'Is it a torture machine?': Shoppers confused over bizarre Kmart fitness device

"I think you’d be better off going for a brisk walk," a personal trainer said after seeing the $15 item that's meant to train your core. 

It seems like a new fitness gadget is coming out all the time these days, and now Kmart has thrown their hat into the ring (or should we say hoop?) with an item that promises to strengthen your core. 

However, the product in question, the $15 Weighted Hula Hoop, has sparked confusion online, and not just from sceptics branding it as just the latest fad. 

People have been left scratching their heads, claiming it looks more like something you'd find in a medieval dungeon than a home gym.

So, does it work? Or would you be better off using it for your kid's Halloween costume and just doing some crunches instead?

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Image: Kmart

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The $15 Kmart weighted hula hoop

One potential customer posed this question to the Kmart Hacks and Decor Facebook group, "Has anyone tried/used the below? I really don’t like exercise but need to get fitter.

"Any suggestions for other Kmart fitness items would be appreciated. Thank you." 

She then shared photos of the item, which can be found in the fitness section at Kmart.

According to the website, it features a shock-absorbing massage belt with 24 detachable links that you can remove to fit your waist. 

There's also a weighted rubber ball attached to the belt via a cord that rotates around your waist as you move your hips from side to side. 

"Engage in a fun and stimulating aerobic exercise with this weighted hula hoop," the description reads. 

Image: TikTok / Kmart

What followed was a flood of responses in the comments that ranged from genuinely curious to outright confused.

"What is this? It looks like a torture device?" one person questioned, echoing the sentiments of many.

"What on earth is that for?" another confused commenter asked. 

Then this woman advised, "I think you’d be better off going for a brisk walk."

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"This looks ridiculous"

Even a personal trainer weighed in, giving a less-than-glowing endorsement. 

"I’m a PT and if your goal is to improve your fitness then this is not going to do it. It’s not likely to be sustainable enough to give you any significant results. You are much better off investing in some weights (dumbbells or kettlebells) and walking," they said.

"Useless!" another group member claimed, "I got one for a laugh and it's rubbish."

"This looks ridiculous..." another stated, "so stupid."

"What an odd contraption," a different user noted.

"Keep your kids and fur babies away"

Meanwhile, others who had bought the hoop said not only does it not work, it's also potentially dangerous. 

"It's very hard to use and the weight actually flew off so can be a safety issue as well. Luckily it didn’t break anything. I read someone else had the same thing happen but it smashed her TV!" one unhappy customer wrote.

"Keep your kids and fur babies away!" another warned.

And a primary school teacher shared this anecdote, "I’ve had to stop using mine. The ball kept flying off and nearly hit a student in my kinder class when I brought it in for movement."

Yikes! Sounds like maybe it is a torture device after all - for the people around you who might get whacked!

We'll be steering clear of this one for now...

Originally published as 'Is it a torture machine?': Shoppers confused over bizarre Kmart fitness device