Hula hooping strengthens the abdomen and waist. Here’s how to do it!

Kids have always loved hula hoops, which are now being used as a fun way of keeping fit. Science has shown that hula hooping is a highly effective technique for toning and slimming, as well as being loads of fun!

As well as getting your body moving and burning calories, this kind of exercise helps to prevent lower back (lumbar) pain by strengthening the muscles in the lower abdomen and back. It boosts blood flow and improves general posture and balance. What’s more, hula hooping is easy to do at home, particularly if you are very busy or do not go to the gym regularly.

How to twirl the hoop correctly

If you manage to get good control and keep the hula hoop twirling, you will give your body a good workout and enjoy numerous benefits:

1. Choose the right size hula hoop, ensuring that it comes up no higher than your belly button. If it is much bigger, it will be too heavy and you will have trouble spinning it, it will be more tiring and you will move about less.
2. It may look simple, but there’s a trick to hula hooping. Keeping it spinning uses the abdominal muscles, the waist and legs and buttocks. Stand with your legs slightly bent at hip width and your arms up, moving your pelvis and waist at the same time. Keep your abdominal muscles tight, especially your sides, to help to support the trunk and back.
3. Here’s a simple example five-minute workout:

1) Spin the hula hoop around your waist for a minute

2) Dance with the hoop around your trunk for another minute

3) Now put it over one foot and jump with the other one

4) Jump for another minute with the other foot

5) Lastly, use the hula hoop for 30 seconds on each arm

      4. Finish your routine by doing some planks, sit ups and hip lifts on the floor.

Hula hoop enthusiasts recommend that you start off practising for a few minutes a day and then gradually build up to 25- to 30-minute daily workouts.

You may find it challenging at first, but it is worthwhile persevering. Don’t give up, stick to your routine, and you will soon start noticing the improvements to your body. A toned abdomen, a stronger back and a flatter stomach.

Get hold of a hula hoop, put on some lively music and start twirling. Your body will be healthier and you’ll feel great!

This post is also available in: Spanish