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in motion.

Beginners often try to move with the hoop, which is much more difficult. The motion is more 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. Be sure to alternate the direction that you spin the hoop from time to time to get a more even workout for both sides of your body.

Weighted Exercise Hoops

Exercise hula hoops are becoming more widely available all the time. You can buy them in sporting good stores or at online specialty shops, such as www.sports-hoop.com. This site also includes a guide for choosing the right hoop for you, how to hula hoop, and many other hooping resources.

Weighted hoops come in a variety of weights, sizes, and designs. When using a weighted hoop, you have to be careful of how long you exercise. Because weighted hoops are so effective at toning muscles, it is easy to overdo it without realizing it at the time. You should build up your strength slowly by hooping for only a few minutes each day.

Hoop Dancing

Hula hoops are becoming more popular all the time. Fitness clubs are beginning to offer hooping classes and DVDs, such as the Hoopnotic Hoopdance series, are available for workouts at home. Celebrities like Beyonce and Sandra Oh have raved about the benefits of hula hoop workouts, which has helped put hooping in the news.

You can hoop dance on your own at home, by simply putting on some music and hooping to the beat. You can even spin the hoop around each arm to tone arm and shoulder muscles. Be sure to warm up and stretch afterward if you are going to use your hula hoop for an extended workout.

Once you've found the proper hoop and mastered the basics, you're on your way to strengthening your core muscles. Keep the hoop handy and work in a few minutes while watching TV. Or buy hoops for the whole family and have hula hoop contests. Because it's not just about the exercise, hula hoops are also a lot of fun!

Learn more about this author, Susan Quilty.
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