The best weighted hula hoops: Do weighted hula hoops work?

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Plus all the best weighted hula hoops to shop right now

From the 12-3-30 treadmill workout to tips on how to hack the StairMaster, a quick scroll through TikTok – or should we say FitTok? – and you're pretty much set when it comes to inspiration for your next gym sesh. But, with so many *unusual* trends out there, like 'healthy coke' and internal showers, can you really trust what you see on TikTok?

It's a question you might have found yourself asking if you've seen the weighted hula hoop workouts that are currently going viral on the platform. Video after video shows TikTokers seemingly 'dropping inches from their waists' after a few days spent with a weighted hula hoop, causing many people to question whether the trend is too good to be true.

"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 decrease your abdominal fat. 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. This will help put you into a 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!" I t'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.

"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."

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 shop right now...

Shape and tone your abs, glutes, waist and core whilst at the same time adding some fun to your home fitness routine with this hot pink hula hoop from Azure at Sephora.

Tighten core muscles and improve strength with this two-toned hula hoop from Phoenix Fitness, available at Urban Outfitters. It's easy to assemble and takes up virtually no space in comparison to other gym equipment, meaning you can easily store it under your bed or in the back of a wardrobe.

Core Balance Fitness' easy-to-assemble weighted hula hoop comes in three different colours (black, purple and teal). Weighing in at 1kg, this is the perfect hula hoop to add a little bit of resistance to your usual workout routine. And if you want to up your workout even more, opt for the wavy hoop which features unique 'power waves' that "stimulate your core, tighten your abs and help to tone your stomach."

BRB, adding this to our basket immediately...

Add a splash of colour to your weighted hula hoop workout with this adjustable hoop from Amazon that comes in six (yes! six!) different colours. Choose from black, blue, green, grey, pink or purple then hula hoop to your heart's content...

This 1.4kg weighted hula hoop from Decathlon is less about the aesthetics and more about your budget. At just £14.99, this hoop is one of the most affordable on the market, and what it lacks in appearance it more than makes up for in practicality. Don't believe us? Just check out its 4.5 star rated reviews!

If you're after a weighted hula hoop with a little more, well, weight, head to Argos where you can pick up this 1.8kg weighted hula hoop described as being: "More effective than crunches, helping you towards amazing abs." We're sold!

Not ready to go all in with a 1.8kg hoop? This slightly lighter hula hoop from Opti will help you "burn more calories and increase your flexibility" – all for just 1 quid! Cheaper than a gym membership, eh?

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