Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders -- Strip Down to Bikinis ... for Hula Hoop Session

It might be a blessing that the Dallas Cowboys didn't make the NFL playoffs ... 'cause the team cheerleaders used their free time to go hula hooping ... IN THEIR BIKINIS.

The Cowboys released a brand new, smokin' hot video of the cheer team entertaining themselves with a hula hoop (equipped with a GoPro camera) during their recent swimsuit calendar photo shoot in Cozumel, Mexico.

Warning -- the footage is a little dizzying to watch ... but it's worth it.