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Weighted hula hoops: Do weighted hula hoops work?
Plus all the best weighted hula hoops to shop right now
There are *so* many fitness trends on TikTok (or should we say FitTok?), that sometimes, it's hard to keep up. From last year's 12-3-30 treadmill workout to the viral Madonna squat workout, someone, somewhere, has created an exercise routine perfect for you.
For a while now, there's been another fitness movement that has been sweeping the platform - not necessarily a new phenomenon - but rather a childhood hobby that has been developed into a fun and energetic workout. Enter, the weighted hula hoop.
Video after video shows TikTokers seemingly developing cores of steel after a few days spent with such an instrument (and sidenote: did we mention how much fun it looks?). But, it has also caused many people to question whether the trend is too good to be true, in terms of its ability to help with weight loss (if that's your goal) or building core strength (ditto).
We're here to settle the argument once and for all, and ask, do weighted hula hoops really work?
Do weighted hula hoops work for toning?
"Because of the movement involved with using a hula hoop – namely rotating the hips and waist (in both directions to see even results) – you have no option but to engage your core, and we all know core stability and strength are vitally important to your overall health and fitness," says It's So Simple personal trainer, Rachael Sacerdoti.
"The use of the core and midsection will certainly help to tone that area and you may see a decrease to your abdominal fat [if you're also in a calorie deficit]. Your lower body will benefit too, particularly your glutes," she adds.
As for why that is, Sacerdoti points out that using a weighted hula hoop means you're adding resistance into your workout that will help your body work harder. Depending on your diet, this may help put you into that aforementioned calorie deficit by "upping your energy expenditure, which in turn will help with fat burn and losing inches."
But, the PT reminds us, "as always, exercise is only part of the equation if you are trying to achieve weight loss and lose inches, so do remember to consider your nutrition for a well balanced diet. Combining both will help you achieve maximum results!" It's also important to remember that weight is not the only indicator of health – and all weight loss journeys should be discussed with a trusted professional, such as a GP or dietician, beforehand.
How to use a weighted hula hoop
"It’s important to choose a weight that is within your ability and fitness level," Sacerdoti advises. "Start light and gradually increase, ensuring your form and posture are not being impacted."
Best weighted hula hoops
With that in mind, we've rounded up the best weighted hula hoops on the market right now, with options suitable for both beginners and those on a budget as well as hula hooping pros. Here's our pick of the best weighted hula hoops to start your fitness journey...
Jade Biggs (she/her) is Cosmopolitan UK's Features Writer, covering everything from breaking news and latest royal gossip, to the health and fitness trends taking over your TikTok feed. She also works on first-person features and investigative long-reads, taking a deep-dive into mental health, celebrity culture and women's rights. Jade has been a journalist and content writer for ten years, and has interviewed leading researchers and doctors, high-profile influencers and fitness experts. She is a cat mum to four fur babies and is obsessed with Drag Race, bottomless brunches and wearing clothes only suitable for Bratz dolls. Follow her on Instagram or Twitter.
Sophie Williams is a Freelance Journalist and Copywriter, covering everything from Fashion to Entertainment to music, Lifestyle and Features. She has interviewed a range of musical artists and authors including Alyssa Edwards, Courtney Barnett, Confidence Man, The Vaccines, Loyle Carner, Gabrielle, and John Niven, and has written for publications like Metro, Reader's Digest, ITV's Woo! and Vice’s NBGA. She is also working on a book for HarperCollins about Taylor Swift, due to be published in 2024.
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