Hula Hoop

2

Replies

  • bdubs125
    bdubs125 Posts: 16 Member
    If you are feeling crafty you can make your own custom hula hoop. My co-worker's husband made me one out of pvc tubing and and electrical tape. size wise, it should hit about mid-chest when resting on the floor. I found this link to make a weighted one, but there are lots of tutorials out there.
    http://www.ehow.com/how_5646360_make-professional-weighted-hula-hoop.html
  • janalayn
    janalayn Posts: 510 Member
    I bought the Danskin hoop from Walmart for traveling and LOVE it. But I also make my own hoops using irrigation tubing (there are instructions and tutorials online). I am planning to buy some of the hoopnotical dvds after I get through my wedding and honeymoon - my fiance has promised me an led hoop for Yule.

    Don't give up because it does get easier but the bigger and heavier your hoop is the easier it is to learn. I started with a 42inch hoop with 32 ounces of water in it. I now use a 36inch weighted hoop (16 ounces of water) and have a 42 inch non weighted hoop for learning tricks and hoop dance.

    It is very relaxing and a great workout - i did it all winter in my house, just pushed the furniture back.
  • strawberrygashes
    strawberrygashes Posts: 210 Member
    I loooove hooping!!! I bought a 37" lightly weighted dance hoop and have started to learn some moves with it (bum blitz, limbo, booty bump)
    I had mine made to a specification that suited my height and waist size. I was told that the weighting of the hoop does not effect its exercise ability, just the ease of being able to hoop (the heavier and bigger, the easier) if you struggle with hooping, its advised to go with a 42" weighted hoop.
    I use this calculator to guesstimate calories burned.

    http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/calories_burned.asp?exercise=319

    But sometimes I do simple waist hooping at average speed and sometimes I do moves with fast hooping that makes me sweat. So Yeh I just guesstimate the best I can.

    Remember to ALWAYS engage your abs, you will real feel the benefits of fully engaging then. And expect some hip bruises to begin with until your form has improved.
  • va_va_voom
    va_va_voom Posts: 467 Member
    I want to try, but I can't find any that aren't filled with glitter water or little beads that make noise. Should I try an actual sports store and not trying to find one in the kid's section of Target? lol

    I wanted to make sure I was going to commit to it before I spent any amount of money on a hoop. I was having trouble finding one that wasn't glittery or water-filled, too. But, Target has the traditional hoop in their outdoor section (by the patio furniture area) for pretty cheap. If I can get into a good groove of hooping, then I want to pick up a weighted hoop eventually.
  • morninglilli
    morninglilli Posts: 194
    Okay hoopers here are my findings.

    My stats are 5'8" 148lbs. 33 yrs old, Work out 4-5 days a week. if you want to figure that in.

    First off, I must say, that was AWESOME!!!!!! If any of you have HRM totally rock those things at least once while you are hooping! They get in the way when flowing from waist to chest hooping, but it is cool to see your heart rate go up and the calories burn.

    So....
    I did 4 sets of different hooping for exactly 10 min. here are the stats.

    Body Rock: Steady moderate to high pace
    Starting Heart Rate (SHR) 80
    Highest Heart Rate (HHR) 106
    Average Heart Rate (AHR) 96
    Calories Burned (CB) 34

    Core Hooping from chest to below waist (up and down the core repeatedly, moderately rapid)
    SHR: 86
    HHR: 136
    VHR: 118
    CB: 62

    Light to Moderate Hoop Dance (on body mostly some off body)
    SHR: 80
    HHR: 162
    AHR: 150
    CB: 97

    Rockin' Hoop Dance (On body, off body, lifts, jumps, etc.) Think cranked up bassnectar stuff! :)
    SHR: 112 (I didnt want to stop for a break, so rested just a minute and hopped back in!)
    HHR: 176
    AHR: 168
    CB:119

    So there ya have it! Hooping can most certainly burn 600+ calories an hour.
    I was going to post a video, but it ended up raining, so it was just me and my hoop and some tunes in the rain! :)

    I hope this helps a little

    Edited to note that I was using a 34" 100 psi 3/4 inch diameter hoop with two tapes for all of the tests.
  • gr8dayao
    gr8dayao Posts: 27 Member
    thanks for the calories burned info. I have been wondering about it, too.

    I started hula hooping with a 42", 3 lb. smooth, no foam, hoop in the middle of March this year. I hoop no more than 20 minutes at a time, 10 minutes each direction and then add 10 – 15 minutes to work on the arms. Since mid-March, I have lost 4.5 inches from my waist and 4.25 from my hips along with about 15 lbs total weight lost in that time. I am wearing clothes I haven’t worn since I was 10 lbs. lighter than I am now. The most amazing thing about this is that my next birthday I will hit the half century mark so it is never too late to start hooping and it certainly isn’t just for the younger set.

    In my hooping research I found many pros and cons of the weighted hoop, so please, if you are considering a weighted hoop, don’t just buy one, read up on the right size for you and think about what you might like best. I can see how you might bruise from the weighted hoops if you don’t follow instructions and work up to the 20 minute limit slowly and while the instructions don’t tell you, it is best to hoop in both directions because you use different muscles in spinning in different directions.

