Fitness hooping is a low-impact, high-energy workout that helps to strengthen your core and tone your stomach, arms, thighs and butt. Depending on the workout, you can burn about 400 calories an hour.
Fitness hoops differ slightly from the one you might have had as a child. An adult fitness hoop is about 40-45 inches in diameter and weighs one to four pounds. The added width and weight help maintain hoop control so even if you could never hoop as a child, mastering the basics of fitness hooping is quite easy. In addition to improving hoop control, the added weight helps to burn more calories.
Fitness hooping sounds like fun but some may question its efficacy as a workout. There was little evidence to substantiate fitness claims until First Lady Michelle Obama made headlines by hooping with kids on the front lawn of the White House. The American Council on Exercise promptly commissioned a study to evaluate fitness hooping as an exercise regimen. The University of Wisconsin was tasked with determining the calorie burning potential and cardiovascular benefits of this popular playground activity.
Although only a small study, researchers found that fitness hooping can burn seven calories per minute and offers cardiovascular benefits similar to step aerobics or cardio kickboxing. Additionally, the study suggests that fitness hooping can potentially improve flexibility and balance while strengthening and toning the muscles of the back, abdomen, arms and legs.
Bottom Line: If you are looking to spice up your exercise routine with something fun and unique, fitness hooping might be for you. It’s an affordable and easy fitness option that can be done virtually anywhere.
Written by: Wendimere Reilly, Wellness Workdays Dietetic Intern