KLAXON: I've got a pain-free way to get fit while watching TV!

[MirandaGoshawk]

I hate sport & have always struggled with exercising. Was a bit of a blob, especially round the middle. But over the past few weeks I have firmed up, improved my posture and lost weight, and it's all due to ... ta dah!...

Watching Pointless and/or Eggheads each day while using...

A HULA HOOP

DD bought one last year after seeing Grace Jones using one at the Jubilee concert, then left it behind when she went to Uni in Sept. I tried it & couldn't get the hang of it at first, then it suddenly clicked, & I've got into the habit of giving it a go when I'm watching TV alone. 10 mins, then sit down for 10 mins.

So over the past few weeks I've done this & also done some stretches before & after, just touch toes, shrug shoulders etc., & have noticed that my stomach seems firmer & I can stand up straighter.

This morning I weighed myself & I've gone from 10 stone at Christmas to 9.3

[Lottapianos]

Ooh splendid! Like the sound of this

Do tell - where did your DD buy hers and how much?

[FattyMcChubster]

I'm a bit I thought you were going to let me in on a massive secret involving sitting watching tv and getting thinner...

[MirandaGoshawk]

It came from Argos. I think it was about £14. It's a Davina McCall one but I'm sure a cheaper non-branded one would be just as good! It was the only one left after they presumably had a run on them after GJ made it look so easy. It is huuuuge but DD is 5' 3" & had no probs with it. If I can do it, anyone can

[MirandaGoshawk]

Fatty Mc - It's been a revelation to me - you can still watch TV & still sit down after five minutes it's worth the effort and doesn't make a bloody racket like an exercise bike - gave that up pretty sharpish!

[Eskino]

Oh Miranda, I came over for Sporn!

Hula hoops are fun. And you can eat hula hoops whilst hula hooping which rather negates the fitness benefits.

[MirandaGoshawk]

Ooh! I'm not sure I could. Get out of breath as it is. Would likely choke! but its a good idea

[Finallygotaroundtoit]

Tell me about it 'suddenly clicking'

I've never been able to hoola. If it never clicked I'd be just throwing it to the floor and picking up again (burns calories I suppose)

[Annianni]

I've ordered that one from Argos, it's £12-99.
I shall report back later.

Hopefully it'll be better than the shred DVD that I bought after it being recommended on here... but is still in the packet :o

[armagh]

Finallygotroundtoit I'm with you there

[MirandaGoshawk]

Yes, please let me know how you get on! As for the clicking thing, do you have a dc who could show you? Mine just laughed at me anyway, just keep at it. I think a smaller hoop might be easier, but it did suddenly click with me at last. Just keep trying!

I really do feel slimmer and fitter now, and I have been 13 stone in the past too much chocolate. And pregnancy

[Pseudonymity]

No! A smaller hoop is much more difficult. Right, I'm going to Argos...baaaa

[Sparklegeek]

You need a proper weighted hoop, not one as light as air like they use in primary school. And yes, it needs to be big for an adult to get the hang of it.

I bought one a few years ago after reading about legendary middle-toning properties. I picked it up pretty quickly but unfortunately it gave me the most horrendous bruising on my hip bones, really painful! So I tried tying a flat pashmina around my hips to try & create more of a barrier but that just made it too difficult to hula Gah!

[Annianni]

Hula hooping was hilarious.
Dh had a go after me and we were crying with laughter.

I couldn't keep it up for long though.
I'll have another go tomorrow.

[MirandaGoshawk]

Free marriage bonding session

Yes, keep it up (har har!) It does get easier.

Agree about the lightweight ones - they are useless, had a kid's one years ago & never did manage it.

[revolvenotevolve]

ordering one now - I hope to make it a party trick within a week !!

[Annianni]

I had another go today, still can't do it.
I shall try again shortly :o

[Annianni]

Miranda is your hoop wobbly?

This Davina one is a bit floppy, I thought hula hoops should be rigid.
So when it rotates, you can see it wobble.

Might take it back and look for a sturdier one.

[Annianni]

I've just ordered a solid weighted one from amazon.

I'll give that a go.

[kirrinIsland]

I have one of these and I just can't do it! It's huge and I find it impossible - I had also assumed a smaller hoop would be easier.

My shred DVD is also still in the wrapper.

[Annianni]

My bum, waist and hips are aching today.
So I assume it's working.

[VivaLeBeaver]

I've never been ale to hula hoop, neither can dd so she can't show me. I could do imaginary hula hooping I suppose like on the wii fit.

[Dancealot]

You have inspired me to order a hula hoop from amazon! I had a quick read-up and apparently large hoops are easier than small. Quick question Miranda- do you change direction when hula hooping or do you always circle your hips the same way??

[determinedma]

There's a good hula hoop game on the Wii where you don't actually need a hoop. Great if you have a small space to operate in

[Annianni]

The davina hoop was returned for being crap and wobbly.

Black and pink amazon hoop has just arrived and it's much easier to use as it's solid and rigid.

The ds's are loving the huge box that it came in too :o

[heirtotheironthrone]

I am two weeks in to a six week hula hooping class, it's ACE. Sadly my little flat does not allow for telly hooping though...