Reliance Industries Limited Director Isha Ambani, who recently won the ‘Icon of the Year’ award at the Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year Awards 2024, is known for her open views on mental health, IVF and many of the struggles of motherhood. She has also confessed in various interviews her love for the sinfully delicious Gujarati food and anything with carbs. How does she manage to shed weight after enjoying such rich dishes? In a chat with an international magazine, Isha said she has a skill that probably not many know of. Apparently, the entrepreneur has the talent to hula hoop for a long duration! Isha, who is also into yoga, gymming, pilates and pickleball, says hula hooping is a fun way to lose weight.

If you also want to give it a try, here’s how to go about it:
Pick a suitable hoop: If you have never tried it, pick a beginner-friendly hoop. Experts say it’s better to go for larger, heavier hoops if you are a beginner, as they have more stability, are easier to control and rotate slowly. They also do not put much strain on your body. 
Pick the right space: To practice, move into a spacious area like a park, backyard, or living room. Stand shoulder-width apart, place the hoop against your back, and give it a push with your side to spin it gently around your waist, swaying your hips. Check whether the space allows you to move freely in this manner. 
Patience: This skill demands regular practice and patience to get comfortable and confident. Initially, do not care about perfection or the number of times the hoop falls down. Everyone has their pace to pick up the skill. Play your favourite music to sway along to have fun while learning. 

Benefits of the regimen
Hula hooping burns calories effectively while strengthening your core muscles and stabilising your body. It contributes to your overall fitness and weight loss. According to the Mayo Clinic, weighted hula hoops can also be a quality addition to your exercise regime, even if you are not an expert. The rhythmic movement can improve coordination and balance. It can also offer the same joy and results from aerobic activities like salsa, belly and swing dances, relieving stress.