She’s got a figure that most women crave. And if you’re wondering what it is that Beyonce does to maintain her perfect hourglass shape, we’ll let you in on her secret. It’s the hula hoop. And she’s not the only one. The hula hoop is quite a rage even Michelle Obama is a fan of this simple apparatus.

So what is it about the humble hula that makes it such a hit? This simple hoop not only tones your abs and glutes, but it also helps get rid of those problematic love handles.

To keep the hula spinning on your torso, you need to sway the hips quickly, thus effectively trimming the waist, thighs and hips. Hula hooping is also a brilliant cardiovascular workout, all that swaying gets the heart rate up. Experts say that vigorous hula hooping for eight minutes can burn up to a whopping 110 calories.

One more benefit of using a hula hoop regularly is that it helps build and strengthen core abdominal and lower back muscles. This helps improve and strengthen the spine. As a result, it improves one’s balance, posture and agility. The good thing about hula hooping as a form of exercise is that you don’t have to spend much on it. Plastic hula hoops are relatively inexpensive and are the perfect option for first-timers. Also, plastic being a light material will make it easier for you to get the nuances of using it effectively. Once you have mastered the art, you can always go for a special exercise hoop.

When buying, make sure you get one with a large diameter as these rotate slower, making it easier to keep the hoop in motion. Once you’ve got it going, opt for a smaller hoop. You have to move much faster to keep up with a smaller hoop, this will ensure that you get a more effective workout. One thing that you must avoid, as a beginner, is making the mistake of moving with the hoop. This will make it much tougher for you. The ideal motion is side to side with a little forward shift in the hip that is bumping the hoop along. It is difficult to describe, but easy to feel when you start to get it right. Alternate the direction that you spin the hoop from time to time to get a more even workout for both sides of your body. And guess what, if you’re having a tough time to get your kid to play and exercise, this may just be the perfect option. Just gift your kid a hoop.

Getting the motions right and trying to balance the hoop on the waist without it falling down will be a perfect challenge, one that your little one is bound to enjoy. You can compete with your child to see who can swing the hoops for the longest time. It’s also an ideal birthday party game, one that will have kids jumping for their turn to have a go at it.

So go ahead, get yourself a simple yet highly effective plastic hoop and spin away to a fun workout to get that perfectly shaped body you’ve always dreamed off. Happy hula hooping!

To get started…

• Lay the hula hoop on the ground.

• Step inside the hoop circle. Reach down and grip the edges of the hoop.

• Place your hands apart at a distance that is comfortable for you.

• Bring the hula hoop up to your waist level. Grip the hoop firmly with two hands.

• Gently relax it against one side of your torso and get prepared to send it into a spin.

• Start to move your waist in a circular motion. Spin the hoop.

• Keep moving your waist in a circular motion as you let go. Aim to get the hoop to wrap itself around your waist, round and round. The hoop will definitely fall the first few tries. Just pick it up again and keep going. As you get the feeling for the motion, relax and have fun.

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