Are weighted hula hoops for real — or just an exercise gimmick?
Weighted hula hoops, which are available at most sporting goods stores, are bigger and heavier than traditional hula hoops. Although there’s little research on the effects of weighted hula hoops, any type of hula hooping can be an aerobic activity — especially if you’re able to hoop for 10 minutes or longer at a time. You can use weighted hula hoops or traditional hula hoops as part of an overall fitness program or simply as a fun way to burn calories or add variety to your workout routine. If you choose to try hooping, use a hoop that’s the right size for you. Peter McCall, a spokesperson with the American Council on Exercise, says the hoop should reach somewhere between your waist and chest when it’s resting vertically on the ground. The weight of the hoop is up to you. The smaller and lighter the hoop, the more energy it takes to keep the hoop going. The bigger and heavier the hoop, the easier it is to keep going — and the more likely you’ll be able to hoop for longer periods of tim
