Coming Out of the Fitness Closet: Yes, I am a Hula Hooper

I love this hoop!

I posted this picture of me hula hooping with a weighted hula hoop to my Facebook page and Instagram feed.

You laughed, you snarked and, as a dear friend from high school, said "You really want the guys at The Ticket to see this?"

I don't care.

Why?

Because I am convinced hula hooping is a fun, low impact way to tone your core and legs.

Tuesday morning, I was pressed for time but still wanted to get my blood pumping before an 11:30am meeting. The babysitter didn't come until 10am. I didn't want to pack up everything and run to the gym, blah blah blah. So I decided to break out the weighted hoop that had been collecting dust underneath my bed.

Using a weighted hula hoop, think two pounds, I worked the green monster for about 35 minutes. It was an outstanding, low-impact option that had me sweating. I wasn't able to do it nonstop, as I kept messing up. I also performed the gyrations both clockwise and counterclockwise and found out I am much more adept at doing it clockwise than "to the left."

This was a great "do what you can" exercise option. I was able to squeeze in a solid workout while watching TV at the house. I didn't even have to brush my teeth. My 21-month old daughter, Jordan, got a kick out of watching me gyrate like a crazy lady. I like that she sees exercise as a fun, playful thing. She's already into doing downward dog with me when I practice yoga.

Beyond that, it was a WORKOUT. Twenty-four hours later, my obliques and quads are sore. The good sore which is a testament to a workout done well.

Don't believe me about the benefits of hula hooping? Check out this recent review of it in Health Magazine:

Start with the basic moves until you feel comfortable, then step up to more advanced ones, mixing and matching for your own personal head-to-toe tone-up. Do any combination of moves for 30 minutes (you’ll burn 150 to 250 calories per workout) three times a week for four weeks and you’ll lose 3 to 6 inches all over your body.

Here are the specifics:

I used the Empower Cardio Core Fitness Hoop. It's a two-pound weighted hoop that I bought at Target for $29.99.
There is some super-easy assembly required and it also comes with workout suggestions.
Learn how to get started with your weighted hoop here.
Still struggling? Watch this video.
I did a few of the suggested "toning exercises" such as the "Windshield Wiper" and "Cross Chop with Lunge".

If you're looking for a fun, alternative workout, this is a great one to incorporate into your overall routine.

And just because I'm all for self-deprecating humor....here's another pic: