I can safely bet that most of you once owned, or at least used, a hula-hoop.  I can also guess that if your old hula-hoop is not lost in a garbage dump, it’s in storage somewhere, unseen for years.  Well, it’s time to dust off your favorite childhood toy, because it may just be your new best workout buddy.
Inspired by an article that I read about a woman who lost 100-something pounds from hula hooping, I invested a whopping $3.95 in a blue-and-pink hula-hoop from K-Mart.  Not that I’m trying to lose weight, but such drastic results must mean that it’s a good exercise nonetheless!  I recently started hula hopping for 30 minutes per day (only stopping to pick up the hula-hoop when it fell), and my core is already feeling stronger.  So, here are some tips to help you reach your hula-hooping potential.
Stay occupied while hula hooping.
Although it’s a fun exercise, standing in one spot can get tedious.  If your favorite show is on, hula hoop while watching that!  Not only does it get you off the couch, but it also distracts you from the workout.  For those of you overachievers, you can also try reading a book or magazine.  Reading hula hooping takes practice, though!
Drink water.
It’s up to you how often you take a drink during your workout (I usually take a sip every five-to-ten minutes), but you need to stay hydrated somehow.  As I’m sure you already know, your body loses fluids while you sweat—and you will be sweating by the end of your workout!
Switch directions.
When you first pick up the hula-hoop, your body will automatically move in one direction (clockwise or counterclockwise).  While it might be easier to spend your entire workout hula hooping clockwise, it’s important to spend just as much time doing it in a counterclockwise motion.  You and your body will get used to the different motions, and as a result the exercise will work both sides of your abdomen.  If you get really into hula hooping, you can buy weighted hula-hoops at sport shops for about $30-40, which will work your core even more!
Tighten your thigh muscles and buttocks.
The back-and-forth motion of the exercise focuses on the abdominal muscles, but you can amp up your workout (and often balance the hula-hoop better) by squatting. Â When you squat, be sure to flex your lower-body muscles in order to get a more comprehensive workout.
Don’t be discouraged!
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, chances are your hula-hoop will drop fairly often.  However, you can turn its fall into a workout—just tighten your abdominal muscles when you bend over to pick it up.  As you practice, you will get better at balancing the hula-hoop, so keep at it!
The most important tip: Have fun!
Hula hooping is sold as a children’s toy for a reason—kids love playing with them!  So let your inner child come out and enjoy this fun, simple workout.