Hula Hooping for Fun and Fitness

Not Just Kids' Play

Mar 16, 2009 Kelli Hanrahan

How to get started hula hooping? With your very own hoop and a few lessons or on-line tutorials, you'll be hooping to your heart's content in no time!

So, what's all the fuss about hula hooping? The word on the street is that hula hooping is the newest trend in fitness and aerobics. Hula hoop classes are popping up in gyms across North America, Europe, Japan and Australia. And this is not the playground hula hooping of your childhood days. Modern hula hoops are weighted and decorative, and include dynamic choreography and yoga stretching for a workout that is sure to bring out the kid in everyone.

Getting Started Hula Hooping

How to get in on the hoop loop? You may want to get your own hoop, for starters. Dollar store hoops are too flimsy, and don't provide the weight needed for a good hip and ab workout. A heavier hoop also provides the proper counter-balance to keep the hoop from falling below the hips during those awkward first hippy-shakes. If you can find a class in your area, there are likely practice hoops provided, but it is also nice to have your own (especially if you are eager to practice on your own).

There are lots of hula hoops available for sale online, via etsy.com, or through hooping.org magazine. A google search will yield plenty of results, so take a good look to find what you are looking for, at the price you want to pay. Practice hoops in class can give you a feel for what you like, so you will have a better idea what to look for online.

Making Your Own Hoop

Making your own hoop is an option that is easy, fun, and the most economical. There are plenty of instructions available online (including the most famous at jasonunbound.com). Supplies can be found at your local Home Depot or hardware store. For making an adult-sized practice hula hoop,

You will need:

Pvc tubing (3/4" or 1")
One connector (3/4" or 1")
Coloured tape (such as electric tape)
A hair dryer or large bowl of hot water (optional)

Pvc tubing is plastic plumbing tube. It comes in 3/4" or 1" diameter. 3/4" is recommended for adult (or child) hoops as the 1" hoop is a bit bulky (although some people like their hoops very large because it is easier to work with when you are a beginner).

You will need to have a portion of pvc tubing cut to a hoop size that reaches the height of your hips. The connector needs to be the same diameter as the hoop; it joins the two ends of the hoop, and, when fully inserted, will keep the endings from breaking apart. Heating the pvc tube or soaking the ends in hot water can help if the plastic is very hard and the connector does not insert into the tube with ease.

To complete, you can decorate the hoop with tape. Tape helps, not just for aesthetics, but to provide the necessary grip so the tube does not slip when in contact with skin. Start at the point where the hoop joins via the connector, and wind a spiral candy stripe around the perimeter of the hoop, leaving approximately 2" space between 'loops' to add another layer of coloured tape for the next round.

How to Hula Hoop

Now that you are ready for hours of hip-shaking pleasure, how does one keep the hoop on the hips? Search for classes your area, at YMCAs, gyms, yoga and dance studios. If you don't find a teacher, you can still get started by watching a hooping.org or YouTube tutoria, or by ordering an instructional video from a company such as Hoopnotica. May you enjoy many a happy days of hula hooping!

The copyright of the article Hula Hooping for Fun and Fitness in Fitness is owned by Kelli Hanrahan. Permission to republish Hula Hooping for Fun and Fitness in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Lumiere Festival, Ottawa August 2008