I love to exercise these days, but that was not always the case. The difference now is that I have taken the time to find exercises that I actually enjoy. I asked my doctor once what the best exercise was and he chucked and said, “The exercise you do.” And that is how I started hula hooping. See I loved hooping as a little girl. It was one of my absolute favorite activities on the playground. I could do it all day if I had the chance. So it was a logical choice for my adult exercise.

First thing to do is find a hoop that is the right size for you. Your ideal hoop should come somewhere between your belly button and chest when you stand it in front of you. If you are looking to lose some weight, go for a weighted hoop. Remember that the smaller the hoop, the faster you will have to turn those hips to keep it moving. That means more calories burned. If you are new to hooping though, a taller hoop is easier to get going and maintain.

The best part of hula hooping for me, is that I don’t feel like I am exercising. My kids love to grab their hoops and join in the fun. I always bring my hoop when we go outside to play after school, or on the weekends.

Hooping is great exercise. It works your entire core. Who doesn’t want a good strong defined core? It also works your lower back. And your butt. And your legs. Do some arm spins and it works those too. In addition to working your core muscles (without doing a sit-up) it is fantastic cardio. Intense hooping can burn as much as jogging!

For my daughter, hula hooping has helped her gain a little more confidence. She was always the timid shy one during PE. Except for when they hula hoop! It was easy for her to learn and has given her the confidence to try other new things.

Hula hooping is just plain fun!

-Stephanie Wright