There are many Hula-Hoop® benefits for people who choose to exercise in this fun way. First, it is an aerobic exercise, so it encourages weight loss, and boosts cardiovascular health and endurance, as well as improves the mood. It also targets the core muscles, tightening the abdomen, buttocks, and thigh area. In addition, it helps to strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine and neck as well as increasing flexibility in the back, which can help with posture and prevent injuries. Some more of the most important Hula-Hoop® benefits are that it is fun, and can be performed virtually anywhere, no matter what the weather is doing outside.
Many people undertake this exercise as an alternative to other aerobic workouts, such as running or biking. Working out with a Hula-Hoop® allows an individual to have an excellent aerobic session in the comfort and safety of his or her own home. It gets the heart and the blood pumping, which helps to reduce the risk of heart disease as well as boosting the endurance of the heart and lungs. It also burns fat, and can really help with weight loss. Many people cite the weight loss and tightening of the muscles around the stomach and core as one of the biggest Hula-Hoop® benefits.
In addition to weight loss, other Hula-Hoop® benefits include increased strength of some of the most important supporting muscles in the body. Hula-Hooping® works the abdominal muscles, thighs, and buttocks, and helps to loosen the often-tight hip flexor muscles. As a combined exercise, this is extremely beneficial for the body because it can prevent injury to muscles in the back as well as improve posture. It can be difficult to work the oblique abdominal muscles along the side of the body, but the Hula-Hoop® helps to target these muscles as well. It also improves overall coordination.
Some people may simply be more likely to do a Hula-Hoop® workout because they enjoy it. Weighted Hula-Hoops® can make it more challenging, and there are a number of exercise videos with various routines to follow. Another one of the more important Hula-Hoop® benefits is that it can be done anywhere, since many people enjoy working out privately, in their own homes. Regular aerobic exercise such as this has further been shown to improve the mood and reduce stress, which can improve sleep at night, as well as helping to prevent certain disorders like anxiety or depression.