The Heavy Hoop

Written by Vera Tweed
Photos by doritthies.com

Unlike its featherweight ’50s cousin the Hula Hoop, the Heavy Hoop is a 3-lb steel ring encased in foam, and it packs a mean workout. A 140-lb woman who spins a Heavy Hoop for 10 minutes burns 120 calories, about the same as an eight-minute-mile run. To keep the hoop spinning, you use all your major muscles, including those in your core that support your back and keep your stomach flat. An added benefit: The flowing movements don’t jar your joints.

“In a 60-minute class, you maneuver more than 2 tons of weight,” says Wendy Iverson, a veteran fitness instructor who invented the Heavy Hoop. “You’re getting cardio and strength training at the same time.” To learn about home workout videos and health clubs that offer Heavy Hoop classes, visit www.heavyhoop.com.

Body Spin
Standing with your knees slightly bent, spin the hoop while punching first right, then left. Repeat eight times on each side.

 

	Circle Stretch  Squat and hold the hoop like a steering wheel in front of you. “Steer” to the right while stretching your upper body to the right as far as you can. Hold for eight to 10 seconds. Repeat on the left.
	Twisting Kick Hold the hoop like a steering wheel, and kick to the right while turning the hoop to the right. Then repeat to the left. Do a total of eight movements on each side.