    I read that the weighted hoops are easier to use and I have to agree with that. I also suspect it is true that you will burn more calories with a non-weighted hoop because it takes more effort to keep it spinning. If you want to work your arms, however, the weighted hoop is quite an experience. Imagine swinging a three lb. hoop over your head…just don’t drop it on your head!

    Also, hooping is best done in a gym or outside. When working on different things the hoop has a tendency to fly off in various directions. Watch a few you-tube videos on the hooping life…research to find the hoop best for you and go have some fun!
  • Zerashen
    Zerashen Posts: 59 Member
    Okay hoopers here are my findings.

    My stats are 5'8" 148lbs. 33 yrs old, Work out 4-5 days a week. if you want to figure that in.

    First off, I must say, that was AWESOME!!!!!! If any of you have HRM totally rock those things at least once while you are hooping! They get in the way when flowing from waist to chest hooping, but it is cool to see your heart rate go up and the calories burn.

    So....
    I did 4 sets of different hooping for exactly 10 min. here are the stats.

    Body Rock: Steady moderate to high pace
    Starting Heart Rate (SHR) 80
    Highest Heart Rate (HHR) 106
    Average Heart Rate (AHR) 96
    Calories Burned (CB) 34

    Core Hooping from chest to below waist (up and down the core repeatedly, moderately rapid)
    SHR: 86
    HHR: 136
    VHR: 118
    CB: 62

    Light to Moderate Hoop Dance (on body mostly some off body)
    SHR: 80
    HHR: 162
    AHR: 150
    CB: 97

    Rockin' Hoop Dance (On body, off body, lifts, jumps, etc.) Think cranked up bassnectar stuff! :)
    SHR: 112 (I didnt want to stop for a break, so rested just a minute and hopped back in!)
    HHR: 176
    AHR: 168
    CB:119

    So there ya have it! Hooping can most certainly burn 600+ calories an hour.
    I was going to post a video, but it ended up raining, so it was just me and my hoop and some tunes in the rain! :)

    I hope this helps a little

    Edited to note that I was using a 34" 100 psi 3/4 inch diameter hoop with two tapes for all of the tests.

    This was really helpful! Thank you!

    I'm thrilled to see all the responses. :D
  • morninglilli
    morninglilli Posts: 194
    thanks for the calories burned info. I have been wondering about it, too.

    I started hula hooping with a 42", 3 lb. smooth, no foam, hoop in the middle of March this year. I hoop no more than 20 minutes at a time, 10 minutes each direction and then add 10 – 15 minutes to work on the arms. Since mid-March, I have lost 4.5 inches from my waist and 4.25 from my hips along with about 15 lbs total weight lost in that time. I am wearing clothes I haven’t worn since I was 10 lbs. lighter than I am now. The most amazing thing about this is that my next birthday I will hit the half century mark so it is never too late to start hooping and it certainly isn’t just for the younger set.

    In my hooping research I found many pros and cons of the weighted hoop, so please, if you are considering a weighted hoop, don’t just buy one, read up on the right size for you and think about what you might like best. I can see how you might bruise from the weighted hoops if you don’t follow instructions and work up to the 20 minute limit slowly and while the instructions don’t tell you, it is best to hoop in both directions because you use different muscles in spinning in different directions.

    I read that the weighted hoops are easier to use and I have to agree with that. I also suspect it is true that you will burn more calories with a non-weighted hoop because it takes more effort to keep it spinning. If you want to work your arms, however, the weighted hoop is quite an experience. Imagine swinging a three lb. hoop over your head…just don’t drop it on your head!

    Also, hooping is best done in a gym or outside. When working on different things the hoop has a tendency to fly off in various directions. Watch a few you-tube videos on the hooping life…research to find the hoop best for you and go have some fun!

    Lots of good advice here!!! :)
  • va_va_voom
    va_va_voom Posts: 467 Member


    Using a kids hula hoop probably won't work... very hard to keep up.

    So I'm learning. LOL Who knew there was so much exercise science behind a hula hoop!?!?!

    Looks like I need to get hubby to make me a 42" weighted hoop from all that I'm reading here.
  • myfitnessnmhoy
    myfitnessnmhoy Posts: 2,105 Member
    Track your heart rate, and there are lots of calories-burned calculators online that use your height, weight, age, and heartrate to estimate calorie burn.

