Last week, I decided to start using a new fitness torture device...

It's a weighted Hula Hoop and it hurts like hell. I bought it after reading many reviews and trying to determine whether it's benefits might be considered overstated or plain bunk. It seemed worth a shot, especially since I hate exercising, but LOVE Hula Hooping.

It arrived last Friday and I initially didn't heed the warnings of Amazon Product reviewers, who said that although they now love their hoops, it left bruises for the first few weeks. You need to use it and toughen up! I grabbed the hoop and after two rotations, I understood the warnings. I felt like I needed to gain about fifty pounds to have some protective padding. Instead, I threw on my winter down filled jacket and went outside in the 90 degree heat to give it another go. It still hurt, but not as much. I kept it going for the recommended 2-3 minutes. The instructions say to slowly build to twenty minutes, up to three times a day.

I'm still not sure if this is snake oil, but I am going to give it a few months.