In the latest issue of the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Performance Training Journal, author Kyle Brown is talking hula hoops when it comes to building core strength. “Every muscle in your core gets work, from the obliques and abdominals to your glutes. Once you get it down, graduate to a weighted hoop for building muscular endurance.” For those looking at building core strength the article (pdf file) explains how to make hula hooping for 20 to 30 minutes a challenging endurance workout. Basically the larger and heavier the hoop, the easier it’ll be to use because small lightweight hoops require more energy to keep suspended. “Choose one that comes to somewhere between your hip and chest when stood vertically upright on the floor. When you’re unable to maintain good posture, it’s time to hang it up for the day.”
