Marisa Tomei HoopBody ©all rights reserved

Hula hoops are not just for kids: a slightly larger, weighted, collapsible hoop has been developed along with a series of workouts that incorporate core exercises, Pilates and cardio to help you get fit. American actress Marisa Tomei is launching her HoopBody fit kit ($39.98/€32.60), a weighted 40-inch hoop with three workouts on a 90-minute DVD, produced with the green healthy lifestyle brand Gaiam on August 20. Hooping was how Tomei got fit for her nude scenes in the the award-winning film The Wrestler. In a promo clip she explains how it is all about flow and working with your own body and weight, "It is meditative, it's fun, its great for your body and puts you in a really great mood," giggled Tomei. Gaiam states that an hour of hooping can burn 600 calories in a fun, sexy way. If you don't want to wait until August, try picking up a €5 hula hoop at your local toy store to practice. The key is to move your hips to each point and not make large circular movements. It may be the case that weighted hoops like Acu Hoop ($35/€28.54), Wavy Hoop ($15/€12.23), or Fire Groove Hoops ($34.99/€28.53) are easier to use and will help you melt off the kilos quicker. Either way, give it a spin. (Relax News) Here are some clips to help you get started:

Hula Hoop Basics: www.youtube.com/

Hoopilates: http://www.youtube.com/

Published 28.06.2010