LOS ANGELES, July 7, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- EXTRA recently aired its segment featuring Wendy Iverson's Heavy Hoop, as "Hollywood's Favorite Work Out." Heavy Hoop got critically acclaimed by EXTRA as being the best total body workout ... pure calorie killer.
Creator Wendy Iverson says, "One nonstop workout is like moving 2 tons of iron." She insists, "You get cardio and strength training in one exercise that's fun! Anyone can do this and go at their pace and will be amazed with the results."
Sunday's Washington Post published in its health and fitness section that most people think of hula hoops as a retro fad. But for the past couple of years, a pumped-up version has been making the rounds on the fitness circuit. Heavy Hoop, it's foam-covered, 3 pound ring designed to provide the resistance necessary for a heart-pumping, feel-the-burn aerobic workout. According to Dallas' Cooper Institute research center, its vigorous twirling not only thoroughly engages your cores muscles, it also can burn more calories than a high-impact aerobics class, an intense bike ride or a comparable run on the treadmill.
Even if you were an ace hula-hooper in third grade, you'll find that the new model, with its extra weight and heft, requires that you employ skill and concentration to rotate it around your waist. After the warm-up there's no more kiddie stuff. You'll add arm movements, lunges and squats while keeping your hips swaying. The workout is so intense, there's no energy leftover. Floor exercises that follow are equal parts Pilates mat work and military calisthenics; stomach crunches to tighten abs while working the shoulders and arms (you'll hold the hoop above the body to add resistance) and lightning-fast legwork, with jumps in and out of the hoop (which lies on the floor), to improve speed and agility. Finally, a cool-down period incorporates yoga positions, including a downward facing dog type stretch that uses the hoop for support.
Heavy Hoop has been featured on CNN Headline News, FOX News Channel (Fox & Friends) and ABC Eyewitness News. It has also been featured in Living Fit's March issue, Muscle Mag's March issue, Muscle & Fitness Hers' May issue, Oxygen's Aug. issue (on stands now), Los Angeles Times, and Washington Post, just to name a few (extensive media coverage list is available upon request). Wendy will also be featured on several national television shows and has been invited to appear on QVC at the end of August. The Lifetime Network's Speaking Of Women's Health Show is featuring it on one of their "transformation" pieces slated to air mid-September.
We are proud to announce that Wendy Iverson and her Heavy Hoop will be featured in Oprah Winfrey's O Magazine's September issue.
Many gyms nationwide offer "Cardio Hoop" classes and Heavy Hoop can also be purchased for home use by ordering it at www.heavyhoop.com or calling 877.833.HOOP. For an interview with Wendy Iverson, please contact Silvie Bordeaux at: 818.205.9673 or email Bordeauxprr@aol.com.