It’s a term for hula hooping with larger, weighted, customized hoops. Unlike the smaller mass-market hoops, the larger hoops rotate slower around the body making it easier for the user to keep up. Regardless of size, age, or sense of rhythm, most everyone has success in mastering the movement.



What are the physical benefits of Hooping?
It's low impact fun exercise! It tones the body. It increases strength, flexibility, energy, and develops balance and coordination. Hooping increases the heart rate making it a great cardiovascular workout while working the core muscles of the abdomen and spine. It also massages the body and the organs. It provides a great work out and users can burn up to 100 calories in 10 minutes. Beyonce and other celebrities have advocated hooping as a great way to trim the waistline.



Are there emotional benefits of Hooping?
Hooping reduces stress. It clears the mind and offers a release. It improves self confidence and enlightens ones mood. It generates joy and laughter. It allows for individual expression and creative movement.



How do you hoop?
Hooping.org is the most resourceful website for ALL THINGS HOOPING. Here's what they say ....

1. Make sure you have the right size of hula hoop!
If you're using a kid-sized hoop, forget it! Most hula hoops that you can buy at stores like Target or Toys R Us are kid-sized. Unless you're the size a child, a child-sized hoop is not going to work for you — especially not if you're a beginner! You'll save yourself a lot of heartache (and gain a lot of fun) if you make or buy a hoop that's the right size for you.

What's the right size? Try this: Stand with your hoop in front of you. The general rule of thumb is that a hoop should be between stomach and nipple height, although some compensation should be made for your waist size, too. General rule of thumb: The bigger you are, the bigger the hoop should be. Larger hoops will rotate slower, making getting started easier. Smaller than that will make the hoop rotate faster, which is more challenging, but also better for doing tricks and exercizing.

2. Put one foot in front of the other, and shift your weight
Hold the hoop against your back. You can start it a little above your waist. Then, push the hoop around your waist, and shift your weight back and forth on your feet to keep the hoop moving.


Easier said than done? Having trouble "keeping it up"? Here are some more tips:

Many people try to move their hips in a circle with the hoop. This actually makes hooping much harder. Try this: put one foot in front of the other and just shift your weight back and forth from foot to foot. It's less of a circular hip motion and more of just a rocking or pumping motion.

In terms of which direction to hoop in, try 'em both! You'll know right away which one is right for you. I've found that right handed people generally hoop counter-clockwise, while lefties go clockwise, but many people are exceptions to this rule.

Most of all: be patient! It can take a while to get the hang of it — don't give up! If you get frustrated trying to get the hoop going around your waist, try hooping with your hands!



How do you get / make a hoop?
Depending on how serious you are, you can buy the proper tubing and connectors at Lowe's or Home Depot at 100 ft / roll. Typically a larger hoop will use 10-14 ft of tubing. So you can go in with a group a friends and make hoops or have a multitude of hoops for yourself. There is a great tutorial link here on HOW TO MAKE A HOOP .... Many people order hoops online or from local "hoopers" who have supplies / tapes on hand. Please Contact me if interested in a beautiful hoop for you! Also please contact me if you need any hooping advice / instruction - and updates on hoop gatherings / events.

Laura will be at the 1st annual MAKER FAIRE in Austin Oct 20 & 21st 10-6 pm demostrating how to make hoops and how to hoop!

Laura takes large hoops out to events, parks, and friends houses - finding that children and adults alike would light up with smiles in discovering that they could successfully hula-hoop. Early this year she was in Berlin teaching east German ladies 65-80 years old hooping. They all mastered it.

She’s incorporated hooping into her music performances and has written inspired songs including "Circle" and "Who-La-Hoop." Both of which have a corresponding video. visit Laura's YOUTUBE Videos!