The hula hoop has been around for centuries, and playing with it has not stopped after all this time! Kids, and even adults, are grabbing this amazing circle and finding ways to increase physical activity, while being creative and sharing the hoop with others. Robbie Lewis, of Birmingham’s Hoop for Fitness, enlightens us with 5 reasons why your child should be hula hooping on a regular basis.
1. Physical Activity
Yes, I said it - the dirty word, exercise! Any type of movement can be labeled this, but pushing a hoop with your body is a non-traditional exercise, which is why I love to hoop. I am not one that loves to exercise, but when I grab the circle, it gets my heart rate up and tones muscles I didn’t even know I had. Whether you are a kid or an adult, you just can’t go wrong with using the hoop as a form of physical activity!
2. Stress Relief
After a brain-challenging day at school, why not grab the hoop in the back yard or with a neighborhood friend (or parent, for that matter) and push the hoop for at least 20 minutes. As with all exercise, it releases endorphins in the brain that help to calm and relax after all that work during the day. It plays a role in combating depression, anxiety, ADHD, ADD, dyslexia, and other conditions.
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3. Brain/Body Building
Have you ever tried to rub your belly and pat your head? Well, many hula hoop moves accomplish this same brain/body connection. Try walking while hula hooping, or moving your arms at the same time. Learning hoop dance moves actually builds the brain and challenges both the right and left sides. Once those connections are made, it filters over into other learning abilities at school and in daily lifestyle activities. Perfect for those with ADHD, ADD, Autism, and even those of us having “senior moments!”
4. Creativity & Performance Enhancing Skills
We do more than just push hoops on the waist, nowadays. We do what we call Hoop Dance! Creative movements coincide with hula hooping to help children express their personality, build self-esteem, and gain coordination. Ever seen hula hoopers on America’s Got Talent - then you know what I’m talking about. Whether it is dancing with your hula hoop in the back yard or piecing together choreography for your next school talent show - the hoop is definitely a fun way to be innovative filled with grace!
5. Family Activity
Who says only kids hula hoop? Why not look into getting hula hoops for the whole family? Hoop for Fitness makes quality, professional-grade hoops for all sizes - baby (ages 0-5), kid (ages 6-13), and junior/adult (14 and up) and even the mega-hoop for those who want to move much slower with their hooping practice. Having the right size and weight of hoop helps to make sure your child and other hoopers be successful. You cannot screw in a screw with a hammer, you have to have the right tool. Your hoop must be the right size for you!
*DEAL ALERT* Looking to try hoop dance for FREE? Visit St. Vincent’s One Nineteen, Tuesdays and Thursdays 6-7 pm, for our all-levels hoop class with Ann. Your first class is FREE! Designed for ages 10 and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Hoop for Fitness is Birmingham’s premier source for personalized, custom hula hoops of all sizes and weights, talent show choreography, birthday parties for ages 7 and up, school and library programs, outdoor festival demos, professional performances, and hoop dance classes.
Contact Hoop For Fitness at info@HoopForFitnessBham.com or 205-515-3010.
Read more about Hoop for Fitness in the Mac Kid Birthday Party Guide HERE.
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