Hula Hoops for Workout Fun

Grown men and women are picking up hula hoops, similar to those they played with back in grade school, and using them as an integral part of their workout routines.

Age Defying Fitness: Making the Most of Your Body for the Rest of Your Life

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How to Make Your Workout Fun

Do you shy away from working out because you don’t like to fight with machines at the gym? If so, you’re the perfect candidate for a different kind of workout – one that’s fun and invigorating, that tones your body, and gives you a cardiovascular boost and endorphin rush.

This time of year, a lot of people get that kind of workout by hopping on water skis or rowing down the river; but for this workout, you won’t have to leave home, unless you want to. There’s a new phenomenon sweeping the country. Grown men and women are picking up hula hoops, similar to those they played with back in grade school, and using them as an integral part of their workout routines.

According to the Cooper Institute, a health-based, nonprofit research and education centre, they’re on to something. One minute of hula hooping burns as many calories as running an eight-minute mile or high impact aerobic class. The activity also promotes correct body alignment from the circular motions and proper posture in the upper body.

Fitness experts are quick to point out you can get even more health benefits if you step things up a notch and use a weighted hoop like those offered by California’s Sports Hoop, Inc. They have three models available.

The Acu Hoop and Trim Hoop models can be used to strengthen the user’s abdomen and lower back while at the same time improving blood circulation to those areas. Both are ideal for people who are interested in health, fitness and fun, and available with 3, 4 or 5 pound weights. The primary difference between the two is that the Acu Hoop was a wavy shape design, comes in detachable pieces and is made with high tech plastics. The Trim Hoop is a plain circle with steel pipe inside. It is not available in detachable pieces.

The company also makes a Sports Hoop designed to enhance intense adult and teenage fitness workouts.

Want to give sports hoping a try? Here are the step-by-step instructions for getting started:

1) Find enough space around. Keep your feet one foot wide. Relax your knees, waist and body.

2) Relax your elbows. Lift the hoop and advance it tightly against the back of your waist.

3) Grasp the hoop and keep it in a horizontal position before swinging out. Do not position the hoop at a tilt.

4) Horizontally swing out the hoop against waist, fast and powerfully. Move your waist immediately.

5) Move your waist in a circular motion, all around pressing against the hoop.

6) Keep your motion fast enough to match the circulation speed of the hoop for it to stay up on your waist.

You can find Sports Hoop products at Sports Authority stores nationwide. For more information about their uses and health benefits, visit www.sports-hoop.com or call toll-free (866) 700-5668. Courtesy of ARA Content

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