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If you're looking for a quick and easy way to strengthen your core muscles and you want a change from pilates or yoga, why not give hula hooping a try?

That's right, the same plastic hoop that's been a staple of childhood play for decades is also an amazing exercise tool. The hula hoop can effectively trim your waist, hips, and thighs, build abdominal and lower back muscles, and give your cardiovascular system a work out.

Strong core muscles - muscles in your abdomen, back, pelvis, and hips - support your spine, improving your balance, posture, and agility. Having a strong core makes it easier to throw, kick, or perform most any motion.

While abdominal muscles have been a target of exercise for decades, the idea of building all of the core muscles is a new concept to many people. Core muscles are not all visible. Some muscles, like the transverse abdominis, are hidden beneath other muscles.

Core muscles work together to stabilize your trunk. Stomach crunches target muscles in the abdomen, but miss other key core muscles. The circular motion of hula hooping gets all of your core muscles working, including muscles in your abdomen, back, pelvis, hips, and even your thighs.

Basic Hula Hooping

You can buy a simple hooping hoop for a few dollars at nearly any toy store. In the spring and summer they are sometimes even available in grocery stores with the seasonal outdoor items. Although, if you are a beginner, you may save yourself a lot of frustration by paying more to buy a special exercise hoop.

The trouble with toy store hula hoops is that they are usually kid-sized. Hoops with a larger diameter rotate slower, making them easier to keep in motion. However, once you have it down, a smaller hoop will give you a better workout, as you have to move faster to keep up with it.

Toy hoops are so inexpensive that it might be worth picking one up first, but if you can't get it moving, don't give up. It is most likely the hoop that is causing the problem and larger hoops can be found both at sporting good stores and online.

Once you have your hoop, hold it at waist height with each hand on one side of the hoop. Keep your feet slightly wider than hip width apart, but move one of in front of the other. Move the hoop so that it is touching one hip.

Spin the hoop and let go to set it spinning around your middle. Shift your weight from one leg to the other, making your hips rock from side to side. Coordinate your movements so that your hip bumps the hoop as it rotates, keeping it

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