As winter settles in, it’s tempting to retreat indoors, cocoon ourselves in blankets, and binge-watch our favourite shows. While rest is an essential part of the colder months, staying active can help us better navigate this season both mentally and physically. At Hula With Abs, we believe hula hooping is a fantastic way to embrace "wintering" while keeping your body moving and your mind uplifted.
What is Wintering?
Wintering, a term popularised by Katherine May’s book of the same name, refers to a season of slowing down, taking stock, and caring for ourselves during challenging times. While this concept often applies metaphorically, winter itself is the perfect time to lean into this mindset. Shorter days and colder temperatures naturally encourage us to turn inward, prioritising self-care and finding joy in the little things.
The Challenges of Winter
The winter months can bring unique challenges:
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Reduced daylight can lower serotonin levels, affecting mood and energy.
Stiff Joints: The cold can make muscles and joints feel tighter, which discourages movement.
Low Motivation: With the festive season's hustle and bustle, it’s easy to lose momentum and let fitness routines slide.
But these challenges don’t have to hold you back. A fun and dynamic activity like hula hooping can help you thrive in winter while still honouring the season’s slower pace.
How Hula Hooping Can Help You Winter Well:
1. Boosts Your Mood
Hula hooping is a joyful activity that naturally lifts your spirits. Spinning a hoop releases endorphins, the body’s feel-good hormones, which can help combat winter blues. It’s hard to stay gloomy when you’re dancing to upbeat music with a hoop!
2. Energises Your Body
Even just 10 minutes of hula hooping can increase your heart rate, warm up your muscles, and get your blood pumping. It’s the perfect antidote to that sluggish, sedentary winter feeling.
3. Improves Core Strength
Winter often finds us huddled over our laptops or curled up on the sofa, which can wreak havoc on our posture. Hula hooping engages your core muscles, helping to strengthen your back and improve your alignment.
4. Builds Community
Attending a hula hooping class is a wonderful way to stay socially connected during a season when it’s easy to isolate. At Hula With Abs, we offer a supportive, welcoming environment where you can meet like-minded people and share a laugh while getting fit.
5. Fits Your Schedule
With darker evenings, making it to the gym might feel like a chore. But hula hooping can easily be done at home or in a group class. Our Monday evening sessions at Stowupland Sports Centre are designed to accommodate all levels, so you can find a class that suits you.
Tips for Hula Hooping in Winter
Warm Up Properly: Spend a few minutes stretching or jogging in place to loosen stiff joints before hooping.
Layer Up: Wear comfortable, breathable clothing to keep warm as your body adjusts to movement.
Set the Mood: At home, create a cosy space with upbeat music and good lighting to keep you motivated.
Commit to Community: Joining our classes ensures you stay consistent and enjoy the group energy!
Embrace the Season
Wintering doesn’t mean hibernating; it means finding balance. Hula hooping offers a unique way to stay active, joyful, and connected during the colder months. Whether you’re looking to boost your fitness, lighten your mood, or simply try something new, there’s a place for you at Hula With Abs.
Check out our website hulawithabs.co.uk to learn more about our classes. Let’s spin through winter together and emerge stronger, happier, and more balanced.
Stay warm,
Abby
Owner, Hula With Abs
Comments