Let’s face it… Over the last year we have all seen our lives come to a grinding halt in more ways than one. Many people are spending more time at home than ever. Some folks are home working, others have become homeschool teachers and cafeteria staff, and many have found it increasingly more difficult to get the exercise they want. With gyms around the country operating at minimum capacity, a cautious hesitation to spend too much time around others, and a household to run, you may be wondering how you can find an exercise to get you going. Well, we have one idea that will get you moving and having fun.
It is a great way to exercise.
It’s probably been a few years since you picked up a hula hoop and gave it a spin, but any old hoop won’t do. One of the best ways to set yourself up for a successfully hula hoop journey is to make sure you are using a hoop that is the correct size for you. When holding the hoop up beside you, it should reach your waist. Your best bet is to make your own beginner hula hoop.
Once you’ve got your hands on your dream hoop, the fun part gets to start. Before beginning any exercise routine, it is important to stretch your arms, legs, back, and torso. You should be able to notice a difference in your posture and positioning once you’re limber and relaxed. Swing the hoop around your waist and shift your weight back and forth, building momentum as the hoop spins around you. Start slowly and give yourself plenty of space to find your rhythm and flow. As you continue to practice each day, be conscious of working yourself up to 30 minutes of active hooping.
The surprising perks to consider.
In the event you still are not convinced that hooping is for you, we have a few more reasons you’ll join the fun soon enough. The benefits of hula hooping cannot be debated. If you pick one up and dedicate a little time to it each day, you will quickly see a difference.
Burn loads of calories.
Did you know you could be burning up to 450 calories after an hour of hula hooping? With traditional gym and exercise routines, you’ll be lucky to burn 300 calories per workout… That’s a huge difference! Anyone trying to drop a significant amount of weight or looking for ways to get your heart rate up, hooping is the solution for you.
Help alleviate back pain.
Do you suffer from back issues and pain? If the answer is yes, you have certainly tried your fair share of options to find relief. One of the major proponents of back pain is poor posture; what starts as sore shoulders will seemingly stretch down your back before you know what happened. Hula hooping is a fantastic way to practice proper posture while strengthening your core muscles. You’ll notice right away it is virtually impossible to hoop when you are slouched over!
Enhance your mind and body connection.
Meditation is an exceptional way to refocus your mind, clear out negative thoughts, and spend some time in your own mind – peacefully. Some of us may struggle to find the calm through traditional meditation practices, but the combination of aerobics, mental focus, and rhythmic movements is a sure way to help quiet the outside world. Any opportunity to find a way to lower stress levels while getting your heart pumping is worth a shot.
Don’t wait – get yourself a hula hoop today!
We all have a lot to keep track of during our daily lives, and for many of us, our exercise routines are the first things to go. Juggling day-to-day tasks, running errands, paying bills, and making time to swing by the gym may not be very practical, but who needs to hassle with a gym when you can exercise right at home. Get your family involved and make it an activity everyone will enjoy. Before you know it, you’ll be raving about the benefits of hooping. What is your favorite part of hula hooping? What made you get started?
Hoopmakers University A comprehensive guide for hoopsmiths and hoopers – answering all of your questions from deciphering sizing of tubing, tubing types, how to create the perfect connection, the tools you’ll need to create a hoop, and beyond!!
Whether you are just starting out with hula hooping, or you’ve become a master, you may find there are days you just don’t feel like getting up and moving. Maybe you’ve had a long week, you’re feeling especially tired, and the house needs to be cleaned… You have just got too much to do! But putting yourself first is a priority and when you find yourself in a rut, it can seem impossible to find the motivation you need. Well, grab your hula hoop and get yourself pumped about hooping! We’ve got a few ideas we’re certain you’ll enjoy.
Use a hoop you love.
If you’ve never taken the time to create your own custom hoop, you are missing out on a genuinely exciting experience. When you buy a hula hoop from a hobby or craft store, there are limited options available. Making your own hula hoop is an easy project anyone can do. You’ll need a few supplies to get started, but don’t fret, Hoopologie has got everything you need – and then some.
