Weighted hula hoops: Exercise gimmick or good idea?

I'd like to vary my exercise routine. Are weighted hula hoop workouts for real, or are they just an exercise gimmick?

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Mayo Clinic physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist Edward Laskowski, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

It's not a gimmick. Weighted hula hoops, available at most sporting goods stores, are bigger and heavier than traditional hula hoops. You can use weighted hula hoops as one component of an overall fitness program or simply as a fun way to burn calories. In general, the bigger you are, the bigger the hoop should be. The weight of the hoop is up to you. Lighter hoops require more energy to keep them going. Heavier hoops are easier to keep going, which may lead to a longer workout. How do you get started? Hold the hoop against your back, slightly above your waist. Put one foot ahead of the other. Then push the hoop around your waist, and shift your weight back and forth from one foot to the other to keep the hoop moving. You may want to avoid using weighted hula hoops if you have a history of back problems.