Maybe try Hula Hoop?

My granddaughter has one and I tried it last year, lol! I couldn't do it anymore and all I could do was laugh at myself because it kept falling. One thing I want to mention to you is that in your other discussion you said your hips and legs hurt from the treadmill. Don't you think this might hurt your hips too because of all the movement? I want to get a Wii and use it for some exercise in my apartment because you can set it for different levels.

I haven't used a hula hoop in quite a few years. I think that my old one might still be in storage somewhere--either in my mother's apartment or in an actual storage unit. Personally, I think that the one exercise must-have is a yoga mat. I don't believe in buying treadmills or other expensive exercise equipment, because they usually just end up being overpriced clothes holders.

I thought the same thing and actually found an inexpensive one locally. It's a good thing it was inexpensive because I can't do it! I used to, but I can't keep it up any more. I will keep working at it and hopefully I'll get it going one day. Have you thought about just walking? I've found that to be a good exercise and not hard on my legs unless I'm having a bad day anyway.

I think the ones you see people using for cardio/exercise are heavy hoops, they weigh about 3-5 lbs or so, not like the cheap little kid ones. I think I've seen them at Big 5 Sporting Goods for around $20-30, and I have to agree, they are a great option for exercise. If you hoop regularly, you can drop inches off your waist and get a much stronger core, and it's fun as well. Some other options I would consider - a jump rope, those are fairly cheap and can be used in a small area, an exercise band with handles - those are fairly cheap and there are lots of youtube videos and exercises listed at various fitness sites that show you how to use it, a yoga mat for doing crunches, planks, pushups, etc, a set of 5-10 lb dumbbells, or a weighted ball. I used a heavy hoop at a class but it was a long time ago... at least a year. I have the Wii fit disc which has a hooping option along with about 30 other exercises, so you do the same movement for a certain period of time but you don't actually have a hoop. I think it's more effective WITH a hoop for sure but I will say doing the exercise made me sweat and I didn't think it would!

I had one when I was a kid and was a whiz at it, but years later when I tried it, I couldn't keep it going. Using one to lose weight? Hmmm... that would not be my first choice since you would probably have to keep it up for extended periods of time to burn any calories. That is a whole lot of hip swiveling that might lead to further problems with your legs. Have you asked your doctor for a recommended exercise regimen? Probably the best place to start before you end up with too many gadgets that you may not like and will end up stuffed in a closet.

Yes hula hoop is very helpful for loss weight especially for those have a big belly,after a few months exercise,your big belly will turn a slim waist. But the point is you need to persistence.Good luck!

Catching up on the discussions my friend, so how did you get on with the hula hoop, was it a success? Or has the idea drifted away by now. I remember at school we had hula hoops but I was never good at it, we mainly used them for jumping in and out, as the PE teacher used them as a part of an assault course, rather than what they were actually made for.

try making cleaning of the appartment more difficult by stretching and holding in stomach muscles, a lot of people let their stomach muscles go when bending , I think it helps to tighten them and hold the stomach in whenever you think about it - you can flex your stomach muscles while standing in a bus queue- any muscle action uses energy - you need more space than you might imagine for hooplahooping

I have never been great in Hula Hoops. Every time I try a Hula Hoop, I would find it landing on the ground in just a few seconds. I believe though that you can master it if you're committed enough. Keep practicing! If Hula Hoop isn't really a good suitable sport, you should try using skipping ropes. I find them extremely useful. This may require a little space but you can leave your apartment and skip in the park or an open space. Best of luck! :)