Add a personal touch to your hula hoop.
Hoop tape has a variety of functions other than being aesthetically pleasing. In fact, there are infinite choices when you start looking. Some tapes help the user to grip the hoop while dancing and others add a protective layer so you don’t have to worry about dings and scrapes on your hula hoop. Gaffer, reflective, and mirror tapes are often used to enhance the personality of your hula hoop and come in every color you can imagine. We’ll show you everything you need to know about hula hoop take and how to take your hoop to the next level.
Have you ever attended a music and art festival or outdoor concert? You’ll be hard pressed to miss the group of folks’ hula hooping and dancing through the crowd. Music is great for the soul and is an exceptional way to tap into all kinds of emotions and bottled up energy. When you add a physical activity to the mix, like hula hooping, you’re opening yourself up to a brand-new experience. Opening your mind and losing yourself in your activity is a great way to tap into your flow state.
Find your hoop space.
Getting into your element makes a big difference. If you normally enjoy spending your time outside in the sunshine, you may find it is easier to find your groove when you hoop in your favorite places. Set your thoughts aside, find your happy place, and express yourself in a way that makes your feel good – mentally and physically. There are many benefits of hula hooping you may not have considered! So, get your heart rate up, your hips moving, and take your hoop on an adventure!
We are passionate about hooping!
At Hoopologie, we are inspired by love, creativity, and FLOW. Sharing our passion for hula hooping with you is at the core of who we are. We want to hear from you so leave a comment! What inspires you?
Hoopmakers University A comprehensive guide for hoopsmiths and hoopers – answering all of your questions from deciphering sizing of tubing, tubing types, how to create the perfect connection, the tools you’ll need to create a hoop, and beyond!!
Whether you’re new to hooping and aren’t sure where to start, or are looking to refresh your practice, look no further!
Think back to your happiest memory; where time felt like it was stopped, when your senses were in-tune, and you were completely present. This euphoric state of mind can be achieved through movement, exercise, and creative expression is commonly known as the “flow state”, “movement meditation”, or compared to “runner’s high”. Now, imagine an activity that could transport you to that blissful, peaceful place?
Hula hooping, or hoop dance, is a playful, aerobic exercise, and is fabulously effective in helping reach fitness goals. Hooping also increases energy levels, confidence, dexterity and coordination, mental clarity, as well as providing a sense of achievement. With mental-health issues, stress, anxiety, and depression at an all time high, people are exploring creative ways to emote, express, release, and play. Some are learning a new sport, or a new style of fitness, while some are exploring their favorite childhood toys and pastimes.
If you’re brand new to hooping, internet searches can be confusing and overwhelming. Here at Hoopologie, we’ve created a Beginner Hooper Guide starting with the basics including; beginner hoop recommendations, differences in tubing, grip (tape, sanding, wax), posture, tips for success, and more.
Hoopologie Ambassdor, Hillia Hula describes the “Top 8 Things ALL New Hoopers Should Know”
Lets get started! What size hoop is best for me? Hoopologie’s standard Beginner Hoop recommendation is a 40″ diameter hoop or larger, made with a minimum of 3/4″ diameter tubing, but preferably, 7/8″ diameter tubing. Many hoopers’ first hoops are heavy, weighted fitness hoops from their local department stores or internet searches and are often 2lbs or heavier. Our heaviest fitness hoops are 1.2 – 1.5lbs, making a mid-weight hoop that is suitable for hoopers developing their muscle memory, while light enough to not leave bruising and soreness.
