How to Use a Sports Hoop for Fitness

Bored with your exercise routine? Try hooping your way into a smaller waistline, improved cardiovascular health and just a plain better mood with a sports hoop.This "new and improved" version of a hula hoop is a 3 pound orb that's made of foam-padded plastic. The sports hoop pictured snaps apart so that you can even take it with you for a travel workout.Here's a five-step primer on how to use the sports hoop for fun and fitness.

Things You'll Need

• 1 Sports Hoop
• 10 minutes a day to start

Show More

Instructions

How to Use a Sports Hoop for Fitness

• 1

  Purchase a sports hoop online or from a sporting goods store (about $30). Assemble hoop by snapping each 12" section together. This will only take a few minutes.

• 2

  Once hoop is assembled, stand with knees slightly flexed about shoulder length apart. Place hoop around waist and grasp both sides with your hands.

• 3

  Now, swing the hoop to one side and start rocking back and forth in a side to side motion. Use your hips to keep the hoop going. This part is much easier if you're listening to music at the same time because you can hoop in rhythm to the beat.

• 4

  If the hoop drops to the floor at first, don't get discouraged. Pick it up and start again. Remember to hold the hoop out straight in front of you; don't let it dip towards the ground or point up to the ceiling.

• 5

  Get your hips rotating, catch the beat and keep it up for only 1-3 minutes a day at first. The sports hoop is much heavier than a regular hula hoop, and you'll feel the effort involved in keeping it going. Gradually work up to 10 minutes of hooping once or twice a day for noticeable results in your waistline.