Playing or dancing using a hoop, commonly known as a hula hoop, is useful for exercising your abdominal muscles while having fun and being admired by friends. If you want to be good at this game or dance, take the time to practice regularly and improve coordination. However, if you just want to know how to use it, apply the following instructions.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Instructions for Beginners
Step 1. Put on gym clothes
It's easier to play hula hoop if you wear a tight shirt and sweatpants so the hoop doesn't get caught in your shirt.
- You can wear comfortable shoes when playing hula hoop. In addition to wearing sports shoes, you can train barefoot as they don't affect or hinder your workout.
- Don't wear bracelets or strappy jewelry that can get wrapped around the hoop.
Step 2. Place the hoop on the floor
Choose hoops at chest or waist height when placed perpendicular to the floor. Large diameter hoops are more suitable for beginners because they rotate more slowly so that it is easier for you to follow the rhythm of the hoop movement.
If you want to learn to play hula hoop seriously, use hoops of various sizes and weights and choose the one that suits you best
Step 3. Stand in the middle of the hoop
Place the hoop on the floor and step your feet into the center of the hoop. To make it easier, hold the hoop with your hands shoulder-width apart and allow the bottom side of the hoop to touch the floor. Holding the hoop standing straight, step your foot into the hoop so your heels are in front of the hoop.
Step 4. Move your palms to the sides
While holding the hoop, slide your palm down and lift the hoop off the floor. Adjust the distance between your palms so that the hoops are parallel to the floor.
Step 5. Lift the hoop to waist height
Move one foot forward a little to maintain balance.
Step 6. Hold the hoop firmly with both hands
Tighten the hoop to the back of the waist.
Step 7. Move the hoop so that it rotates
If you're on the right, twist the hoop firmly counterclockwise. If you are writing with your left hand, turn the hoop clockwise.
Step 8. Move your hips so that the hoop rotates
Move your hips forward when the hoop touches your stomach. Move your hips back when the hoop touches your back. Also, you can rock your hips in small circles. Move your hips to the left when the hoop touches the left side of your waist. Move your hips to the right when the hoop touches the right side of your waist.
Eventually, you can find the right rhythm to move your hips and torso
Step 9. Continue rotating the hoop
Move your hips continuously so that the hoop continues to rotate around your waist.
- If the hoop drops to your hips or falls to the floor, grasp or grab the hoop and twist again.
- If the hoop falls, try turning it the other way around. Usually, right-dominant people prefer to turn the hoop to the left and vice versa, but try to find the direction of rotation that works best for you. The direction of rotation you prefer is called the "main direction" or "in-flow".
Step 10. Don't give up if the hoop falls off when you're just starting to practice figuring out how to twist the hoop properly
Take the hoop off the floor and then practice again. In addition to following the instructions above, you will need to practice until you can feel your hips moving.
Once you've mastered the basics of playing the hula hoop, learn how to hold a falling hoop from falling
Step 11. Play while having fun
Let the hoop spin as long as you want.
Method 2 of 2: Mastering More Challenging Moves
Step 1. Learn how to raise a hoop that moves downwards
If you like to play hula hoop and don't like picking hoops off the floor over and over again, learn how to raise hoops that are starting to fall. This step will give you the impression that you are proficient and able to rotate the hoop for longer. Here are a few things to try if the hoop falls below your waist:
- Bend your knees slightly and move your hips very quickly to bring the hoop back up to your waist.
- Rotate the body in the direction of rotation of the hoop while rocking the hips very quickly.
- Move your body faster than usual to get the hoop up again.
Step 2. Master some of the more challenging hula hoop moves
If you're already used to playing hula hoops, improve your skills by learning some new moves that can be assembled into a dance, for example:
- Rotate the hoop faster by moving your weight left and right faster or moving your body back and forth more quickly.
- Spin around while playing hula hoop by facing the body in the direction of rotation of the hoop. Adjust the position of the legs so that they rotate in harmony with the body to maintain balance.
- Do a "booty bump" so that the hoop rotates around your hips and buttocks, rather than around your waist.
- Twist the hoop up and down around the body. Experienced hula hoop players are able to twist the hoop above or below the waist, but not fall to the floor.
- For a more engaging dance, learn to twist the hoop on your head, arm, or one leg. Lightweight hoops are more suitable for this attraction.
Tips
- Large hoops are easier to use and spin more slowly. You can practice using a large or small diameter hoop. Heavy hoops are easier to use, but not so heavy that they fall off or are difficult to turn.
- Playing hula hoops makes strengthening abdominal muscles more exciting. Use hoops if you get tired of doing sit ups.
- If the hoop drops to the hips, push the hoop up by rocking the hips very quickly.
- Playing or dancing with a hula hoop is done by swinging the hips sideways or back and forth, not moving in a circle.
- If you're having trouble moving your hips properly, spread your feet wider and place your feet on the floor evenly. Bend your knees slightly, transfer your weight to one leg, then move your legs in small circles starting at the hips. This method helps you move your hips in the right rhythm.