An alternative to cruches and sit-ups

Trying to get that midsection in shape but don't like doing crunches. Do you want to tighten up your abs, but you are tired of doing exercises on the floor that hurt your back. Have you tried all sorts of complicated machines and still can't get that rock hard core you have always wanted. Maybe it is time to go back to your childhood and get yourself a hula hoop.

With a hula hoop not only will you strengthen and tone your stomach, but you will also tone your lower back and strengthen your hips. When you rotate a hula hoop around your waist you have to keep your abs engaged in order to keep the hoop from falling and your hips and lower back also have to work.

The other benefits of using a hula hoop include better posture, improved balance and even an increase in agility and with this simple plastic toy you also get a cardiovascular workout. Because you are engaging and using so many different muscle groups at the same time you also have the benefit of burning far more calories than you would with just simple sit-ups or crunches.

The first thing you need to do is find a hula hoop. Now if you have not ever used a hula hoop before you may want to get a bigger hoop. The bigger the hoop the easier it is to use. You want it to be easy to use so that you don't get discouraged. The larger exercise hoops that you find in sports equipment stores are a little more expensive than the smaller alternatives you could buy in a toy store, but if you are a beginner you might want to consider paying the extra money.(more)