Struggling to get it up? – The benefits of hula hooping

Hula hooping is great for us in so many ways. It all depends on what you want the outcome to be. If you have a weighted power hoop with ridges on the inside, then you are increasing your fitness, stamina and burning a load of calories. You will tone your tummy, burn body fat and lose inches.

But in my opinion, it’s a bit boring and if you know me well enough, it needs to be cheeky, sassy and lot’s of fun!

Having a passion for dance and a background in performing, I love to move with a hula hoop. My chosen hoop is still slightly heavier and bigger than a professional dance hoop, but you have so much more freedom to play with it than the power hoop.

Teaching dance with props is my ultimate favourite thing. It’s a brilliant way to improve your co-ordination and balance, help with mobility and flexibility and it’s addictive.

Hooping is also suitable for all ages and abilities.

I taught a workshop on goring beach green last week and the ages ranged from 4 to 85. The abilities were so mixed as some had never picked up a hoop before, and some had been hooping for years and wanted to learn new tricks.

We socially distanced, enjoyed each other’s company and carried on as if there had been no pandemic, it was just perfect. The weather was on our side too.

Since the virus, I feel we need to work on our mental health. Dancing with props like hula hoop, feather boas, chairs for example challenges your mind and can build your social circle.

You can do it as a family focused activity and you can certainly dance whilst social distancing. Chose the best sized hoop to suit your height- the BIGGER the BETTER.

There are portable hoops, glow in the dark hoops, massage hoops, colourful hoops, light hoops, heavy hoops, large, small and are not expensive.

Order a hoop online today, go to Firetoys in Shoreham or Alleyoops in Worthing. 

Thank you to Nick Cook – circus entertainer and performer who I collaborated with us and provided the hoops.

Here’s what he said about the workshop.

“Last night I collaborated with the fantastic SK Dance for a hula hoop workshop.

Here’s a little bit of what I got up to.

It’s amazing what you can achieve when you find a tutor who inspires you. Hoop hasn’t been my favourite skill but Sarah has reignited my love for it.”