A recent headline, hidden among the dire and more dire news, grabbed my attention. In fact, the print words practically shouted from their mid-page position in the newspaper. “Studies have shown that regular weighted hula hooping can decrease abdominal fat and waist circumference, and a study found that it was more effective than walking for reducing belly fat and increasing core strength in overweight individuals.”
Overweight?! Yeah, I admit it.
I lost five pounds to augment the success of my knee replacement surgery, to reduce the load of daily living activites on my bone-on-bone knees. That was all ‘well and good’ as they say, but the inactivity inherent in recovery – coupled with cheesy, calorie-laden meals provided by well-meaning friends – have caused me to regain those pounds.
And add five more.
It was a conspiracy of good intentions amped by my total lack of will power. The inclination to equate good food with feeling love in embedded in our bodies and souls by Midwestern/Southern hospitality.
Ever the fun-seeking individual, I sought a novel way to help me increase my exercise and activity level… Voila! A hula hoop, prompted by this video sent by an encouraging friend.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/716538401465871
The hula hoop gained international popularity in the late 1950s, when a plastic version was successfully marketed by California’s Wham-O toy company, though its first use was in Australia. This goofy tune, issued in 1958 at the height of the craze, probably coincides with the year I got one as a Christmas present.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np2ZapISRzM&list=RDnp2ZapISRzM&start_radio=
The bottom line – and your takeaway from my designated exercise program – is that I’ve recovered knee function, balance, and stability to the point that I no longer require a walker or a cane. I can engage in the seductive sway and boundless joy of hula hooping…
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