The Health Benefits of Hula Hooping

By Sara Butler

You have probably not broken out a hula hoop since you were a kid, but hula hooping is becoming an activity people use to get in shape and stay healthy. In fact, hula hooping has some pretty amazing benefits for your adult body for a toy that’s widely regarded as something for a child that was a fad 50 years ago. Here’s how this total body workout can benefit your health and wellness!

What You Need to Know

If you want to give hula hooping a try, you first need to know a few things to get started. First, a hula hoop should be sized for you. When holding it up beside you it should reach your waist – that’s how you know it’s the right size. Starting out with a weighted hoop is also easier when you’re just getting going.

You should also do a few light stretches before you begin to get your muscles warmed up and ready to work. Begin by hooping for just five minutes and then gradually increase by about five minutes per day until you can hoop for 30 minutes.

It’s Great for Back Muscles

The rhythm you get into when hula-hooping rotates and flexes the spine, knees, and hips. The motion also incorporates movement of your hips, which then exercises your quads, hip flexors, calf muscles, and hamstrings, improving support of your back through more powerful muscles in the hips and legs.

It’s Great for Core Strength

Another thing that’s great about hula hooping is how it helps to build core strength. The rotating motion used to keep the hula hoop up around your waist also works to tone and strengthen the core muscles in your abdomen. You need a strong core in order to support good posture and balance.

It’s Great for Flexibility

Moving your body as you flex your muscles while hula hooping is a safe and effective way to improve the flexibility of your joints. Plus, hula hooping is a low impact activity, making it good for people with joint conditions such as arthritis. Try hula hooping to help loosen stiff joints and increase your range of motion.

Are you ready to dust off that hula hoop and get to work? This simple activity is fun for the whole family and good for your body, so why not give it a try. It doesn't matter how long it's been! 

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Downey, Calif.

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