Hula-hoops The hula-hoop, a popular children’s toy in the 1950s, has gained popularity as an exercise in recent years. But does it work? To answer this question, the American Council on Exercise conducted a study to evaluate the cardio and calorie-burning benefits of “hooping.” Researchers recorded heart rate and oxygen consumption of participants, as well as their individual ratings of perceived exertion, at regular intervals during a 30-minute workout. (www.acefitness.org/certifiednewsarticle/1094/)