Hoop Dreams

Recently, a free trial hula hoop exercise class was posted on the Olney-Brookeville Exchange and I just had to try it! I've heard that hula hooping is a fabulous cardio workout that tones the core. After arriving at the gym, I chose from a selection of adult-size (42"-44"), weighted (1-2 lbs), shimmering, brightly-taped hoops constructed of sturdy tubing. This equipment was serious -- not your kid's lightweight plastic toy!

After each person selected a hoop suited to her size, the class started with warmup stretches, using the hoop like a ballet barre. We then began spinning, whirling the hoops around our waists, first clockwise, then counterclockwise. I smiled as I twirled away, hoop gliding around my middle. When the instructor told us to try changing positions (i.e. stretching a foot back and bending the knee), however, my hoop gradually began to drop down. And then plop onto the floor. I picked it up and started over. The hoop rolled around my waist, and then slowly sunk to the floor again. The pattern was becoming apparent -- the hoop revolved a bit and then gradually fell to a thud. I may know how to hula hoop straight (in place, not doing much else) but I need to work on variations.

My abdomen began feeling a little sore; yes, that was my core working! Then I noticed my waist feeling a bit itchy. During one of my personal lulls after the hoop clunked to the floor, I surreptitiously pulled up my shirt to peek at my stomach -- which was a light shade of pink! Not to fear -- the instructor and a veteran student reassured me that I was just getting used to the exercise hoops. I gamely twirled on, scratching my stomach and sides when no one was looking (a bit tricky to do while trying to keep a hoop up and rotating).

We finished the session with more stretching and yoga-like stances. This time, we used the hoop to center ourselves, imagining a circle of energy to harness. I ended up leaning on my hoop while lunging into a forward pose. I suddenly thought, 'Uh-oh, what if I break the hoop?!' First the itching, now the cracking (sound of a hoop collapsing under my weight). My hoop dream of smooth spinning would turn into a nightmare of embarrassment! Luckily, the hoop held up and I righted myself before any potential damage. Whew! I gave hula hooping a whirl and had a blast.. without blasting a hoop.