Hula Hoop for Health

At our recent family reunion, we had a hula hoop contest. After several tries, I was able to get that hula hoop going and keep it going indefinitely. The next day, when my obliques (muscles on the side of your waist) were sore, I decided I needed my own hula hoop. They make nice ones now, that are weighted and easier to use. You don't want kid-size, I can tell you that.

After looking online, I found there's a whole hula hoop system of fitness -- with videos, classes, and special adult hoops. Some of the hoops even come apart or fold up so you can take them with you when you travel! I had no idea this was going on.

But, you can keep it simple. Find a hula hoop with some weight, put on some music, and get going. It's surprisingly aerobic and pretty fun. Learn how to hoop in both directions. Now I wish I'd bought 2 hula hoops so we could have contests. (I'm rather competitive.) Watch this short video for inspiration. Then get in touch with your inner kid and start hooping!