Hobbies And Interests
How to Select a Hula Hoop
The size of your hula hoop will affect how easy it is to use. Ideally, when you stand the hoop on the ground, the top will hit between your waist and your chest. The larger a hoop, the more slowly it will rotate. A smaller hoop will be more difficult to keep up around your hips.
Where to Buy a Hula Hoop
Hula Hoops can be bought at most toy stores, discount stores with toy departments and some sporting goods stores. There are also online shops that carry a variety of hoops. If you're shopping at a toy store or in a toy department, look for hula hoops in the outdoor toys section, near the wading pools and water guns.
Price
Hula hoops can cost anywhere from a few dollars at a toy or discount store to close to $100 for a weighted, water-filled or custom hoop ordered online.
Health Benefits of Hula Hoops
Using a hula hoop regularly can increase muscle tone and strength, improve cardiovascular health and burn calories. The steady rhythm required to keep the hoop up and rotating can also promote a sense of calm and relaxation and reduce stress.
How to Use a Hula Hoop
Start with the hoop held just above your waist, with it resting gently against your back. The hoop should be parallel to the floor. Put one foot a little bit in front of the other. Push the hoop to one side, and at the same time, begin to rock back and forth from one foot to the other. Moving your hips in a circle with the hoop usually doesn't work. It can take a few tries to get the hang of it; try moving a little slower or faster, or using more of a side-to-side motion if you need to.
Hula Hoops Aren't Just for Your Waist
Hula hoops can be used around your arm, knees and even your neck. Hoop dancing is a form of dance that involves moving the hula hoop gracefully from one part of the body to another and using it as a prop for some of the moves.