What different kinds of tubing are available and which one should I choose? Polypropylene (Polypro):Polypro tubing is the most widely available and popular type of tubing on the market today. Polypro is a light, bouncy, and responsive tubing that is loved by hoopers of all experience levels. While quite durable, polypro has its weaknesses. It can be fragile in extremely cold climates, suseptable to warping and misshaping in extreme heat, and can crack under pressure. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE): HDPE is a fan favorite amongst hoop makers and hoopers alike. HDPE is a light, durable tubing, with a firmness unlike polypro, yet responsive and quick moving. Hoop-smiths everywhere love HDPE tubing for its forgiving attributes, ability to retain its shape, and ease to cut and manipulate. Polyethylene (PE): PE tubing identical to the black irrigation tubing found at many hardware stores, only Hoopologie made it custom in white. This tubing is a medium weight ideal for beginner – intermediate hoops. Stardust (Polypropylene): Stardust tubing is a proprietary blend, custom designed by and made for Hoopologie. This stunning, glittery tubing is a show-stopper, especially in the bright sunshine! Stardust tubing is specially made to be more bouncy, more responsive, and more grippy. These attributes can have side effects that can affect this tubing – it is more delicate in colder temperatures and can crack with impacts on hard surfaces. *Stardust tubing is not recommended for newer hoopers or children*
What kinds of grip options are out there and which one should I choose? While few things feel as nice as a fresh hula hoop with no scuffs, scratches, or markings, a perfectly smooth hula hoop can be increasingly challenging to maintain a level and consistent spin. There are many grip options out there, here are the most common: Sanding: Sanding is the most budget friendly grip option and allows each individual hooper to choose their intensity of grip. TIP: Gently rub a piece of fresh sandpaper around the inner rim of your hoop 1-2x or until desired result is achieved. Wax:Hoop wax is often made with a bees-wax base and is applied in a similar way as sanding. Hoop wax is made in-house and can be purchased as an addition to your hoop. TIP: Hoop wax is not recommended for taped hoops Tapes (gaffer, electrical, low-profile, and 3m): Many beginner hoops made today are crafted with grip tape. Electrical tape has a smooth, yet grippy texture and is quite durable. Gaffer tape comes in many colors and widths, making it a great addition to both bare and taped hoops, however, gaffer tape’s adhesive may weaken if exposed to too much moisture. Low-profile grip tape is a durable, thin, and grippy tape, perfect for bare polypro and HDPE hoops. *Not recommended for taped hoops* 3m is a soft, textured surface at 33 mils (0.8 mm) thick that is durable and abrasion resistant. 3M tape adds amazing grip and cushioning to all kinds of hoops.
Travel Hoops vs Sectionals vs Collapsible Love taking your hoop every where with you? Many hoops are fastened closed with tape, a connecting joint, or some combination of the two, making it challenging carry your hoop with you. Over the last few years, hoops have begun to be made with a push-button connection. The Collapsible hoop allows the hooper to disconnect the hoop at its joint and coil it down to attach to a bag, etc. Sectional and travel hoops are gaining more and more popularity, allowing hoopers to take their hoops any and every where with them – the Hoopnotica Travel Hoop is perfect for beginners and experienced hoopers alike; made with 1″ diameter tubing, push-button connectors, spiraled with beautiful mirror tape and gaffer (grip) tape, a travel strap and can be connected with 6 segments to create a 42″ diameter hoop, and 5 segments to create a 37″ diameter hoop.
Morgan Jenkins – @missmojangles – How To Assemble Your Hoopnotica Travel Hoop
Hoop dance helps hoopers of all body types increase mind/body connection, coordination, stamina, energy levels, and mental clarity. When you first begin hooping, you may feel muscle activation of muscles you didn’t know existed! You may experience some mild soreness when you first begin hooping, though there are a few postural adjustments you can make to extend your practice times and feel more receptive to new muscle memory connections. Before hooping: Hydrate, especially if you’re living and hooping in hot or very dry climates, or dancing in the direct sun. Stretch: With your hoop; lift your hoop over head and do a few, slow, mindful stretches to each side. Forward fold while holding your hoop in front of you, soften your knees and hinge from your hips rather than rounding over your low back. Quad stretch – hold your hoop in front of your body, step one foot the hoop, hook your hoop on your back-leg ankle and gently lift your leg in the air until you feel a stretch in your quad. Repeat on each side. Open your shoulders *hoop optional* – windmill one arm at a time in a forward circular motion for 30 seconds, reverse the rotation of your hand and repeat on each side, in each direction for 30 seconds. Posture: Keep your knees and elbows soft – don’t lock your joints out. Relax your shoulders down your back, lift your sternum, rest your facial muscles, and find a comfortable and sturdy stance. Intentional breath can immensely help your practice, focus, energy levels, and mood – so don’t forget to take steady and calm breaths and allow your body to move through your flow.
