Fitness is always a topical subject, but going to the gym has never been more boring (or inaccessible when you look at the snow). You may associate hula hooping with childhood fancies, but do you realize it's actually got a huge adult following? I tried a class in Los Angeles recently and was hooked, and it has a huge fanbase in Britain as well, with hoopers round the country whittling their waists and keeping in shape.
One man has actually turned his love for hooping into a career, and I speak to John Parnell a.k.a 'Hoopguy' about his love for the plastic circle.
1. How did you get involved in hooping?
I discovered Adult Hoops around 3 years ago when one of our members brought one to the club. I had a try and found I could do it which was great considering that like most adults I had tried a normal toy hoop and felt I must be useless because I couldn't do it. Then once I discovered you could do more than just hoop around your waist I was hooked, and I now perform lots of different moves and tricks with the hoop.
(for the record he's 55 years old- so you have no excuse!)
2. How easy is it to start?
It is only easy if you do it right. The biggest problem people have when trying to hoop is either lean forward, or move their shoulders forward and backward. You must stand upright, with your shoulders back and just push the hoop with your tummy each time it comes around. The main thing is to use the correct size hoop. The bigger the hoop the easier it is, the smaller the hoop the harder it is for an adult to use. Most adults find a hoop around 40 to 42 inch diameter is best, although some beginners benefit from trying a 44 , or even a 50 inch hoop to start with.
3. What do you need to start hooping?
You should not wear loose fitting clothes whilst trying to hoop as this will impede the movement of the hoop. An adult hoop should ideally weigh between One Pound and One and a Half Pounds this is another reason why adult hoops are different to children's toy hoops. Adult Hoops vary in size, style and of course price. You can get a cheap hoop for around £13 to £18, and this will probably be made from plastic water pipe, with a glued joint, and wrapped with tape to make it look nice.
Other hoops will be specially made for the job from a high quality plastic with a welded joint. These do not need decorative tapes, and can be used indoors or out with no tape to scuff or tear, and if they get dirty they can just be wiped over with a damp cloth to look great again. You can also get hoops with a fabric tape, or foam tape to improve the grip, especially when wearing slippy clothing, such as nylon, or similar materials. The foam tape of course can add to the weight of the hoop so be careful as to the final total weight. A hoop weighing two pounds or more can lead to excessive bruising.
4. What type of person would enjoy hooping?
Many adults enjoy hooping for many and various reasons, Hooping is an aerobic exercise, so you can get a wonderful feeling of "well being" from the body's release of natural endorphins. Knowing you are getting fitter, and slimming your waist while having fun also adds to the enjoyment factor. There is nothing better than hooping in a quiet place, with your choice of music and with your eyes closed. Although hooping is aerobic exercise it is also very therapeutic and helps to expel the cares and worries of your day.
5.How do you encourage men to hoop?
This is a little more difficult, because first you first need to get men to actually try hooping. Once they have tried it, and found there are so many new moves to master this can appeal to their competitive nature, and often knowing they will be able to exercise in a room full of ladies, who are getting slimmer and fitter week by week can also have its attractions.
6.How good is hooping as an exercise? Will you lose weight/tone up etc?
Hooping is an aerobic exercise. You are burning Calories (up to 100 each 10 minutes, please note, that is up to 100, it could be as low as 30 to 40 if you are a good efficient hooper). The action of hooping strengthens the core muscles which help support, and help protect, the spine.
7. Where can you go for classes in London?
There are a few people in the London area who have taken Hoopgirl teacher training and are now offering hoop classes. Try Hoopswirled and it is also possible to go to a Virgin Active GYM to take part in classes in certain areas.
8. What are good DVDs to try?
All the DVDs are great, that is why I sell such a wide range. However some of them are more biased towards fitness, whereas others are more for people who want to be more creative and learn hoopdance. The HoopDance DVDs are in my opinion better because they add more of a fun element to the practice, and yet you still get fit etc while following them. Hoopnotica, Hoopgirl and BodyHoops DVDs are all very good.
9. To notice a physical difference what amount of hooping would you recommend a week?
As little as 10 minutes a day is beneficial, but hooping is so much fun that many people like to do even more. Hooping for around a hour a week would show results especially in the tummy area in just a couple of weeks.
10. which celebs hoop?
I cannot really divulge which celebrities I have sold hoops to, but I can tell you there are several. It is no secret that President Obama's wife and daughter were seen hooping in the park last year, and Beyonce is also well known for using a hula hoop to help her keep in shape.
For more info on John, or to try one of his hoops check out his site here.
I'll be having a go at hooping in the next few weeks, so stay peeled for my progress and a video of me in action!
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