Hooping has a multitude of benefits! Hooping is becoming a huge fitness craze. It can burn around 400 calories an hour, making it a great way to lose weight and stay in shape. It's also a wonderful way to express your creativity. Dancing in the hoop was made popular by jam bands like String Cheese Incident, and it's a great activity at outdoor festivals and concerts. And, of course, hooping is FUN! When you're hooping, you're in the moment and nothing else is bothering you. Whether you're just doing some simple waist hooping or learning new tricks, it's impossible not to smile when in the circle.

 

 

Hooping and hoop dance isn't the same as the hula hooping you remember as a child! Instead of standing in place and hooping around and around at the waist with a small, plastic hoop like you did when you were little, hoop dancers use the hoop as a partner and display a full range of movements! You'll find adults everywhere hooping, especially as hoop classes become more popular. Note that I do make kid-sized hoops as well!

 

 

All of my hoops are classified as "weighted hoops." Adult hoops are made heavier than the cheap, plastic hoops of your childhood for a number of reasons. First, adults have bigger bodies and need a little more weight to keep the hoop going. Second, they are great for weight loss and exercise. Using a hoop of this size WILL get your heart rate up. Some studies have found that hooping can burn up to 400 calories an hour! 

 

My Standard Weight hoops each weigh roughly between 1.3 and 1.7 pounds, which is the natural weight of the tubing. I and my customers have found this weight to be ideal for both fitness and hoop dancing, so it will be perfect for you no matter what your goals. Standard Weight hoops will still get you in shape and help you lose weight if desired, while not being overly taxing on the body. Most hoopers find that they progress to lighter and smaller hoops as their technique improves, so purchasing a Standard weight instead of a Heavyweight will ensure that you won't outgrow your hoop too quickly.

 

Some hoop makers that claim to be catering to the weight-loss crowd sell hoops in upwards of 5 pounds! I can assure you that a 5 pound hoop will only cause fatigue and frustration, and will not have better weight loss effect - as we've all discovered with any weight loss routine, you'll only use your hoop if you're having fun! I've found that any hoop weighing over 3 pounds can cause serious bruising on the hips, stomach, and hands. I do now offer a Heavyweight option for my hoops, which can add a couple extra pounds, but I only recommend using this hoop for core hooping.

 

I also carry a Lightweight tubing, which is great for kids or advanced hoopers who specialize in off-body hooping.

 

I'm happy to help you choose a size and weight for your hoop if you email me with your personal goals!

 

 

Waist hooping is the most basic of the hooping tricks. Stand with one foot in front of the other and place the hoop against your lower back. Give the hoop a strong spin, and immediately begin shifting your weight forward and backward. You won't get it on the first try, but don't give up! Practice is all you need to become a beautiful hoop dancer. When you're waist hooping, don't forget about your arms! Even just holding them out to the side or in prayer position is more attractive than holding them floppily in front of your chest.

 

 

One great resource for hooping is YouTube. Search for "hoop dance" and you'll find hundreds of inspirational performances and informative tutorials. SaFire, creator of Hoop City, offers video lessons for a fee at Hoop City (www.hoopcity.ca).  Hoop City is also a great resources for hoopers to connect and share. Finally, you can look for classes in your area. In the Boston area, members of the Boston Hoop Troop teach a variety of group classes, the schedule of which can be viewed here.  I also offer private lessons; contact me for pricing. 

 

 

Absolutely! I'm available to answer all questions at sarahsunshine@suncircles.net. I will usually respond within 24 hours.If you need ideas, you can see all the hoops I've made, along with their color descriptions, in the hoop gallery.

 

 

I can't tell you how excited I am to finally be offering collapsible hoops. Because I live in Boston, I was constantly bemoaning the large size of my hula hoop, wishing there was an easier way to take it on the T or just to walk to the park. My collapsibles are super sturdy and compact, and when they're opened, you can't even tell they're any different than the full sized hoops. They are small enough to fit in the overhead compartment on the plane, easy to take on the bus or the train, and great for walking around. I do recommend storing your hoop in its un-collapsed position to prevent permanent warping of the hoop.

 

 

More questions? Email me!