Hoopmakers University A comprehensive guide for hoopsmiths and hoopers – answering all of your questions from deciphering sizing of tubing, tubing types, how to create the perfect connection, the tools you’ll need to create a hoop, and beyond!!
As we all continue to hunker down, you may have found yourself asking how you’ll be able to entertain your family, let alone yourself! Have you considered hula hooping or hoop making as your next avenue to fun? Whether you are looking for something new to keep you active or introduce your kids to something new, you will soon discover why so many people enjoy hooping.
Aside from being a fun way to spend your time, there are many benefits to hula hooping including mental coordination and physical fitness.
Find your creative side.
There is a lot more to hula hooping than just spinning a hoop around your body. It’s an expression of who you are and the passion you feel inside. Your energy is colorful and flows from within you; your hula hoop should match. One of the most exciting parts of starting on this adventure is finding a hoop that represents you as an individual. Which hula hoop is right for you? The options are endless!
Finding the right dance hoop size is the first place to get started. Just like any sport, having the proper equipment, that fits you, and is comfortable to use will make a huge difference in your overall experience. It may look intimidating when you see how many options exist, but getting the proper size established is universally important. Traditional hula hoops are large, but over the generations, we have embraced all sizes! Right now, you may be looking for a good beginner hula hoop, but before too long you may be ready to ignite your excitement with a fire hoop.
Truly… The choices are incredible!
You are not limited to prebuilt, off the shelf hula hoops. If you don’t see any that call your name, you can easily make your own Polypro Hula Hoop at home. With some simple supplies, you’ll be crafting a masterpiece before you know it. On top of doing this for you, your whole family can spend the day making a hula hoop they can use for years to come.
Where can I learn more about Hoop Making?
You can find all of the videos you’ll need to help you craft you own hoop by visiting the HOOPMAKERS University page. With dozens of hours of tutorials, explanations of pieces, and instructions, you’ll find an answer to any questions along the way.
Still have questions? Check out some of the Common Questions and Answers Regarding Hoop Making and challenge us to answer any question you may still have! At Hoopologie, hula hooping is our passion, and a joy we hope to share with the world. Together, we can spin your world around.
A hula hoop is more than just a toy. Though most of us were introduced in childhood, there is no reason to give up the joy, happiness, and youthful feeling associated with this wholesome activity. If it has been a while since you picked up a hoop – don’t worry! We are going to show you how to get started, where to find resources on this adventure, and outline some of the reasons you should be excited to try something new.
Getting Started is Easy
All you need to get started is a hula hoop, plenty of space to move around, and a little determination. Finding the proper size hoop is important for your overall experience. Check out our HDPE & POLYPRO TUBE SIZING GUIDE to learn all about the materials used to create hula hoops, inner and outer diameters, and how to select a size hoop that works for you.
When you’re ready to get started, be sure you begin with the proper posture and form. It may sound silly, but you aren’t looking to put more strain on your body! Your feet should be a little more than shoulder-width apart, one foot slightly in front of the other, keep your back straight, and core muscles engaged. With the hoop resting around your back and hips, start spinning the hoop. As it begins to move around your waist in a circular motion, push your hips forward and backward. Congratulations! You are now a hula hooper.
In 2017 the Mayo Clinic supported this claim by stating hula hooping can provide results similar to other aerobic activities such as dancing. Adding weights to hoops increases the results.
It builds confidence.
