The Hula Hooping Workout That Will Lead to A Beach Body

Your age may have been in the single digits the last time you picked up a hula hoop thinking this to be mere child’s play, but you can hoop your way to better fitness and a great beach body in less time and exertion than you might imagine.

There’s a lot more to hula hooping than the standard way we’re all used to. Check out these exercises you can easily perform to get in shape and strengthen core areas like your abs!

Stretching First

Before beginning any workout, it’s always a good idea to warm up with some simple stretching exercises. Holding the hula hoop from the inside with your arms, place a part of it near the small of your back and the circle will be framing your face. Slowly move from the waist and stretch to the left for a count of three and back to the right for the same. Repeat several times.

The Standard Stance

Just like we said before, this is the classic method of working out using a hula hoop by keeping it in motion around your waist with your feet planted about shoulder length apart and your body facing forward. This movement is said to help shape an hourglass figure.

The Side Stance

Same as the traditional method, but in this case, turn your body to the side as if you had just taken a step forward. Your body should appear somewhat sideways as compared to the traditional method. This type of hooping is said to burn 400-600 calories per hour.

With Pliés

This term is often used in ballet as well as exercising and simply refers to performing a deep knee bend, but in this case without the accompanying arm movement. This routine of bending while hooping could take a little practice at first, but you’ll get the hang of it in no time.

Passing

This refers to a simple technique of passing the hula hoop from one hand to the other while making a complete rotation around your back. It seems easy enough, but after twenty repetitions or more, you’ll likely feel it in your arms and abs.

Twist Passing

Think of the old “twist” dance move and at the same time while twisting your body at the waist, pass the hula hoop from side to side as you go. You’ll look even cooler than Chubby Checker (there’s a blast from the past) with this move.

The Halo

Named after what appears to be a halo over your head, using your wrist, twirl the hula hoop above your head for six times, grab it to stop and twirl your body around four times before you come to a stop.

Add Lunges

If you start getting dizzy from the halo moves, instead of spinning your body around, keep the hoop in motion over your head and perform forward lunges instead. Another technique that might take a bit of practice, but your abs, thighs and calves will thank you later.

Be sure to check out collection of fitness DVD’s that can be purchased separately or come as a set as part of a package deal with a travel pack.