Are Hula Hoops Good for Weight Loss?

Hula Hooping for Weight Loss: Are Hula Hoops Good for Weight Loss?

In my profession as a personal trainer, people often ask me how different types of exercises can affect weight loss.

Today we are answering the question are hula hoops good for weight loss?

Hula hoops offer an enjoyable and effective way to achieve your weight loss goals by helping you to create a calorie deficit whilst also strengthening your core muscles.

Keep in mind that it’s extremely difficult to out exercise a bad diet, therefore hula hooping should be combined with a calorie deficit in order to achieve your weight loss goals.

Without further adieu, lets take a look at the health and weight loss benefits of hula hooping.

I’ll also provide recommendations for the best-weighted hula hoops available.

Weighted Hula Hoops vs. Standard Hula Hoops

While traditional hula hooping can provide a moderate level of physical activity, it falls short in comparison to the benefits offered by a weighted hula hoop, particularly when it comes to weight loss.

Using a weighted hula hoop can be more effective in achieving your fitness goals as it allows you to combine both cardio and strength training, elevating your heart rate whilst also activating your core and back muscles.

Weighted hula hooping has a positive impact on your core and lower body, and if you incorporate arm movements, it becomes a total-body workout.

In fact, a small-scale study conducted in 2015 demonstrated that regular use of weighted hula hoops was associated with a reduction in waist and hip girth.

By incorporating a weighted hula hoop into your fitness routine, you can enjoy a fun and engaging exercise that targets multiple muscle groups, promotes calorie burning, and contributes to your weight loss journey.

How to Use a Weighted Hula Hoop

The great news is that if you’ve had experience with hula hooping in the past, whether as a child or an adult, using a weighted hula hoop won’t feel drastically different.

The trick is to move your hips forward and back, shifting your weight whilst keeping your feet staggered to start.

Using a weighted hula hoop may actually be easier than using a regular one.

The added weight allows for better control, making it simpler to get the hoop in motion.

For those who struggle with rhythm, opting for a larger hoop can provide more reaction time to adjust as it revolves around the body.

It is also advisable to avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing, as it can make it more challenging to catch the hoop around your waist.

I would recommend checking out some weighted hula hoop workouts on Youtube for inspiration.

With practice, you can enhance your skills and enjoy a dynamic and engaging workout that not only strengthens your core muscles but also allows for creative self-expression.

Finding the Right Weighted Hula Hoop for You

When selecting a hula hoop, it’s important to consider the appropriate size.

As a general guideline, the hoop should measure from the floor to your navel when you stand upright.

Often, people who struggle with hula hooping may have had an experience with a hoop that was too small for them.

In this case, larger hoops are more suitable for learning the technique.

Determining the right weight and size of the hoop is a personal journey.

It is comparable to finding the perfect piece of clothing that fits your body shape and style.

To find the optimal hula hoop for you, it is recommended to try out a few options and assess how they feel in terms of comfort and manoeuvrability.

Remember that finding the right hula hoop is not a one-size-fits-all approach.

How Often Should You Use a Weighted Hula Hoop?

If you’re intrigued by the idea of trying a weighted hula hoop, it’s recommended to begin with shorter sessions and gradually increase your practice time.

Start with hula hooping for 10-30 minutes, two to three times a week.

However, the frequency of your weighted hula hoop workouts should ultimately be based on your personal preferences, fitness levels, and goals.

If you find joy in hooping, feel free to incorporate it into your regular workout routine.

Just like any form of exercise, the key is to embrace the enjoyment of movement and find a rhythm that suits your unique style.

Best Weighted Hula Hoops for Weight Loss

Here you can find my top recommendations for the current best-weighted hula hoops for weight loss.

K-MART Smart Hula Ring Hoops

Available in seven colours, the Smart Hula Ring hoop offers a user-friendly experience.

Unlike traditional hula hoops, this innovative hoop ensures that it won’t easily fall down, making it perfect for beginners who may struggle with conventional hoops.

The hoop consists of linking segments, each equipped with a magnetic disk, ensuring a secure connection.

Additionally, the soft massage heads incorporated into the hoop provide a 360° comprehensive massage effect, amplifying the fitness benefits of using the hoop.

With this enhanced design, users can enjoy a more effective and enjoyable workout experience, reaping the benefits of both hula hooping and a rejuvenating massage.

PROIRON Weighted Fitness Hula Hoop

The PROIRON Weighted Fitness Hula Hoop is thoughtfully weighted to ensure smooth spinning and provide a comfortable experience.

With this design, there’s no need to manually add sand, allowing you to enjoy the fun and calorie-burning benefits of hula hooping with a quiet exercise hoop.

The detachable design consists of 8 sections, offering flexibility to adjust the hoop size according to your preference, ranging from 6 to 8 sections.

It’s incredibly easy to assemble and disassemble.

The included carry bag allows for convenient storage, making it effortless to take the hoop with you to the playground, garden, lawn, beach, gym, or even while travelling.

This hoop is particularly recommended for intermediate users who are familiar with weighted hula hoops.

Swiss Activa+ Smart Hula Hoop with Weight Ball with Counter

The Swiss Activa Smart Hula Hoop targets your waist, helping you lose weight effectively in the belly area.

It also comes with a Digital Counter to keep you motivated and give you a sense of accomplishment at the end of each workout.

The hoop can be extended from 60 to 112 cm, catering to all shapes and sizes.

Additional links are available for those seeking a plus-size weighted hula hoop.

Smart Hula Hoop also includes 7-day training videos led by expert trainers, ensuring you have the guidance you need for effective workouts at home.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about hula hooping for weight loss.

What is Better? Hula Hooping vs Walking

When comparing hula hooping to walking, the effectiveness depends on your specific goals.

If you’re targeting your midsection, hula hooping may have an advantage.

A 2019 study found that weighted hula hooping was more effective than walking in reducing abdominal fat percentage in overweight individuals.

Which Direction Should You Hula Hoop?

It is recommended to hula hoop in both directions.

By doing so, you ensure that your results are balanced on both sides of your body, leading to a more symmetrical outcome.

Does the Weight of the Hula Hoop Make a Difference?

Regarding the weight of the hula hoop, it’s not necessarily true that heavier hoops are always better.

Heavier and larger hoops are generally easier to keep in motion, which can be beneficial for beginners or those aiming for longer hula hoop sessions.

On the other hand, using a smaller and lighter hoop requires more energy to keep it spinning, resulting in a more challenging workout.

Ultimately, the choice of hula hoop weight should align with your fitness level and preferences.

It’s important to find a hoop that provides a balance between ease of use and an appropriate level of challenge to suit your individual needs.