Anytime you are spending time improving your lifestyle, and finding ways to boost your happiness, your confidence increases. I can attest to this and shared my story here: 3 Ways Hooping Helped Me Build Confidence.
Family friendly and focused activity.
Kids and adults can both enjoy the art of hula hooping. In addition to the physical health benefits, you can add an artistic flair to your hoops by adding HOOP TAPE. If you’ve never added tape to your hoops, view our tutorial on How to Tape a Hula Hoop. Before you know it, everyone in your family will be building their own hoops and showing off their personalities in a whole new way.
So many of us spend our days working from behind a desk, typing on computers, or driving all over town to get everything done. As we get older, our backs are more prone to aches and pains throughout the day. Without some form of exercise, you’ll continue to deal with these side effects. Try hooping for your back pain.
Improves Back Pain.
Now that you’re convinced, get yourself out there and start hooping! You and your entire family can enjoy a fun experience, create memories, and explore a hobby everyone can enjoy. Get inspired to begin your own story.
Have you ever found yourself sitting in front of the computer or on your phone for hours on end, and then later realize that you don’t remember the last time you actually got up and walked around. When was the last time you went to the bathroom or drank water?!
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, nor am I any kind of professional in the medical field. You know your body better than anyone. If you’re experiencing abnormal aches and pain, you may want to check with your doctor before trying anything new. With that out of the way, let’s continue.
Before we can get into how hooping can potentially help with back pain, we first need to understand one of the main reasons why we have back pain in the first place.
Many of us spend over 6 hours or more sitting down every single day, and a expanding rear end isn’t the only thing that is happening. Sitting can have both short and long term effects on your body and health, making this seemingly overlooked activity highly detrimental.
This infographic by Washington Post breaks down some of the most unsettling side effects of sitting down all day.
What goes wrong in our bodies when we park ourselves for nearly eight hours per day? A chain of problems from head to toe.
“If you don’t use it, you lose it!”
By sitting all day, your muscles loosens and weakens throughout your body. Without strong legs and glutes, our lower body becomes unable to holds us up when sitting down or keep us stable when walking or doing other activities, putting us at risk of injury.
Another obvious yet often ignored consequence of sitting for long hours is poor circulation. Poor circulation can cause blood pool in the legs and feet, which can lead to varicose veins, swollen ankles, or even dangerous blood cots!
The longer you sit and maintain bad posture, the more likely you are to experience chronic pain in areas such as your neck, shoulders, back, hips, and legs. According to a National Health Statistics Report by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), over 50% of American adults have some type of musculoskeletal pain-disorder-pain in the lower back, sciatica, neck, joints, as well as other related conditions – while 20.3% reported having lower back pain.
Anybody can (and should) reduce the effects of their sedentary lifestyles by simply getting up and moving more. So there’s no need to don’t quit your desk job, stop watching moves, or going on long car rides.
The best way to offset the side effects of sitting at a desk for hours is to really maintain a constant stream of activity throughout the day, everyday. You can do this by taking regular breaks and going for out for a quick walk or…..grab a hula hoop and waist hoop to two or three of your favorite tunes!
How does hula hooping help with back pain?
Hula hooping is a low impact exercise, so just about anybody can do this. When you’re hooping around the waist, you are literally moving your entire body, increasing your circulation and flexibility, and strengthening your core muscles. All of these things make for a great remedy for back pain, an increase in energy, weight loss, and overall healthy body.
All you have to do is to get yourself a nice big beginner hula hoop that is approximately half the size of your body or bigger and start hooping. You don’t need a big studio or lots of space to hula hoop. Try hooping by your desk at work, in your living room or bedroom, but of course there’s also outside. If you don’t know how to hula hoop, check out some beginner hoop tutorial here.
Of course, it also helps to stay fit by finding ways to increase your daily physical activity. It may take some getting used to, but if it can prevent you from suffering any sitting-related health issues, then it’s certainly worth the effort.
Buy one beginner hoop and get a FREE gift! Offer ends on Mother’s Day May 12th.
