When it comes to exercise, there are several factors that determine its effectiveness. It has to fatigue the muscles to be a strength training exercise or it has to elevate the heart rate to be considered aerobic in nature. It also has to be safe, easy to learn and of course, enjoyable so that people will continue to do use it. For years, Pilates, which focuses on proper form and posture for core strengthening exercises has been in the top twenty according to the American College of Sports Medicine, however, for the first time, it has no longer reached that level. Experts are claiming that the problem might be economic in nature. Pilates, which requires trained staff to lead may have fallen out of favor because people can no longer afford it.

Yoga and core training both remain on the top twenty list. Some people might wonder why yoga is on the list but not Pilates, however, the explanation might be in the wide range of yoga styles and the ease of finding yoga tapes to use at home. Yoga also allows for some individual adjustments and modifications where Pilates can be considered a little more rigid and regimented.

There might be another type of exercise that is working its way up the list, this one often dismissed as nothing but a trend, but according to a new study, may in fact, warrant a serious, second look. John Porcari, of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has authored a study looking into the amazing benefits of the hula hoop. Hoops, first introduced to mass markets in the 1950’s, are becoming the new, hot trend for weight loss. Despite being dismissed as nothing but a toy by some, serious hooping can burn the same amount of calories as a 4 to 4.5 mile per hour walk and is being recognized by the American College of Sports Medicine as a viable exercise form.

In the study, Porcari looked at sixteen women who ranged in ages from 16-59. The women participated in a thirty minute, video led dance-hoop session and then had several health and fitness measurements performed.The women’s oxygen consumption rate, heart rate, rate of physical exertion and other tests were taken at the end of the class. The average heart rate was 151 beats per minute and the average calorie burn was just over 200 calories per class. The amount is enough to keep weight steady and if coupled with a slight decrease in daily calories, could be enough to lead to slow and steady weight loss.

Porcari’s information is being presented to an informational only meeting which is considered more casual than release to a journal. The type of hula hoop that was used during the test was not discussed, however, there are several kinds on the market, including weighted hoops that range from one pound for beginners up to five pounds for more experienced hoopers.