Every so often a new workout or fitness program is developed. Some of them are fun and provide great results. One such program is called Hoopilates. A combination of hooping and Pilates, its a hot new workout you can enjoy and benefit from.
Hooping 101
Hooping is artistic movement or dance with hoops. The hoops can range anywhere from a few inches in diameter to a few feet. Most commonly the hoop is about the size of a hula hoop. While commonly a lightweight plastic, the hoops can be made from metal or wood as well. They’re weighted, like the hoop on the left which also has sections so the hoop can be disassembled with ease.
Further, it’s padded: “Super Padded Soft Foam – Wave ergonomic designed with non-toxic padded soft foam, KUYOU hola hoop perfectly fits your waist while exercising and provides effective massage pressure on your waist without getting hurt or excessive pain”
Hoops can be rotated around the waist, hips, thighs, neck, arms and legs. While hooping has likely been around for centuries, it wasnt until the 1950s that the hula hoop was invented and sold in stores. The trend took off and has been adapted for many performance, enjoyment, and fitness uses.
Pilates 101
Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates. Born in Germany in 1883, Joseph created the exercise system to strengthen the core muscles. The traditional form of Pilates uses apparatus to guide and control the bodys movements. Pilates has been adopted and adapted by trainers around the world. Many instructors now train with and without the use of the machines.
You can find Pilates programs in just about every major city around the world. Its an intense program that requires focus and concentration. However, users swear by the results and the benefits of Pilates.
Hoopilates
Hoopilates is a combination of Pilates and hooping. It was developed by a Pilates instructor from Brooklyn named Jen Bleier. After hosting a class in a New York park, the fitness program quickly caught on. Jen Bleier also combined the mind-body awareness that is present in other fitness programs like Yoga.
A typical class begins with a waist hooping warm up. The warm up is then followed by a series of both seated and standing Pilates exercises and stretches. Youll use arm hooping intervals throughout the course as well.
While you dont need to bring your own hoop, you certainly can. You should, however, bring your own yoga mat. Classes are held in Prospect Park and theyre free, although a ten-dollar donation is requested for first timers. Says Bleier on her website, “Tricks will be taught. Hoops will be dropped. Successes–little and big–will be wildly celebrated by all.”
If you dont live in New York, no worries. Hoopilates has become so popular it’s now available in dozens and dozens of cities and towns.
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