Who would have thought that something so old-fashioned could become the must-have fitness gadget of 2021?
The humble hula-hoop has been reborn as the hottest health accessory – thanks to TikTok.
This new version is weighted. And people around the world are adding weighted hula hooping to their routines after TikTok users claim that it can drop inches from your waist.
And now shops across York have completely sold out of weighted hula hoops, to the frustration of many.
There are at least 11 different models – but we checked the city’s stockists and every version was out of stock.
This isn’t just affecting local York stores either; Amazon has sold out of most of their best sellers, with some left that have doubled in price due to the demand.
So the big question is: are weighted hula hoops worth the price?
‘Already seeing results’
York student Jennifer Charlton bought her weighted hula hoop after seeing the TikTok craze on ITV’s This Morning in January.
“I did some research and felt like weighted hula hooping would be fitting for my routine,” she said. “It works your core, glutes and legs.”
The York St John University student added: “I use the hoop for half an hour every day alongside morning workouts and daily walks. This is an added bit of fun as well as core training.”
The weighted hula hoop comes to pieces which are easy to assemble. 
Weighted hula hoop
“I’ve already started to see and feel the results. My core feels stronger and my stomach is starting to tone.”
But it isn’t a miracle worker. “I would recommend it but you have to stay committed. It’s good in conjunction with other exercises and healthy eating.”