Hula hooping for fitness is coming into fashion again. It seems to be one of those nostalgic workouts that goes in and out of style. As soon as it starts to fade, everyone remembers why it’s so much fun and what a great workout it gives, so it comes right back into fashion again.

Hula Hooping for Fitness for 1950s Nostalgia

Whether you are new to hula hooping for fitness or are able to handle multiple hoops at a time, these skills can be incorporated into a fantastic workout.  There are tons of different ways to use the technique, from the classic standing and swirling your hips to much more complex dances.  All you need is a hula hoop that most dollar stores carry in the spring and summer. That’s all the equipment you need to get started and have fun.

Even though hula hooping for fitness is experiencing a resurgence, people have been doing this since the 1950s, when it was sold as a toy.  Though it has been used for fun for many years, the waves of working them into workouts have only been occurring over the last few decades.

How to Get Started

As was mentioned above, all you need to begin hula hooping for fitness is a hoop.  After that, your technique all depends on what you like to do, your skill level and your experience level. To get started, it’s a good idea to get the rhythm of the movement. This will not only help you to be more successful in keeping the hoop from falling but will also help you to know your form and method are appropriate for the workout without causing injury.

Once you’ve learned the basics, the sky is the limit. You can continue hula hooping for fitness with the one hoop, or you can choose to add more. The number of hoops you use is really only limited by the number you’re able to keep up.

Remember that you don’t need to keep the hoop exclusively around your waist, you can also learn to use it around your arms, legs, or even neck.  Be particularly careful with your form if you choose to try it around your neck though, in order to prevent injury.

This type of workout not only provides you with cardio, rapidly raising your heart rate, but it also helps to strengthen the muscles you’re using.  If you’re hula hooping for fitness in the typical way around your waist, you’ll be using your core muscles as well as your glutes.

Where to Start Hula Hooping for Fitness

You can get started with hula hooping for fitness just about anywhere. The key really is space. Unless you have a tremendous amount of space indoors (and nothing breakable), you’ll likely want to head outside.  This is not only a good idea, so you’ll have enough horizontal space to get started, but also so you’ll have enough vertical space if you begin practicing on your arms.  You’d need particularly high ceilings to be able to dance around and swing the hoop on your arms inside your home.

Alternately, if you have a gym space available or if your local gym teaches a class, that will provide you with the space and guidance you require to learn the techniques and move freely without fear of bashing into things.

Don’t forget to power up before your workout with the best supplement for energy to ensure you’re maximizing every minute with the hoop.