Hooping.org last spoke with the New York Times in 2004 for a story primarily focused on New York hoop instructor Loren Bidner: "According to hooping.org, a Web site for people interested in Hula-Hooping, there are classes like Mr. Bidner's in nearly a dozen cities across the country, and a handful of companies have begun to market hoops specifically designed for adults." Only a dozen cities? A mere handful of companies? Oh how far we've come! And The New York Times today took a much broader snapshot of hooping for fitness - from Academy Award winning actress Marisa Tomei (pictured with Anah "Hoopalicious" Reichenbach) to Michelle Obama, from Hoopnotica to Gaiam, from Susan Guralnik in California to Jonathan Baxter in North Carolina - there has already been a veritable hooping explosion - and we look forward to showing hoop skeptic Neal Pire just how wrong he can be. Gaiam, the company that brought yoga to gyms, schools and local communities, has shot a hooping workout video with Tomei that is scheduled to be released in May, prompting writer Sean Hamill to call Tomei the "Jane Fonda of Hooping." Marisa's response? "I’m not even going to go there. I’m just a girl with a pink hoop.” Full story: The New York Times.

Filed in: Fresh | LINK IT | Comments (2)

Round and round go the pounds according to 46-year-old hula hoop fitness instructor Allyson Makiej. Based in Lowell, Massachusetts, Makiej is introducing students to hula hoop training as the latest exercise regimen targeted to tone muscles, gain balance and lose weight. She uses a three-way approach to fitness: yoga, hula hoop movements and natural foods nutrition. “The combination of those three for me has been phenomenal,” she said. She also introduces the hula hoop regimen to women who are having gatherings and parties. She has taught classes at hospitals, bariatric weight loss groups, even birthday parties. She says hula hoop exercise can also improve one’s self-esteem. Full story: Taunton Call

Filed in: Fresh | LINK IT | Comments (0)

At Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, it's law school staff members that are teaming up to host free, weekly hoopjams on campus. "The hula hoop is a good workout because it's fun, so people stick to it," said Colleen Clish, Assistant Registrar at the law school. Clish, has already lost five pounds and the hoop group is only a month old. Officially an intramural sport at Hamline, the group of six members is looking for more staff and students to join them. Local resident Paige "DJ Hoopster" Wagner (pictured) is making custom hoops for the participants. Full story: Hamline Oracle

Filed in: Fresh | LINK IT | Comments (0)

It used to be that a hula hoop appearing in a music video was a pretty big deal around here. They were few and far between in Hooping.org's early years, but that simply is not the case anymore. While hooping has taken the world by storm, it seems the best way to add a little energy to a music video these days is to find yourself a hooper. Take Martin Bisi (pictured) and USS (Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker) for example. Bisi is a musican and record producer who has put his stamp on a lot of big names, releasing albums by Sonic Youth, The Dresden Dolls, White Zombie, Helmet, and Herbie Hancock, among others. With the release of his latest EP "Son of a Gun" comes the single "Drink Your Wine" - and the video with a hooper! As for USS - the Canadian duo consisting of Ashley Boo-Schultz and Human Kebab - even if you cross the border you might find a hula hooper on screen, which is exactly the case with Sadie Spin's appearance in "Laces Out" - the band's new single. Watch these videos below: