More than two dozen studies have shown that women who exercise have a 30 percent to 40 percent lower risk of breast cancer than their sedentary peers. (www.fredhutch.org)

Most of us know that regular exercise such as hula hooping is key factor in helping to prevent breast cancer, but do you know why?  Here are 5 ways hula hooping exercise can help prevent breast cancer:

1. Lowering estrogen levels
   Estrogen appears to play a key role in the development of breast cancer and women with high levels of estrogen in their blood have increased risk for breast cancer.  Exercise lowers the level of estrogen in your blood.
2. Lowering insulin levels
   Insulin acts as growth factor and can enhance tumour cell proliferation.  Exercise reduces levels of insulin in your body.
3. Reducing factors that cause high insulin levels
   Not only does exercise reduce levels of insulin in your body but it also reduces the factors that cause elevated insulin levels in the first place.  Weight gain, limited levels of activity and stress-related changes in neuroendocrine function may lead to insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia.  All of these factors can be addressed and managed through regular exercise.
4. Reducing excess fat cells
   After menopause estrogen is produced by fat cells.  Women who exercise have less fat and therefore produce less estrogen.
5.  Reducing inflammation
   Inflammation is a critical component of tumour progression.  Exercise reduces levels of inflammation in your body.

Come on girls, let’s get hooping!

If you need a hula hoop you can buy one here.

If you need some help with how to hula hoop, you can sign up for a HoopFitness class here.