04/25/2018
Child's Play
Hula hoops are making a comeback! And now the grown-ups are joining the kids. Recently, the American Council on Exercise conducted a study into the activity’s potential cardio and calorie-burning benefits. Researchers recruited 16 female volunteers between the ages of 16 and 59 who were intermediate to advanced-level hoopers. Each participant took part in 35 minute practice sessions. Once they were comfortable with the routines, they completed the workout at their own pace using a weighted hoop and were monitored with a portable oxygen analyzer and a Polar heart-rate monitor. Researchers recorded heart rate and oxygen consumption at one-minute intervals during the 30-minute workout. Researchers found hooping burns an average of 210 calories during a 30-minute hooping workout , that's a whopping 420 calories per hour! What are the other benefits of 'hooping?- Involves some of the biggest muscles in the body, which require significant amounts of energy, forcing the body to burn stored fat.
- Strengthens and tones several of the body’s core muscles. Standard hooping works glutes, thighs, hips, legs, knees and abdomen. Heavier hoops are available for additional resistance to tone these muscles faster.
- Is a low impact exercise that anyone can use to increase their endurance and general fitness level.
- Hula hooping is fun, and it makes exercising less of a chore.
- Improves coordination by developing timing and rhythm.
- Increases flexibility, which can help prevent of back injuries.
