HOOPS AND HOOPING - THEN AND NOW

Hoops (often called hula hoops) have been used for recreation, play and meditation for a surprisingly long time, with evidence of hoops made from dried grapevines being used as far back as 1000 BC in Egypt! Records kept by doctors during the fourteenth century document a 'hooping craze' which took place in England at that time. The activity eventually was dubbed 'hula hooping' during the 1800s when sailors visited Hawaii and noticed that hula dancing and hooping involved a similar movement.

In 1958 a company called Wham-O (Richard P. Knerr and Arthur K Melin) began manufacturing brightly coloured plastic hoops and eventually sold millions of hoops world -wide.

The current Hooping revolution began in the USA when hoopdancers started to appear in clubs and at festivals moving in mesmerising spirals and circles and weaving intricate moves within the liberating flow of their hoops.

Today's hoops are bigger, heavier and decorated with brightly coloured tape. All these factors make the hoops easier (and more fun) to use, contributing to the health and fitness benefits of regular hooping.

Hooping is a mind-body activity which results in people feeling good about themselves; regular hooping practice can result in feeling more positive and calmer with a greater sense of being grounded and connected to your body. These good feelings can help boost self-esteem and confidence and relieve stress. Being a rhythmic motion, it can elicit beneficial changes in brainwave activity, resulting in a sense of happiness and inner calm. Hooping can be a joyful moving meditation.

While the mind and spirit are being uplifted, the body is being worked and toned. Hooping works over 30 core muscles, improving balance and co-ordination, and helping to increase strength and stamina. Regular hooping practice improves self-confidence while mobilising and freeing the spine, balancing the pelvis and promoting a healthier alignment of the body.

This is an activity suitable for anyone from age 8 upwards. Variations in style and hoop weight make it accessible for almost anyone - at any size or level of fitness. Before you begin any new exercise regime or fitness routine, we do recommend you check with your doctor, especially if you haven't exercised for a while.

Hoopdance and Hoop fitness classes are currently held in Muswell Hill and Woodford.
New classes are being set up, as well as informal hoop events and other fun activities.

If you are interested in trying this new, fun, low-impact activity and would like to find out more, please check our Hoop classes page for more information.

Or you can complete our short enquiry form giving details of where you would prefer to attend hoopdance or hoop fitness classes, and we will let you know when classes begin in your area.

Looking forward to hearing from you and Happy Hooping!

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