Get in shape for summer

Hoop adds fun to workouts

Want to put a little fun into your workout routine? While hula hoops may seem like just another fad trend, fitness experts agree that they can provide a great core and cardio workout. They’re also inexpensive and easy to use once you get the hang of it.

The Empower Fitness Cardio Core and More Fitness Hoop adds another twist to the standard hoop with a feature that allows users to customize the weight of the hoop for a variety of fitness levels. It’s easy to adjust: just mix and match the weighted and non-weighted segments to find the one that suits you best, from beginner to advanced.

The hoop’s exterior is made from a soft, thick foam to provide comfort. The segments connect and disconnect easily through snap-button connections. It’s also designed for portability and storage, with each of the six segments dissembling into separate pieces.

The Cardio Core and More set includes one 40-inch hoop (total weight of 3 pounds), a 45-minute workout DVD and an illustrated workout guide to give you some hooping tips and ideas.

For a list of retailers, visit the Empower Fitness website at empowerfitness.com. Price is $39.99.

FitDesk: Pedal while you work

The FitDesk Pro attaches to your bike handlebars and lets you work on a laptop computer as you pedal a bike — no, not on a trail but in your home or garage, with your bike safely on trainer rollers, which it appears are not included.

Another model, FitDesk X, is a basic exercise bike with laptop attachment, while the high-end model, FitDesk Executive Trainer, adds more bells and whistles to the basic exercise bike. Prices run from $99 to $499.