Hooping for Fitness is Exercise for Fun

Who says exercise can't be fun?

The fitness craze of hooping is a winner on all counts. Hooping is simple to learn, great exercise and sufficiently economical for most budgets. This page explains this type of exercise and answers some frequently asked questions about the benefits of hooping.

Some of you may remember the Hula Hoop craze back in the fifties. Those twirling, twisting, revolving hoops are re-emerging as a popular fitness craze. Even celebrities like Beyonce and Michelle Obama are taking up the hoops. And why not? Hooping is one form of exercise that is actually fun!

Oh, one important thing! We can't call these fitness hoops Hula Hoops any more. That term is trade marked by Wham-O Inc.

Check out this lens for information about hooping as a fitness craze, as well as videos,

Back in the fifties, hula hoops were toys. Hoopers, primarily girls and children, hooped for fun. Adult women tried it in hopes of spot reducing their waist and hips. Today, the hoop is back and exercisers are discovering the benefits of this fun activity. The new hoops are slightly bigger and heavier than the hula hoops of decades ago. These hoops are made to fit adults rather than children.

It's fun. It's rhythmic. You can do it to music or without music. You can do it inside or outside. You can do it alone or in a group. If you live in a community that sports a hooping fitness class, you can join up and participate.

Like most fitness exercises, hooping has simple moves for beginners, and more intricate and difficult moves for the experienced. The goal is to master the tricks and to keep moving fast enough to keep the heart rate up. Yes, today's hooping offers a cardio workout for those who pursue it seriously. And, like any cardio workout, it burns calories, which is good for those wanting to manage their weight.

And, for those who take the exercise seriously, it's a surprisingly strenuous workout.

Super Hula Hoop is among the more popular sports in Nintendo's Wii Fit system. In December, 2009, the American Council on Exercise listed hooping as "one of the top fitness trends for 2010."

Working with researchers from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, the fitness council determined the number of calories burned in the Wii fitness games. Hooping received among the higher scores at 111 calories burned in a 30 minute session.

The Wii fitness game is a great start to hooping for seniors or for others who are relatively inactive. Fit, regular exercisers may benefit more from a hooping class or from a hooping DVD or video.

This expert hooper demonstrates a few advanced tricks.

1. Is hooping good exercise?

   Like any exercise, you get out of it what you put into it. Hooping, when done vigorously, can provide a good cardio workout, plus it can enhance flexibility and balance -- and its considerably easier on the joints than exercises like running or jogging on pavement.

2. What are the benefits of hooping?

   Any movement is better than no movement. Hooping, at easier levels, is perhaps somewhat less vigorous than a moderate walk. When done vigorously, it can offer a good cardiac workout. It can also promote balance and flexibility, and since hooping can be done in classes, it has a social aspect. Unlike many forms of exercise, its FUN! Individuals who resist exercise in most forms may enjoy this activity.

3. Can I lose weight from hooping?

   There are reports of a woman losing over sixty pounds by hooping. Hooping burns calories -- and the faster and more vigorously you hope, the more calories you will burn. To lose weight, you will likely need to moderate your food intake as well as upping your exercise level.

4. What are the health benefits of hooping?

   Cardio benefits, as the heart strengthens with vigorous exercise. You may also develop flexibility and improve balance. Also, the fact that hooping is fun and enjoyable contributes to overall well-being.

5. What is the record for hula hooping?

   The information you want is at the Hula Hoop World Records

6. How old are the people taking up hooping?

   Most classes report women from their twenties through to the fifties are attending. However, there is no age limit and no reason why seniors could not benefit from hooping. As in any exercise, its wise to get a doctor's permission before commencing.

7. Is it difficult to learn to hoop?

   Most people can pick up the basic moves in an hour or so. However, maintaining the hooping movement requires a build up of skill and strength.