The Spin on Fitness: 8 Surprising Facts About Hula Hooping as a Full-Body Workout!
Want to get fit while having the time of your life? If you haven't already fallen in love with the childhood phenomenon that is hula hooping, then you are clearly not ready for this. But don't worry, this isn't your grandma's classic playground game anymore; this is an exercise craze on steroids! Hula hooping has become a dead serious workout that is not only effective but wildly fun. Whether it is a creative way of adding variety to your routine or a discovery of something new into the world of fitness; here are eight surprising facts on how you can turn hula hooping into your next full-body workout obsession!
- It Burns More Calories Than You Think!
Think hula hooping is just a light workout? Think again! Research shows that this activity can burn up to 400-600 calories per hour, depending on your intensity as well as the size of your hoop. As compared to such high-intensity cardio as running or spinning, this physical activity works out your core, glutes and thighs and torched calories with each spin around. So, the next time you feel up for a really energetic workout that wouldn't be a chore, swing a hoop and get spinning!
- Killer Core Workout
One of the most obvious benefits of hula hooping is that it works out your core muscles. Every time that hoop is spinning, those abdominal muscles, oblique, and lower back go to work keeping it spinning in motion. This tends to give way to stronger, defined abs, all without the sit-ups you have to suffer through to get them. Another activity to add to your list is hula hooping, which includes curvilinear motion that can also improve the posture and flexibility of individuals. Thus, achieving not only a solid core workout but one that's fun and great for getting the job done.
- Just Waist Toning, Not Entirely A Full-Body Toning
While hula hooping is most known to work the core, it is in fact a full-body workout. To engage your shoulders, arms, legs, and even glutes, you can add various movements such as arm twirls, lunges, and squats. Modern fitness hula hoops are weighted, therefore creating added resistance that really puts to test the muscles and helps to tone the entire body. If you are interested in a workout that will engage from head to toe, then hula hooping might be the activity best suited for you.
- Low Impact on Your Joints
Hula hooping is low-impact exercise, which does not hurt your joints but gives you an extreme burn. This is good for people who abhor high impact exercise like running or jumping. With hula hooping, you can sweat and bulge without damaging the joints further; indeed it is perfect for all fitness levels.
- It Enhances Coordination and Balance
Hula hooping is not only a workout but seems to be accompanied by grace and flow. The only way to keep that hoop spinning is to time the body movements with each other, thus improving balance and coordination. With time, this can improve agility and enhance body awareness to help in workouts as well as in general life.
- It's a Mood Boaster
Do you need a mood lift? Hooping may be your new way out of the blues. The repeated motion of hula hooping, with its rhythmic motion, has been proven to help release endorphins in the body-a natural feel-good chemical. So how can you not smile when you are spinning a hoop around your waist while listening to some upbeat music? Really, it's almost like moving meditation and lots of people even find it helps them focus on de-stressing.
- Do it anywhere
Another reason hula hooping is becoming a fitness favorite? It's portable and flexible. All you need is a hoop and some little space to start on. You could bring your workout to the park, to your living room, or even into your backyard. Whether you're hooping indoors through the winter months or your spinning your way through the summer at the beach, the portability of a hula hoop makes it an easy workout to fit into your busy life.
- All Age Groups and Levels may use it
The best thing about hula hooping? It's for everyone! If you are on your first steps on your fitness journey, or if you are a seasoned athlete, the workout is truly great. The hoops come in varying weights and sizes, and you can use those that will fit according to what you really want to have in your fitness level. And because it's low-impact, fun, it's perfect for kids, seniors alike.
The Final Spin
Hula hooping isn't merely something fun to pass the time back in the old days; it's a tough workout that really does work all the muscles across the body, helping with its burning of calories, muscle-toning effects, and improving coordination among many others. With its very modest beginning as a new fitness trend, it is spinning into people's hearts and waists all over the world. Hula hooping might just find its way into your favorite new workout for a fun way to stay fit or merely add a playful twist to your routine.
So go out there and get a hoop and just start spinning round and round, and the good times shall roll. Your body will and your mood will too.
