want to make it into a more advanced workout, you have to expand your hula routine and incorporate other exercises such as lunges, walking, or crunches.
Step 4: The hoop should be pressed to the small of your back.
Standing in the open area, step through your hula hoop and place it on your back.As you stand with your feet side to side or with one foot slightly in front of the other, you can adjust the hoop's height on your waist to the place where it feels most comfortable or natural.Your feet should be about 20 inches apart.
Step 5: The hoop should be pushed in the direction that feels right.
You will be able to hula hoop in any direction you please, but for now you should swing in the direction that feels most comfortable.Right-handed people like to swing in a counterclockwise direction, while left- handed people prefer to go clockwise.You should not push down or up at the same time as you push to the side.It will be more difficult to maintain height if you have a vertical slant to your hoop's swing.
Step 6: The weight should be shifted from one foot to the other.
Once your hoop is in motion, rock your weight from one foot to the other while bending your knees.The leg movement is what keeps the hoop moving.Think of hooping as a pumping motion rather than a circular, hip-generated movement.Hold your arms above your head while you concentrate on your legs and hips.If you swing your arms, you will affect your balance and impede your hula hooping.
Step 7: Keep your abdominal muscles tight.
As you hoop, be aware of your posture and muscular activity.Your core should be firm and your spine straight as you maintain the hoop's motion.This will improve your posture and tone your stomach and back.Some hooping enthusiasts recommend practicing yoga or dance as a way to improve their skills.
Step 8: You should repeat for 10 minutes a day.
You need to be a beginner in order to get to this level, but advanced hula hoopers can work out with their hoops for hours on end.For a week or two, you can use your hula hoop for 10 minutes a day.You should try to hoop for thirty minutes at a time once you get used to it.
Step 9: Buy a weighted hula hoop.
Weighted hula hoops can be useful additions to your workout regimen.They are bigger and heavier than the garden hoop, so they provide more resistance and make your workout more vigorous.Weighted hoops can be found at most sporting goods stores or online through mass retailers.
Step 10: It's a good idea to experiment with different stances.
If you get comfortable with a particular stance as you hula hoop, you can switch up your foot position to work different muscles.You stand with one foot in front of the other in the forward stance.You plant your feet in the side stance.Your legs are put under stress as you hoop in different stances.Keeping your abdominals tight and lifting your chest and head will help you get the most out of your workout.
Step 11: Try walking while hula hooping.
Walking while hooping will burn more calories than if you do it continuously.You can try it out if you can switch between different stances and hoop continuously for 10 to 20 minutes at a time.Take a mini-step forward after starting in forward stance.Stay aware of your head, neck, chest, and abdominal positions.Try walking in different directions if it gets too easy.To walk to the side, start in a side stance and walk until you feel comfortable.
Step 12: There is a hula hoop class at the gym.
If you want to learn new workouts and fancy tricks, you can take a class and do hula hooping alone.Your instructor can show you how to tone certain areas of your body, as well as give you pointers on posture.If your local gym doesn't offer hooping classes, try searching online for hoop gatherings or one-on-one instructors in your area.