    There's also a "calithenics" entry which might be pretty close.
  • lsapphire
    lsapphire Posts: 297 Member
    there is a fitness program that uses hoops if you want to check it out.
  • nakabi
    nakabi Posts: 589 Member
    it depends on what kind of hooping you are doing, and how much you are putting into it.
    Some sources say up to 600 cal./hr. but I think that is a high estimate.
    If you are doing hoop fitness say with a weighted hoop I could think somewhere around 350-450/hr.
    Hoop dance could burn more or less depending on how much you are engaging your body.
    I know that isnt a straight answer, but it really will depend on how hard you are rockin'. ;)

    I use the weighted hoop and typically burn about 150 per half hour...you have to make sure you are really being active though....I'd recommend the weighted ones; they are awesome!
  • LifeOnMars_
    LifeOnMars_ Posts: 720 Member
    With my weighted hoop I burn around 220 for 30 mins.
  • mel128
    mel128 Posts: 81 Member
    Bump
  • MissRinnyPoo
    MissRinnyPoo Posts: 12
    Wow, that sounds amazing. I hope you find out the calories burned, I'm curious!
  • MissRinnyPoo
    MissRinnyPoo Posts: 12
    Awesome!
  • Zerashen
    Zerashen Posts: 59 Member
    I put an exercise up with a rough estimate based off the data given in the thread. I underestimated it slightly, so if there is a margin of error it's a beneficial one.
  • TRISTAR
    TRISTAR Posts: 105 Member
    I bought a weighted hula hoop about a month ago, and I still can't do it. I've looked at various videos on You Tube, but i still can't do it.
  • TracyTucci
    TracyTucci Posts: 35
    bump
  • morninglilli
    morninglilli Posts: 194
    I bought a weighted hula hoop about a month ago, and I still can't do it. I've looked at various videos on You Tube, but i still can't do it.


    What sort of problem are you having? Just a hard time keeping it up?
  • toniRAD
    toniRAD Posts: 196 Member
    I weigh 154 & am 5'6" & my HRM says I burn 430 calories within an hour of hooping. I go at a pretty fast pace. It's a great exercise!(:
  • Sunpoet
    Sunpoet Posts: 65 Member
    I have a hoop too and cannot seem to do it to save my life which surprises me because it was one of my favorite activities as a kid. Now, I can't even make it one full revolution without it falling. It's just a plain one, non-weighted but is adult size. I'd have to measure to get the exact dimensions. What am I doing wrong?
  • toniRAD
    toniRAD Posts: 196 Member
    Just keep trying & don't let yourself get frustrated! I could NEVER do it as a kid & I wanted to learn a while ago. It took me a few weeks of trying & now I can do it perfect & for a really long time. You guys will get it eventually! (:
  • TRISTAR
    TRISTAR Posts: 105 Member
    Yes, I can get it to go round once, and that's only because your hands make it go round, then it falls down round my knees and to the floor.

    quote]
    I bought a weighted hula hoop about a month ago, and I still can't do it. I've looked at various videos on You Tube, but i still can't do it.


    What sort of problem are you having? Just a hard time keeping it up?
    [/quote]
  • morninglilli
    morninglilli Posts: 194
    To keep the hoop up,
    Stand with your right foot a step ahead of your left (this extends your hip out ever so slightly)
    While standing in the hoop place the back of the hoop on the small of your back and hold the hoop at about 4 oclock and 8 oclock.
    Make sure the hoop is nice and level in the front, sides and back.
    Most people are left current hoopers, meaning they push the hoop to the left. Try that direction first.
    So back your hoop up a bit to the right, then with a good hard Level shove, push your hoop around your waist to the left.
    Do this a couple of times without trying to keep it up. Just push it and let it fall. Dont move your hips yet.
    Get used to how hard you are pushing the hoop and see if you can detect a rhythm.
    Once you are ready push the hoop firmly around again, and start rocking back and forth while pumping through your leg. So imaging you have your foot on a gas pedal. You will be able to see your foot going up and down on the pedal while keeping your heel on the ground. Rock back and forth, try not to swivel your body, this will send it down like a corkscrew everytime.
    If your hoop is slowing down, try to pick up the pace. You control the speed of your hoop by how fast you pump your body.
    IF this still doesnt seem right reverse your current....So start at the beginning, but this time push the hoop to the right, and keep going.

    If this doesnt help, or if it is confusing, let me know and I can make you a little video. :)
    Dont loose heart! You totally can!!!!!
  • Zerashen
    Zerashen Posts: 59 Member
    I have a hoop too and cannot seem to do it to save my life which surprises me because it was one of my favorite activities as a kid. Now, I can't even make it one full revolution without it falling. It's just a plain one, non-weighted but is adult size. I'd have to measure to get the exact dimensions. What am I doing wrong?

    I know! I had one as a kid too and remembered loving it, so I'm hoping to get back in the swing of things.
  • nichalsont
    nichalsont Posts: 421 Member
    I forgot all about my hula hoop. I loved hula hooping as a kid. I bought one a few years ago and discovered I can't keep it above my knees anymore. It has been hanging in the garage ever since. Maybe I will make it my June goal to re-learn to hula hoop. My waist would thank me.
  • wonderwomanwannaB
    wonderwomanwannaB Posts: 111
    I seem to pretty consistently hit about 8 kcals/minute with my hoop (38" made of 3/4" 100 psi tubing)

    I adore it.

    For bruising, arnica gel is a MUST! I was having a lot of trouble with my left hip and my shins and this helped me heal up pretty quickly.
  • mumx5
    mumx5 Posts: 325 Member
    bump
  • Zerashen
    Zerashen Posts: 59 Member
    I've gotten to where I can keep it up for about a spin or two. :D Not much progress, but progress nonetheless.

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