Working out with a hula hoop suddenly became a trend and most people, including experts, believed that it was sans any real benefits. However, a study by the American Council of Exercise reveals that 30 minutes of continuous hula hooping can have benefits equivalent to kickboxing or step aerobics.
Katie Sunshine first came into contact with hula hoop dancing in 2008 at a music festival and now has a YouTube channel where she introduces playful ways of including this great tool into your life. The hula hoops she uses are made by her and she also has a paint hoop on her website.
In a video, Katie fills one of her paint hoops with paint and starts working out in a clear area with various canvasses in the background. As she moves and works out, the paint splatters on the canvas creating art reminiscent of Jackson Pollock. The best thing about working out with a hula hoop is that it becomes fun, especially with a paint hoop, and you start enjoying yourself.
Buying the right hula hoop is no easy task. The hoop’s size should be relative to the user’s body. In an upright position, it should reach the belly-button (of a person with a slender waistline) or should be of chest height (for people with a thicker waistline).
Fitness hula hoops are also available in the market and those are specifically made for working out. For dancing, the weight should be 0.7 – 1.5 lbs. For working out, it should be around 5 lbs.