Hoola hooping for strength training? - Training

Miss Wright

15/02/2013 at 18:11

Hello, I'm new here! But I'm about to embark on my first half marathon! As part of my training one my rest days or on my strength/circuit training days I wanted to hoola hoop! I started doing it two years ago, as I hurt my back. I'm a freelance gardener and have a very physically demanding job and the hoop really really strengthened my core. If you do it to an intense enough level, lunges, movements, dancing, and all through the body from legs to shoulders it's bloody nackering! Can I use this effectively for my marathon training too? Any advice or info much appreciated. Hannah

cougie

pirate

15/02/2013 at 19:31

Well it won't directly enhance your running - but if you're doing it on a rest day and it doesn't interfere with your running - then why not.

helenN

16/02/2013 at 17:47

cougie wrote (see)

Well it won't directly enhance your running - but if you're doing it on a rest day and it doesn't interfere with your running - then why not.

Hmm, would a strong core not enhance running Cougie?

David Falconer 3

16/02/2013 at 17:49

helenN wrote (see)

cougie wrote (see)

Well it won't directly enhance your running - but if you're doing it on a rest day and it doesn't interfere with your running - then why not.

Hmm, would a strong core not enhance running Cougie?

Define 'enhance'...........

Your version of enhance might be a 30% improvement in your marathon time ...... my definition of enhance might be a 5% improvement in your marathon time.

Then you might say 'well isnt any improvement better than none.'

But heres the thing ...... on my days off, Id actually rather have the 'day off' ..... not also do little bits and pieces here and there, so my body never actually has a full 24/48 hours to recover ...... days off are just as important and I think sometimes if you try and fill it by doing itty-bitty things you are probably doing more harm than good.

Not saying, don't do hoola hooping, but just saying is it probably the most efficient use of your time? Probably not, but if you enjoy it, and realise that its probably not the most efficient exercise you could do, then by all means, go for it.

Edited: 16/02/2013 at 17:57

Miss Wright

17/02/2013 at 15:50

I have a day in my weekly training to do strength / circuit training and I was thinking of the hooping to replace say swimming, or weights. It really is a fantastic aerobic exercise, and core strengthening so I was thinking would it compare? It's a cheap and easy thing for me to do, I already got the gear etc. thought if I pushed the tempo up maybe it could help?
Thanks for all your comments.

helterskelter

17/02/2013 at 22:12

Go for it. A strong core is really important in marathon training. While it's not going to help with running the distance or make you go any faster a strong core will help you avoid a whole load of injuries.

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