Hula Hoop Time

Hula Hoops have been around (and played with) for as long as I can remember; I believe before 500 BC. Hula hoops were one of the most popular toys when I was growing up. We spent hours outside with friends seeing how long we could keep the hoop twirling around our waist without it falling. We’d try 2 and possibly 3 at a time and even twirl them around our arm, neck, and legs.

The hula hoop of today was inspired by Australian bamboo hoops. Kids in Australia twirled bamboo hoops around their waists in gym class. Wham-O Toy Company came up with the plastic version in 1958 which gained international popularity.

Hula hoops are made for both children (approx. 28 inches in diameter) and adults (approximately 40 inches in diameter). You’re more successful using the right size hoop or the hoop will not continue pivoting around the waist. Due to its vast popularity, the hula hoop was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 1999 located in Rochester, New York.

Modern hooping expanded its usage into a variety of hoop tricks; created popular fitness classes in many cities across the world. They are also used in most physical education classes to develop the child’s gross motor coordination skills.

Did You Know That Hula-Hooping

1. Burns calories. …
2. Burns body fat and inches. …
3. Boosts cardiovascular fitness. …
4. Challenges your core muscles. …
5. Improves your balance. …
6. Works your lower body muscles. …
7. It’s Family-focused activity. …
8. Inexpensive and portable.

And Did You Know:

Some hoops have ball bearings, beads, stars, glitter, bells, or other noise-makers inside the hollow tube. These add extra sensory interest and motion or sound as the twirler spins the hoop.
Most people own at least one hoop but if you do not, you may purchase them at a local Dollar store, Walmart, or any toy department store.

Hula hoops are not only used to twirl around your waist. Grab a hoop and join me to experience some hoop fun in your own backyard. Don’t forget to bring along some friends and/or family members. A great party favorite!

Hula Hoop Jump Rope

Begin by placing the hoop vertically in front of you. While holding the hoop with two hands, jump through it and bring it around your head. After practicing for a while, you’ll be ready to jump through the hoop and swing it around several times.

Adaptation: If you use a wheelchair or any other mobility device, sit in a chair supported. Hold the hoop with both hands in front of you. Bring the hoop overhead and cock your wrist back so that the hoop touches the back of your chair. Next, bring the arms forward and cock the wrists forward so that the hoop touches your feet, footrest, or the ground. Continue in this manner and feel your arms getting a workout.

Bumper Hula Hoops

Place the hoop flat on the ground. Stand inside the hoop and while shuffling your feet forward, kick the hoop gently. Move around the playing area with your friends bumping hoops with one another.

Adaptation: If you use a wheelchair or any other mobility device, sit in a chair supported. Sit in a chair about 5 feet away from your friend. The hoop is on the floor in front of one of the players. They each attempt to kick the hoop back and forth to one another or push the hoop to one another using a broom.

Roller Hoop

Grab a friend or family member and stand facing approximately 5-8 feet from each other. To start the hoop rolling, place the flat hand on top of it and push the hoop forward towards your friend. Make sure it’s a hard enough push so that it reaches him/her.

Challenge: Try to jump over the hoop as it rolls towards you. Quickly turn around to get it before it falls to the ground.

Adaptation: If you use a wheelchair or any other mobility device, sit in a chair supported. Place the hula hoop on the ground vertically on your dominant hand side. Place your hand on top of the hoop and with a quick backward motion and forward push, let go and watch it roll. Make sure the size of the hoop is at the armchair level.

Body Hooping

It’s fun to hula hoop around your waist but did you try hooping around your arm or neck? If you would like to learn to hula around your arm, extend your arm straight out in front of you. Place the hoop on your wrist. With your other hand, push the hoop around the arm and rhythmically swing that hoop in a circular motion.

When hooping around your neck, keep your chin slightly up and squeeze your neck muscles. Start with the hoop touching the back of your neck. With one hand, push the hoop around in a circular motion strong enough so that it can naturally rotate at least one time. Rhythmically, keep the hoop moving, bobbing your head back and forth.

Add some music for fun.

Adaptation: If you use a wheelchair or any other mobility device, sit in a chair supported. Ask a friend to stand facing you. Place a hoop over your wrist while holding the same hand with your friend’s hand. Keep both arms straight and strong and swing the hoop around your wrist. Without letting go, both parties rhythmically continue the circular motion around the wrist.

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This post originally appeared on our September/October 2021 Magazine