I’ve been looking forward to taking Hazel’s hula hooping class ever since I saw some hooping performances that blew me away over the summer. As fate would have it, her class was scheduled on a day that I happened to be at the Ranch. I was excited, but, just to clarify, I had absolutely no background in hula hooping whatsoever. I remember trying it as a kid and never being able to get the hang of it. For some reason though, I really thought I would have a breakthrough and I was determined to leave the class with some hooping skills.
This was one of the funnest classes I’ve taken at the Ranch. Hazel did a superb job of explaining hula hooping in way that clicked with me. We started off by choosing our own hoop. She recommended that beginners start with a larger hoop since it’s easier to control and moves slower than a smaller one. Then she explained how to rock the body so that the hoop stays up. All that’s needed is a slight rocking motion from side to side with the feet spread hip width distance apart. Alternatively, the body can sway from front to back while one leg is positioned in front of the other.
That’s all it took and suddenly I was hula hooping! After years of thinking I had no hula hooping coordination, here I was in action. This isn’t to say the hoop didn’t fall, but I was surprised that I could even do it in the first place. I’m happy to say that now I can waist hoop for songs on end! I’m hooked.
In addition to waist hooping, Hazel showed us various other tricks and gave us some time to hoop on our own to some memorable disco songs…super fun! I was also blown away by Hazel’s hooping talent including her arm and chest hooping skills, spins, walking while hooping, etc. Someday!
If you’re interested in buying your own hula hoop, Hazel recommends starting off with one of the larger and heavier weighted hoops (for beginner to intermediate) from bodyhoops.com. They also offer light weight hoops for more advanced hoopers. Use the code RANCHOLAPUERTA to save $5.00! Happy hooping!
