Pro & Cons of Using Weighted Hula Hoops

Cardio hula-hooping is fun way to get into shape. The activity helps burn calories, tone the body and increase aerobic endurance. Hoopers start with the basic waist hooping and work their way up to executing more complicated tricks. Using a weighted hula hoop can really enhance the benefits of cardio hula hoop. That being said, using a weighted hula hoop is not for everyone.

Pro: Easier to Twirl

Weighted hula hoops can help you execute more tricks because they twirl more slowly. Generally, a weighted hoop will weigh around 2 pounds. This small amount of weight helps keep the hoop steady when it is twirling, lighter hoops that are hollow have a tendency to fly off balance.

Con: Bruises

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Weighted hoops can cause bruising to your hands, waist, back, legs and arms. This is more likely when doing more complex tricks and with heavier hoops. However, in most cases, the bruising is superficial and does not require care.

Pro: Toning

Hula-hooping in general helps engage the core muscles. When you add weight to the hoop, you are adding resistance, which causes your core muscles to tighten more to counterbalance the weight of the hoop.

Con: Harder to Start

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Most people are used to hooping with a non-weighted hula hoop because that is what children use. When you first start using your weighted hula hoop, rotating it may be more difficult until proper technique is introduced. However, once you master basic waist hooping with a weighted hoop, it shouldn't be anymore difficult to start your hoop rotating.

Pro: Hoop Longer

Non-weighted hula hoops require much more energy to keep them steady and rotating. This is because you have to use faster movements to keep a lighter hoop in motion. Consequently, this makes it difficult for you to hoop for the length of time required to get an adequate amount of cardiovascular exercise.