Is a weighted hula hoop a good form of exercise?
In short, yes! A recent study found that hooping with a weighted hula hoop helps to decrease abdominal fat while increasing muscle mass. Hooping has also been shown to boost cardiovascular fitness and lower cholesterol levels.
Additional benefits of using a weighted hula hoop include:
It’s fun, which means you’re more likely to stick to it long term.
It’s convenient. Hoop anytime, anywhere with minimal equipment or space requirements.
It’s time efficient. Studies show that just 12 to15 minutes of hooping a day can make a difference to your waistline over a period of time.
It’s versatile. Using a weighted hula hoop offers strength and toning benefits, plus the chance to burn fat and calories in a single session.
If you really want to maximise results and keep your body guessing, it’s a good idea to combine weighted hooping with an additional exercise such as strength training, walking, running, swimming or cycling.
How long should you use a weighted hula hoop?
This depends on your strength and fitness level. Consensus is that you need to gradually increase your workout time as your body adjusts to the motion, resistance and friction of your weighted hula hoop. If you experience bruising, your hoop might be too heavy. Consider using a lighter weight to start with.
Some weighted hoops are also easier to use than others, which means you can increase your workout time. For instance, two of the smart hoops on our list can be clipped around the waist and won’t drop. Factors like these will play a role in your overall hoop time.
Start with five to 10 minutes a day, three times a week and work towards 20 to 30 minutes a day, three to five times per week for optimal results.
Should I hula hoop both ways?
Yes. Hooping both ways will ensure you have a balanced workout and improve your balance, coordination and strength in both directions.
Because weighted hoops rotate more slowly around the body, it’s easier to focus on a balanced workout.
Hooping both ways in a forward and back or side-to-side motion will also recruit your lower back, glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps and calf muscles. Keep arms raised for an additional upper body burn.
What is the best weighted hula hoop to buy?
Currently, the best weighted hula hoop to buy is the Core Balance Weighted Hula Hoop. It ticks all our boxes as it’s affordable, portable, made with top-quality materials, and just the right size and weight to strengthen your core, improve your posture and offer a good, solid workout. It’s also beginner-friendly, which means less pain and bruising if you’re just starting out.
What is the best weighted hula hoop for beginners?
The best weighted hula hoop for beginners is the Smart Adjustable Weighted Fitness Hoop. A major benefit of this model is that it won’t drop, allowing you to get into a good rhythm right from the get-go.
It’s also simpler to use than some of the other hoops on our list and won’t cause any discomfort or bruising. It’s easy to assemble and disassemble, so less intimidating overall.
How we chose our recommendations
All our weighted hula hoop suggestions came from recommendations on the Mumsnet forums. We also checked independent review sites for opinions about each hoop to ensure we were bringing you an honest, detailed summary of weighted hula hoops in 2021.
Why you should trust us
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