Which type of Hooping is right for you?

Published: 16 Sep 2011

With so many types of Hula Hooping appearing since the introduction in the 1950's what style is right for you?

The benefits of hooping which ever style you choose:

Weight loss
Improves coordination and balance
Strengthens core muscles (including: lower back, pelvis, hip and abdominal muscles) by strengthening these areas it can help to prevent lower back injury, protect your spine and improve your posture.
Tones body
Improves flexibility
And is great FUN!!

Aerobic Hooping

This is a form of exercise that uses the weighted hoop to offer cardio conditioning and core strengthening. Lighter weighted hoops are generally not used for this form of hooping as it is easier to get started on a heavier hoop and therefore you are able to keep it going for longer for a much more effective workout.
It is estimated that keeping the hoop going for just 10 minutes and longer is classed as an aerobic exercise. Aerobic or power hooping uses the hoop not just on your waist but also as an excercise aid and weight.

There is much research being done currently on the safety of what is commonly known as power hooping with a very heavy hoop. At UK hooping we do not recommend the use of any hoop over the weight of 1 kilo! If you are interested in this research please do contact us, we will be happy to share the information.

Hoop Yoga

It uses the same techniques found in yoga with breathing through movements and stretches but with the hoop you can help improve balance, use as an aid to extend your stretches and rotate torso. As you get used to using the hoop in yoga you can begin to explore new poses in a fun way. It helps to calm and ease stress, improve circulation of oxygen, protects and strengthens the body and mind.

Hoop Pilates

In a way it can be similar to yoga in the it uses stretches but it is but is more focused on core strength and improving movement in everyday life than flexibility and breathing. Yoga and pilates can be combined to create an effective workout.

Tai Chi Hooping

Combines the Chinese Martial Arts movement with the hoop focusing on the flow of energy in movements created. It uses the hoop off the body to stretch and tone the body and to also link different movements in a form of martial art dance.

Hoop Ballet

The hoop can be used to hold on to for balance as you perform different ballet poses, but unlike a chair to hold onto the flexibility of the hoop makes poses more challenging and therefore using your muscles more. It is also used in ballet dancing almost like a partner, it is used less around the waist but more around the body and hand movements like isolation's.

Circus Hooping

This form of hooping is totally trick based, and normally combined with acrobatics and gymnastics. Most hoopers start with one hoop and end with MANY MANY hoops. It has a very "Ta-DAH" nature to it, and can lack the flow of dance as it is mainly done with stationary feet facing in one direction for the purpose of performance to an audience. Highly skilled advanced hoopers and the very fit and athletic normally enjoy this style.

Hoop Dance

Probably the most versatile form of hooping. It uses the hoop around the waist, and on all parts of the the body, and off body on the hands and feet. Combining dancing and rhythm it becomes more about the flow of the hoop while you dance with it, using a combination of freestyle movement and hula hoop tricks. A range of different weighted and sized hoops can be used but generally as you get used to the hoop and tricks you can use a more light weight hoop such as a polypro making it easier to link tricks and freestyle movements. That being said there is no right or wrong hoop to use for hoop dance if you are happy in a large heavier hoop and your music suits a large hoop, then go with it. No one can tell you, you are doing it wrong, it is your dance, and your journey!

The hoop has many uses and this list of hoop styles is by no means exhausted, we haven't mention burlesque, ninja, tandem, aerial, mini's or bellydance ……… why not tell us what you use your hoop for maybe its in gymnastics or street dance?? We at UK HulaHooping feel the most important thing to learn with your hoop is the art of how to PLAY again!

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