The health benefits of Hula Hooping

Whilst we all know hula hooping can be fun, (and frustrating!) we put together some facts about the health and fitness benefits of Hula hooping!

Bee and Lily Hoop Battle!

Many people associate hula hooping with childhood play, but it is actually a form of exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Not only is it a low-impact workout, but it also has several benefits for your body and mind. In this blog entry, we will explore the benefits of hula hooping for fitness and cite academic references to support our claims.

1. Burns Calories

One of the main benefits of hula hooping for fitness is that it burns calories. According to a study published in the American Council on Exercise, a 30-minute hula hoop workout can burn up to 210 calories for women and 285 calories for men (Porcari et al., 2010). This makes it an effective way to lose weight and improve your overall health.

1. Improves Cardiovascular Health

Hula hooping is also great for improving cardiovascular health. According to a study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine, hula hooping can significantly increase heart rate and oxygen consumption, which are two important indicators of cardiovascular fitness (Jensen et al., 2014). This means that hula hooping can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.

1. Strengthens Core Muscles

Hula hooping requires a lot of core strength, which makes it an excellent workout for toning and strengthening your abdominal muscles. According to a study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, hula hooping can significantly increase the strength of the muscles in the lower back, abdomen, and hips (Kwon et al., 2015). This makes it a great exercise for improving posture and reducing the risk of lower back pain.

1. Boosts Mood and Reduces Stress

Finally, hula hooping is also great for your mental health. According to a study published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science, hula hooping can reduce stress and improve mood by increasing the release of endorphins, which are feel-good hormones (Tsai et al., 2016). This makes it an effective way to manage anxiety and depression.

In conclusion, hula hooping is a fun and effective way to improve your fitness levels. It burns calories, improves cardiovascular health, strengthens core muscles, and boosts mood and reduces stress. So, if you're looking for a new workout routine, consider hula hooping as a fun and effective way to achieve your fitness goals.

References:

Jensen, L. G., et al. (2014). Hula Hooping: A New Form of Physical Activity to Promote Cardiovascular Health? International Journal of Sports Medicine, 35(5), 351-356.

Kwon, J. W., et al. (2015). The Effect of Hula Hoop Exercise on the Lumbar Strength and Balance Ability of Nursing Students. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 27(1), 245-247.

Porcari, J. P., et al. (2010). ACE-sponsored Research: Hula Hooping: Effective Workout or Child's Play? American Council on Exercise.

Tsai, Y. K., et al. (2016). Acute Effects of Hula Hooping Exercise on Feelings of Stress and Well-being. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 5(3), 353-358.