Strengthen Your Core With A Hula Hoop

It’s a hot, sunny day in Washington, DC. Most people are holed up in their offices enjoying the air conditioning, but not First Lady Michelle Obama. She is outside participating in a hula hooping contest with a large group of children as part of her Let’s Move! campaign. Mrs. Obama recognizes the benefits of hula hooping and hopes to spread that information to the next generation of young athletes. But, hula hooping isn’t just a sport for kids! Nearly everyone can enjoy the cardiovascular and strength benefits of “hooping!”

Most people have tried to use a hula hoop during their lifetime. But they often become frustrated if they aren’t immediately successful and chock up their failures to a “lack of talent.” Fortunately, hula hooping is a skill that can be learned.  And, with enough effort, it can completely transform your body.

How Hula Hoops Transform Your Body

Many people dream of having a flat stomach. This goal is not impossible to achieve. Just the simple act of rotating your hips to keep a hula hoop up works thirty different muscles in your abdominal area. Many of these muscles don’t get strengthened during traditional exercise, so the opportunity to push your body out of its comfort zone should be welcomed.

In addition to working your abdominal muscles, hula hooping strengthens your back. When your back is strong, you are more likely to stand up straight, creating the image of a flat stomach. So, while your core is getting more defined, your back is also getting stronger and helping to keep your spine erect. After a hula hoop workout, you’ll feel more confident!

In addition to strengthening your core, hula hooping helps to improve your cardiovascular endurance and health. When you are cardiovascularly fit, you burn more calories at rest than those who lack endurance. Cardiovascular exercise is a great way to burn calories and blast fat from your abdominal area to reveal your strong core.

Benefits Beyond the Body

Other benefits of using a hula hoop include their cost-effectiveness and portability. A hula hoop can be bought using the money you would save by forgoing that daily Starbucks trip for a week, and they can be used nearly anywhere. They are perfect for people living in small apartments or large homes, and for any budget. No matter what your living situation is, you can benefit from using a hula hoop to strengthen your core!

Hula hooping is truly one of the best forms of exercise there is. Few sports build muscle and get your heart pumping at the the same time. Activities like running cause severe stress on your joints, particularly your knees, and do not do much to promote core strength. Hula hooping, however, does not hurt your joints, and is both a cardiovascular and strength-building activity.