Hula Hooping for Beginners: Your Journey to Fitness and Play
Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to exercise? Look no further than the humble hula hoop! I’ve noticed this childhood favorite has making a comeback recently in a big way as a fantastic full-body workout for adults. I’m not sure whether I just run in the right circles (pun intended) or if New Zealanders, on the whole, are embracing more fun, play, and dance into their adult lives. In this guide, we'll show you how to get started with hula hooping and discover the joy of this playful fitness trend.
Choosing the Right Hoop
Before you start your hula hoop journey, it's important to select the right size hoop, (although you could make do with your auntie’s hoop if you just want to try it out first) As a beginner, you'll want a larger, heavier hoop to make learning easier. Here's a quick guide:
- For dress sizes 4-6: 34" diameter
- For dress sizes 8-12: 36" diameter
- For dress sizes 14-16: 38" diameter
- For sizes 16 and up: 40" diameter
Remember, a larger hoop rotates more slowly, giving you more time to react and keep it spinning.
If you are taller or larger than average or have tried hula hooping before and found it tricky, opt for larger sizes. You can check out the Pixie Hula Hoop NZ ultimate size guide for more info, or just give us a call or email if you’re not sure.
Tips for Keeping the Hoop Up
Now that you have the right hoop, let's get spinning! Here are some tips to help you keep that hoop up:
- Stand with one foot slightly in front of the other for better balance
- Keep your feet planted and move your hips in a circular motion, not your whole body.
- Start the hoop at your waist, giving it a firm push to get it rotating.
- Focus on pushing forward and backward with your abs, not side to side, find the sweet spot on your front hip and try to bump the hula hoop in the same spot every time it comes around your body.
- Keep your core engaged and maintain a steady rhythm.
Don't get discouraged if the hoop falls at first – it's all part of the learning process!
The Power of Play as Exercise
As adults, we often forget the importance of play in our lives. Hula hooping is a perfect way to reintroduce fun into your fitness routine. It's not just about burning calories; it's about rediscovering the joy of movement. We probably all know from grueling gym workouts that if we are actually enjoying ourselves the time will go by a lot faster!
Hula hooping provides the perfect, playful full body workout, engaging your core, arms, and legs. As you progress, you'll notice improved coordination, balance, and muscle tone. Plus, it's a low-impact exercise that's gentle on your joints. If you’re into, or interested in things like pilates and yoga for posture, muscle tone and core strength then hula hooping or hoop dance is a must-try.
Getting Outside and Staying Active
One of the best things about hula hooping is its portability. Take your hoop to the park, moana, or backyard for an outdoor workout. Breathing fresh air and soaking up some vitamin D while you exercise can boost your mood and overall well-being. Especially great for those sunny winter days. Did I also mention that hula hooping is an awesome way to make friends in the community! From Northland to Invercargill there’s bound to be an existing circus or flow jam happening near you, check facebook to find them and go along. In my experience, these flow-clubs are always so friendly, and inviting, and they will probably even show you some tips and tricks.
Embrace the Journey
Remember, learning to hula hoop is a process. Some days you'll nail it, and others you might struggle. That's okay! The key is to keep at it and enjoy the journey. As you improve, you'll find yourself looking forward to your hula hoop sessions as a fun way to stay fit and active.
So, grab a hoop and start spinning your way to fitness and fun. Your body (and inner child) will thank you!
Happy hooping!
[photo credit: Patricia Prudente]