Is Hula Hooping Good Exercise During Pregnancy?

Staying active and fit during pregnancy is important for both the mama-to-be and her developing little bean. Not only does exercise during pregnancy help to keep weight gain under control, but it also provides a wealth of other benefits, including:

• Lowered risk of complications during pregnancy
• Lowered risk of complications during delivery
•  Enhances the expectant mama’s mood
•  Speeds up postpartum recovery
•  Lowers blood pressure
•  Increases cardiovascular health
•  Eases aches and pains

If walking on a treadmill, aerobics or riding a stationary bike aren’t your cup of tea and you’re looking for an exercise routine that’s a bit more exciting, you might want to give hula hooping a try.

Pros of Hula Hooping During Pregnancy

There are some pretty excellent reasons why hula hooping is such a great exercise for expectant moms. What are some of the biggest advantages of this workout routine?

There isn’t any impact on the joints. Aches and pains are one of the biggest side effects of pregnancy that women have to endure. A growing belly and the production of the pregnancy hormone relaxin put tremendous strain on the joints, which leads to lower back and pelvic pain.

Since hula hooping doesn’t put any strain on the joints, it doesn’t aggravate pregnancy-related aches and pains, making it an ideal exercise for those expectant mamas who want to avoid any added pain.

It can improve balance. That growing baby bump can throw off a woman’s center of gravity, making her feel unsteady on her feet. Because hooping strengthens the core, it can actually improve balance and coordination during pregnancy, making a woman feel more steady on her feet.

It keeps blood pressure in check. High blood pressure is problematic for all people, but during pregnancy, in particular, it is a serious problem that can lead to preterm birth.

Hula hooping does wonders to improve cardiovascular health. It strengthens the heart, allowing it to pump more efficiently, thus reducing a pregnant mama’s heart rate and blood pressure.

It’s just fun! Hula hooping will make any expectant mom feel like she’s a kid again. It’s far more entertaining than riding a stationary bike or walking on a treadmill; plus, it will ready mama for any hula hooping challenges that she and her child may partake in later on.

Things to be Careful of

Like all things in life, there is a downside to hula hooping during pregnancy; namely, it may be difficult to keep that hoop up and moving.

As that baby bump grows, it may be more challenging for an expectant mama to keep the hoop around her waist and keep it moving in a circular motion. To avoid this challenge, pregnant women should try different hoops on for size. For example, a weighted hoop may actually be easier for her to control.