How To Hula Hoop
August 21, 2003 in Mailbag
Here’s an easy two-step lesson on how to hula hoop.
1. Make sure you have the right size 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 stand somewhere between your navel 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, although smaller hoops may be useful for certain tricks.
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!
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Vera said on August 22, 2003
Nipple height. That’s good.
Andy said on September 9, 2003
my 5 yr old sis hoops with my hoop that goes up to her chin and i dont know where i can find a hoop that is nipple hight for me when that one comes up about 2 in above my belly button.
Ariel said on September 9, 2003
Andy, the quickest way to find a hoop of ANY size is to make one.
http://www.jasonunbound.com/hoops.html
That said, if a hoop that comes up to your belly button works for you — GO WITH IT!
Cathy Herbst said on November 3, 2003
Is the size that the hoop should be in any way to the size of one’s waist?
Ariel said on November 4, 2003
Yes, the size of your waist also comes into play. Paisley offers a good example of this…she’s a big beautiful woman, and her hoops are up to 6′ in diameter! It’s worth experimenting with size to find the hoop that’s right for you…
Brian said on November 7, 2003
we are having a charitable fundraiser and we decided to have a hula hoop contest…but now i’m worried this could go all night! is there a way to make it tougher to go for hours? such as putting on a t-shirt while hooping, or removing the little weight inside? please let me know if possible
Ariel said on November 7, 2003
Use small, kid-sized hoops. They’re much harder for adults to keep going.