The Second Coming of Hula Hooping

Hula hoops are back big time and all ages are getting into the swoop and the spin. The newest spheres may look like their toy 1960s cousins, but today’s designs are balanced and weighted, meaning far easier to use, and fitness-friendly.

Fans of the re-spun fad range from teens hooping for a good cause to earthy music festival goers, moms at a fitness studio, physical therapists at work, even Michelle Obama on the White House Lawn.

Hooping entrepreneur Tina Hemmerle, principle of Hemmerle Hoops, founded the handmade hoop firm Spirit Hoops several years ago and subsequently whittled her current sinewy form, dropping more than 35 pounds simply by hooping.

“Hooping is fun, social and highly aerobic,“ says Hemmerle, who even hoops with fire for special events.

As one progresses with their hooping skills, new and different hoops can be added for fitness, and extra fun.

“Hooping works by burning calories while building aerobic capacity and muscle,” says Hemmerle. We work up a sweat and work every muscle group,” she says, noting that smaller hoops can be added to tone arms and legs.

With high-energy music with touch of funky beat and disco, hooping buffs like Hemmerle teach classes from “Introductory Beginner Classes,” to “Hoop Muscle,” “Spin Time,” and even “Hoop Tricks for Dummies.”

Check out your local fitness centers to learn if they offer classes on hooping. For more information visit http://www.spirithoops.com.