Benefits of hoop dance
Studies show that a program of regular, vigorous exercise is one of the most effective ways to increase your sense of well-being and reduce anxiety. The truth is that exercise is a key part of our mental health, not just our physical health and yet it's one of the most neglected needs in modern life.
Hooping is a full body, low-impact aerobic exercise. “Low impact” means that it puts little to no stress on the joints and “aerobic” denotes an exercise that improves the transport of oxygen in the blood. It's heart healthy! The American Council on Exercise tells us that regular waist hooping can burn over 400 calories per hour, and that’s not including all the aerobic dance aspects involved in the modern movement.
Hoop dancing works over 30 core muscles and has a number of health benefits. It improves flexibility, balance, motor skills, hand-eye coordination and endurance, and a weighted hoop can even provide enough resistance for a strengthening regimen.
Body:
● Provides an intense, fat-burning cardio workout, burning 300-600 calories per hour (weight loss)
● Tones the whole body, especially the core
● Offers a low-impact workout
● Develops balance and coordination
● Increases energy
● Improves posture and flexibility
● Aids in proper digestion and lymphatic drainage
● Reduced skeletal muscle tension
● More rapid metabolism of excess adrenaline, the underlying cause in panic attacks
● Enhanced oxygenation of the blood and brain which increases alertness and concentration
● Stimulation of the production of endorphins: endorphins increase your sense of “well-being”
● Improved circulation
● Decreased cholesterol levels & blood pressure
Mind:
● Encourages a positive outlook on life and a more peaceful mind
● Improves self-confidence and self-esteem
● Reduced stress and depression
● Nurtures creative self-expression
● A discharge of pent-up frustration
● Increased subjective feelings of well-being
● Reduced dependence on alcohol and drugs
● Reduced insomnia
● Improved concentration and memory
● Greater sense of control over anxiety
Spirit:
● See yourself as God sees you, a beloved child of God
● Restore sense of childlike innocence and freedom
● Feel safe in a sacred circle
● Develop physical, emotional and spiritual boundaries with the hoop as a guide
● Reconnect the body and mind (after trauma or hurt) through safe movement
● Reclaim dignity through a pure and joyful form of dance
● Express joy and freedom with the body through creative, worshipful movement
● Experience deep levels of inner healing through flow with your partner, the hoop
● Encounter God in the deep places of your heart with the Holy Spirit as your Guide