Remember hula hooping at school? Those plastic rings that you tried to get away with bowling along the ground rather than suffering the humiliation of your hoop ending up around your feet after ten seconds. Hula hoops are now used by adults to have fun, improve heart health and tone the middle area. They are also an inexpensive way of exercising.
Hoops range from the low cost type children play with, to specially weighted styles designed for adult fitness. Of course, there is nothing to prevent you from using a hoop from a toy shop if you are on a budget, as long as it is large enough, but the lightweight hoops are more difficult to work with.
Need instruction? You can buy a package with everything you need to get started, including a DVD.A word of warning: if you are going to practise in front of your television move anything breakable out of the way before you start.
Hula hooping can be combined with dance, have a look at the video clip below for a fun workout idea.
Remember to check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise regime. Not all exercises are suitable for all individuals.
Rebounding
Did you enjoy bouncing on a trampoline when you were younger? Then consider rebounding as a form of exercise. It’s a fun way of exercising in your own home or in a class (some fitness centres are beginning to incorporate rebounding into their schedule but it can still be difficult to find a class). If it’s raining outside, it’s great instead of a walk or run.
Note: All exercises and activities are undertaken at your own risk. Advice is of a general nature and may not be suitable for you as an individual. Please check with your doctor before following this advice if you are unsure or have medical issues.
If you are just starting to exercise and need to keep to a gentle regime, then you pace yourself accordingly. If you are a fitness enthusiast you can achieve a good aerobic workout. Rebounding would generally be considered an unsuitable exercise during pregnancy.
Rebounding is a cardiac workout. It stimulates the lymphatic system, increases muscle tone and strength plus has minimal impact on the joints as the rebounder gives when youbounce, unlike jogging or running on pavements.
