Hula Hooping Benefits You Probably Didn't Know About

My latest obsession is hula hooping… and I thought, why not share with our Lotus Moonistas they might love it too!

Hula hooping, or hoop dancing is a fitness activity where you use a weighted hoop to get in shape. The word “hula” comes from the Hawaiian term meaning “to dance.” It was a traditional pastime in Hawaii and Polynesia, and over time it has transformed from dance to sport.

The hula hoop is making a comeback. While it was once a popular children’s toy in the 1950s, today’s modern hoop can be traced back to the 1990s rave scene.

Hula hooping is a fun and easy activity that you can do anytime and anywhere. Whether you're looking for a new form of exercise, a playful way to stay fit, or simply looking to have some fun, hula hooping may be the perfect hobby for you!

It’s a great way to improve your mood, learn something new, lose weight and get fit. There are lots of different types of Hula Hoops available to buy, including weighted hoops for people who want to build up their strength or have joint problems.

Since hula hooping relies on our hips, abdominals, obliques and lower back to circle the hoop and keep it off the ground, these muscles get a fantastic workout.

I put on a favorite dance song and start hula hooping… I’m up to 100 in one direction then I stop and change direction.

Hula hooping is comparable in results to other dance aerobic activities such as salsa, swing dancing and belly dancing. Which means, incorporating this into our life can help burn calories, strengthen and tighten our midsection and challenge our lower body.

1. Hand-eye coordination and motor skills

Like other sports, hooping requires hand-eye coordination and challenges our brain as well as our muscles. Hooping in both our natural direction and our reverse directions (recommended) is an excellent opportunity for our brain to engage both your dominant and non-dominant sides to help with the body's balance.

2. Hooping is a complete core workout

Studies show that hooping burns visceral fat e.g belly fat - the fat that is the hardest to get off the older we get, and also the most detrimental to heart health.

3. Spine strength and flexibility

Regular practice can train our spine to a greater range of motions than we are used to, increasing our flexibility and even preventing back injuries.

4. Helps balance the 2nd chakra

The energy center in our lower abdomen and back is known as the second chakra. It’s where all the juice in life comes from – our feelings, playfulness, sexuality, desire, pleasure and procreation.

Like I said, it’s where the party starts!

Imagine improving constipation, fertility, menstrual cycles, and urinary issues by hula hooping?

Yeah! That’s 2nd chakra BABY!!

5. Good for heart (also our 4th chakra)

Hooping for just twenty minutes a day can count towards our moderate-vigorous intensity physical activity recommended for improving and maintaining our health.

6. Improves mood

Aside from a wonderful burst of endorphins we’re likely to enjoy after a good round of hooping, this activity a great stress reliever.

7. Have fun

It’s a fantastic way to start the day, burn a few calories, build strength, get rid of belly fat.

Let me know by commenting below, if you are already hula hooping or plan to give it a try!