Oct 10, 2022
With Pam Mathis, Founder & Creator of Hula Fit Nation
Did you know that the Hula Hoop we played with as a child is now one of the best new fitness devices? Although Hula Hoops have been around for more than 60 years, they only recently became popular as a fitness tool. Research shows using a Hula Hoop as an aerobic activity produces similar results to salsa or belly dancing. In fact, a recent Mayo Clinic study showed that a woman working out with a Hula Hoop can burn about 200 plus calories in 30 minutes. According to the study, when compared with other aerobic activities such as walking or ballroom dancing, the Hula Hoop participants showed a significant increase in abdominal muscle mass, compared to the walking group. In addition to burning calories, the Hula Hoop may also trim inches from your waistline and hips and strengthen your core. Best of all, working out with a Hula Hoop and trying to keep it spinning is just plain fun!
Today, we’re speaking with Pam Mathis. She is the Founder and creator
of Hula Fit Nation, a Hula Hoop fitness instructional program that can be done outside or virtually. Pam is here to tell us how using a Hula Hoop can be a fun, energetic way to slim down and strengthen your core.
What You’ll Hear on This Episode:
- Is it hard to learn to do the Hula Hoop?
- What is Pam’s background?
- What led Pam to start Hula Fit Nation?
- What does it cost to buy a Hula Hoop?
- What are the physical benefits of Hula Hooping?
- What are the mental and emotional benefits of using a Hula Hoop?
- What’s the difference between a regular and a weighted Hula Hoop?
- How can someone take a Hula Fit Nation class?
- What should you wear when Hula Hooping?
- What are the different weights of Hula Hoops to use?
- How does Pam keep the workouts interesting?
- How can someone take Pam’s classes virtually?
Today’s Takeaway:
There’s no better way to improve your physical, mental, and emotional health than through exercise and daily movement. The many health benefits associated with physical activity are well known. Regular exercise improves circulation and may even lower blood pressure and help regulate blood sugar. Studies also suggest that the release of endorphins can help relieve pain and boost pleasure. Strengthening our core is not only about trimming inches and looking better, building your abdominal muscles can improve posture and balance and minimize the risk of lower back injuries. A strong core can also aid breathing and digestion. Staying healthy and getting fit doesn’t have to require an annual gym membership or costly exercise equipment. Using canned goods from your pantry can substitute for free weights and as we’ve heard today, an inexpensive Hula Hoop can be your secret weapon for getting fit. And while the weather’s nice, it’s also a great opportunity to get outdoors and join in the fun of a group class with others at Hula Fit Nation. Remember that every day is a gift and the gift we get from keeping physically active and exercising is a gift that will help us breathe better, improve our sleep, and lift our spirits. I’m Florine Mark and that’s “Today’s Takeaway.”
Quotes:
- “It’s the best $45-50 you will ever spend.” — Pam
- “Using a weighted hoop several times a week can help you burn calories, lose fat, and strengthen your core as well as improve your balance and flexibility.” — Pam
- “Using a weighted hoop is a healthy release of tension and feelings of anxiety by incorporating movement, breathing, and repetition” — Pam
- “Using a weighted Hula Hoop is a great stress reliever and it’s fun fitness.” — Pam
- “The best way to Hula Hoop is with music.” — Pam
- “Research shows that by using a weighted Hula Hoop 30 minutes several times a week you can burn up to 210 calories or more.” — Pam
- “The lighter the hoop, the more energy it takes to keep that hoop up. The heavier the hoop, the easier it is to keep it up.” — Pam
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