Hear us out: hula hooping can actually be a good way to get a cardio workout. According to the Mayo Clinic, men can burn about 200 calories in 30 minutes of hula hooping.

“The smaller and lighter the hoop, the more energy it takes to keep the hoop going,” writes Mayo Clinic doctor Edward R. Laskowski, M.D. “But the bigger and heavier the hoop, the easier it is to keep going, which means you may be able to do it for a longer period of time.”

It may also be a great low-impact weight loss too. A small 2015 study on a six-week trial of weighted hula hooping in women found that participants experienced a significant decrease in waist and hip circumference. And another larger 2019 study found that participants that hula-hooped just 12 minutes a day with a weighted hula hoop decreased abdominal fat percentage and increased trunk muscle mass.

Starting with a weighted hula hoop is perfect for beginners, and we’ve rounded up 5 of the best for you to try out.

IENIN Weighted Hoop

This IENIN weighted hoop is made of stainless steel and soft foam. It comes in 8 detachable sections, so if you’re looking to travel you can break it down (and build it back) easily.

Nyamba Weighted Hoop

This Nyamba weighted hoop is 3 pounds, and is weighted with sand. It is foam covered for comfort, and has an easy clip system to put together quickly and easily.

Wooden Hula Weighted Exercise Hoop

If you’re looking for a hula hoop alternative, this wooden weighted hoop is it. It’s a 56-inch hoop that is made of wooden, polished beads that will also massage your waist and neck when you use it.

Better Sense Weighted Hoola Hoop

This 2-pound weighted hula hoop is adjustable, and can be put in 3 different sizes depending on your body size and ‘skill’ level.

Dynamis Weighted Hoola Hoop

The Dynamis weighted ‘hoola’ hoop comes in two different weights: 2.4 and 3.6 pounds. It’s built to be heavy duty, with foam padding and easy assembly buttons to put all 8 pieces together.

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