When last did you play with a hula hoop? Hooping is not only great fun, it actually comes with a bunch of fitness perks, too! Up for a challenge? 

Hoop Yourself Fit

Unless you’re ardent musical festival goer, chances are you haven’t played with a hula hoop since well before you were legally allowed to drive. It’s a shame, really. So many of the games we played as kids were actually great exercise – and so much more fun than crunches! Hula hooping is a perfect example. Regular hooping can strengthen your core, tone your abs, increase your coordination and even increase your fitness.

Ready To Give It A Try?

STEP 1: Choose your hoop.
A standard plastic hula hoop will set you back around R30-R40. These hoops come in fun colours, but they’re also thin and light. If you’re just starting out and can’t remember a how on earth you kept that thing going when you were five, consider a slightly heavier hoop like the ones at the gym. These will typically move more slowly but be easier to control. As you get better at hooping, you can mix it up with lighter hoops or try multiple hoops at once.
STEP 2: Master the action.
Hold the hoop around your waist with a little apart. The easiest position is one foot slightly in front of the other. Swing the hoop around your body and rock your body gently back and forth to keep it going. Keep your arms up, your tummy tucked in and your head still, looking straight ahead.
STEP 3: Take it up a notch.
You got it? Well done! Now try turning in a circle or walking around, keeping that hoop moving. For max fitness benefits, hoop for at least half an hour a day.
How long can you hoop for? Tag us on Twitter and Instagram and let us know. Or tag us in your #HoopFail videos. We all fail together, don’t worry!