I have rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. These conditions make exercise extremely difficult for me. I have permanent damage in my hands, wrists, and feet, so walking is painful and so is anything requiring a grip. I love to swim, but don't have a pool. So I have been thinking hard about what I can do to help me shed some of the weight 5 years on steroids has caused me to gain.
I bought hula hoops! I got a set of two little ones to use on my arms, and a large weighted hoop specifically for exercise for my middle. I loved hula hoops as a kid, and I don't have to hold onto them to exercise, so I thought it would be a good solution.
I'm not well coordinated, sadly. But I have been using the hoops. The arm ones are not bad, but I can't do them both at once yet. It's only been a few days. I am right handed, and I've found I'm pretty good at having the left hoop fly off and hit my curious dog! Luckily the hoops are light, so he ducks and I laugh.
The large, weighted hoop has a wavy inside that is supposed to help me keep it going. I am realizing how many years it has been since I've done this-I can get about two twirls before it falls to the floor. But I am determined. It is fun, the dogs like to watch from a safe distance, and I am laughing while working and I do not have to bear increased wrist pain to do this.
If you like hula hoops as a child, give them a whirl now. It really is fun.
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I hope you are still at it! The stress relieving benefits and massaging properties of the hoop should relieve your symptoms somewhat.The hoop has helped my arthritis and lower back back pain. I teach hooping and my classes are filled with all ages of people but many need low impact exercise with high results and hooping delivers.Good for you!-Juliet
February 19, 2012 - 7:12pmhttp://www.HoopToHeal.net
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Hey Cary,
I have to tell you that there is a bar here in Cleveland that one of the bartenders started this Hula Hoop thing several months ago and she does shows now and so forth. She has lost so much weight as her ‘shows become more and more popular’. She has them all such as arms, legs, waist (all different sizes). I wasn’t aware they have weights and so forth.
I will tell you though, I recently asked her if she was working out and she told me that it was just from the shows she does at the bar. I was amazed at how well defined her arms and stomach had became in a short amount of time. So, keep up the good work and maybe you will be showing a bicep or two soon!
Good luck and great article!
July 2, 2010 - 1:19pmThis Comment
Cary - How are you enjoying the hula hoops? It sounds like fun, and a great idea for exercise. Pat
July 1, 2010 - 6:33pmThis Comment
It's fun, Pat!
July 2, 2010 - 6:46amI'm getting a little better at it. I did have to stop the big one for a bit because I was having back issues not related to the hooping but I needed to avoid twisting. I'm back to it now. It is amazing how quick it raises my heart rate, plus it's fun...it makes me feel a bit like a kid again. Only bigger and less coordinated. haha
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