Hula hooping is on the up, and it’s no longer just a childhood pastime. Reportedly Beyonce Knowles uses hooping to help keep that bootylicious body of hers in shape. So what’s the idea?

It’s just like the hula hooping you did as a kid, only more fun, less frustrating and with added health benefits. Hoops are customised to around four feet in diameter, and since they’re bigger and heavier, even those of us that are clumsy and rhythmless can manage to keep one in rotation.

As well as being a great cardiovascular activity, it works directly on abdominal muscles, hips and waist. With its continued circular movements, it corrects your body alignment and assists in proper posture. Claims on its exercise benefits are all positive. From some devotees claiming it burns 100 calories every 10 minutes to others equating it to running an eight-minute mile, there’s no doubting that it’s pretty good for you.

Fans have claimed spiritual benefits akin to meditation along with a simple ‘feel good factor’. Regular hoopers report improvements in their sex lives and a confidence boost to go along with it. Once your hoop skills develop, you can make exercise even more interesting by incorporating tricks and dances into the routine. Some famous tricksters even hula hoop with fire, but that’s probably best not tried at home.

Getting started is pretty easy. Making your own hoop is advisable; children’s hoops are just too small, and they are usually too difficult for beginners. All you need is some tubing plus a few other bits and bobs to create your very own customised version. This guide from Jason Unbound gives a step-by-step account of how to go about it. Collapsible hoops are possible, if you fancy something portable. There’s always the fun bit of decorating it afterwards, too!

Once you have your hoop, it’s time to give the exercise a go. It’s fairly instinctive, but if you’re struggling, start off with the following: place the hoop so it’s against your back, beginning a little above your waist. Push it around your middle, shifting your weight from foot to foot to keep the motion going. If you can’t quite get the hang of it, try to abandon the idea of a circular rotation and instead try more of a rocking motion. You’ll soon pick it up!

Hooping classes are on the up, but you could always grab a few friends and start a hoop group. Not only is it fun, easy and cheap, it burns 100 calories every ten minutes, tones up your bum and does wonders for your sex life. What’s not to love?