I spun a weighted hula hoop daily for a fortnight, here's my insightful experience and the authentic outcome.
When I first spotted the weighted hula hoop trend on social media, I was skeptical. Still, curiosity won, and I found myself ordering a hula hoop with a ball, eager to test out this new exercise fad.
Assembling it was pretty straightforward. I fit the pieces together, making sure the hoop fit snugly around my waist. The hoop's weight, a modest rubber ball, didn't feel too daunting.
At first, I struggled to keep the hoop in motion. Traditional hula hoop tactics didn't work. But then, I realized the trick was in the flick of the waist, and boom! I was off to the races.
Anthony Maritato, a professional trainer, was a real lifesaver during this journey. His advice on maintaining a steady rhythm without too much movement was key. He also recommended varying the string length to adjust the difficulty, and potentially using a rhythmic song or a metronome app to maintain the timing.
They recommend using the hoop for 30-40 minutes for optimal results. However, Anthony says even 10 minutes per day at a good pace can improve cardiovascular health. I started with short sessions, gradually increasing my time as I got better at it.
And let me tell you, this hoop workout is a serious cardio session! My heart rate soared, and I was breaking a sweat in no time. But to be honest, the 'smart' features of the hoop didn't accurately reflect my effort. The tracker's calorie count and workout duration seemed inconsistent with my exertion, but I wasn't too bothered.
As I got better at using the hoop, the routine became less exciting. I found myself easily distracted, especially by the noise of the weight spinning. My solution? Swapping out TV for some energizing music.
Using the hula hoop was also a challenge for my arms. Finding the right position that didn't interfere with the spinning ball was tricky. The best position I found was to put my hands on my head, but even then, I had to stop when my arms started feeling numb.
After using the hoop regularly for two weeks, along with my usual workouts and 10k daily steps, I didn't see any significant physical changes. But I did add some fun and variety to my workouts, which is a win in my book.
Remember, though, no one tool can be a magic bullet for fitness. A balanced diet and consistent workout routine are vital. The weighted hula hoop is a fun way to inject some fun into your routine, but it doesn't replace a holistic approach to health and fitness.