How To Hula Hoop
Here's an easy two-step lesson on how to hula hoop.
1. Make sure you have the right size of 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 be between stomach 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, but also better for doing tricks and exercizing.
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!
Frequent Asked Questions:
How can I make a hoop?
How can I start a hoop group?
Ow, What about these bruises?
What's this about collapsible hoops?
Can I take a hoop on an airplane with me?
Comments
Nipple height. That's good.
Posted by: Vera | August 22, 2003 7:14 AM
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.
Posted by: Andy | September 9, 2003 6:32 PM
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! :)
Posted by: Ariel | September 9, 2003 6:50 PM
Is the size that the hoop should be in any way to the size of one's waist?
Posted by: Cathy Herbst | November 3, 2003 5:36 PM
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...
Posted by: Ariel | November 4, 2003 9:02 AM
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
Posted by: Brian | November 7, 2003 8:41 AM
Use small, kid-sized hoops. They're much harder for adults to keep going.
Posted by: Ariel | November 7, 2003 9:48 AM