THERE'S A NEW HOOP IN TOWN
Dallas, TX (October 27, 2002)

Tired of all those same old aerobics classes? Bored with the butt master? Remember the fun you had as a kid using the hula hoop? Finally, everyone from kids to seniors can have fun while getting the benefit of a fast paced, full body workout. Move over ab roller, step aside Tae Bo because the Heavy Hoop is taking the fitness world by storm.

The Heavy Hoop is not a plastic toy, but an incredibly simple and serious piece of exercise equipment tool made with a high-grade steel core, covered with moveable, thick foam. The basic model weighs 3 pounds, and there's a 5-pound version available for more accomplished athletes, and there will also be a smaller, child-sized hoop available soon, designed specifically for their smaller, developing bodies.

The Heavy Hoop is the brainchild of Wendy Iverson, a 41 year-old mother and fitness innovator with more than 20 years experience as a consultant, instructor and presenter of aerobics workshops and master classes. Wendy believed that a weighted ring would be easier to use and could provide the combined benefits of a number of other products on the market targeted only to specific parts of the body. More than 11 years ago, what is now the Heavy Hoop actually started out as an experiment by wrapping a piece of telephone tubing with duct tape. Eleven years later, that rough idea has now transformed and developed into a sleek piece of equipment that is being produced by Keys Fitness in Garland, Texas. Soon, Cardio Hoop classes will be offered nationwide by Bally Total Fitness (the largest health club chain in America with just under 500 locations) featuring the Heavy Hoop. Additionally, a training clinic will be held November 14th - 16th, to teach elementary and middle school physical education teachers in the Iowa public school system how to use the Heavy Hoop as part of their statewide physical education curriculum. Physical therapists are already using the Heavy Hoop as a rehabilitation device to treat individuals recovering from injury, stroke and arthritis due to its light weight, shape and ability to float in the pool.

Wendy has produced three videos that cover all the bases from stretching to cardio and strength training. There is even a specific routine available on video for the disabled that can be done completely from a seated position. The familiar "hula hoop" movement is just a small part of the total workout but develops rock hard stomach muscles, tones the lower body and conditions the heart. Tested this past year at one of the nation's top aerobics research institutes in Dallas, Texas, the Heavy Hoop burned more calories than a high-impact aerobics class, a fast treadmill run or a sustained bike ride.

Want a better look? Check out our website at www.heavyhoop.com. For additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact ... Buz Barlow at 214/562-4411 or via e-mail at buzbarlow@msn.com.