In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve become something of a hoola hooping fanatic enthusiast of late.
It might seem like a strange thing for a grown woman in charge of three humans (yes, that includes you, dear hubby!) to be doing, but I just can’t help myself.
After four months of taking classes with Charlene aka Lady Hoola and her merry band of hoop divas, I’ve got full blown hoolaphilia.
What’s so cool about twirling a plastic hoop around your body, you might ask?
Let’s start with 800 (probably more) calories burned an hour, toning of parts that other exercises can’t reach, a groovy vibe (we hoola to top tunes, sometimes even live DJs) and the thrill of picking up new tricks.
Keep at it and you’ll find yourself part of a global hooping community who post videos on YouTube and arrange hoop get-togethers all over.
Hoola hooping is highly addictive and appeals to babes of all ages. When we’re out in the park, we’ve had everyone from toddlers to pensioners join in. You can even hoop while preggers (see below)!
If you fancy giving it a whirl, come down to the Queen of Hoxton this Sun Jul 11 for HoolaFest where Lady Hoola and others will be giving free hooping classes on the rooftop terrace. We’ll be up there spinning to the sounds of DJs, sipping cocktails in the sun and stuffing ourselves from Levi Roots’ Caribbean BBQ.
Kids are welcome until 6pm and the World Cup Final will be screened from 7pm. The party goes on until midnight.
And every Saturday you can join in one of Charlene’s classes at the Old Queen’s Head on Essex Road, N1 or when it’s warm enough at London Fields generally between 1pm and 4pm.
On the Spot
Jahlia, aged 29, hooping at London Fields, 21 weeks pregnant (it’s a girl!)
‘I started hoola hooping classes this year before I knew I was pregnant. Then one time I felt so dizzy afterwards and later found out I was expecting! I love that hoola’s a real community event. When I walk around with my hoop, people always come up to chat. Charlene made me this extra light pregnancy hoop so I can keep going as long as it’s comfortable. I do wonder what it feels like for the baby!’
HoolaFest is at the Queen of Hoxton, 1 Curtain Rd, Shoreditch on Sun July 11, 1pm-12am. Free entry, kids welcome until 6pm.
For more on Charlene’s classes or to order a hoop, call 07849 363 717 or visit her web site.
For details of our Hoola Mama classes for mums and classes for mums and kids (venue/dates tbc), contact info@babesabouttown.com
That’s so crazy! And so cool, too! I have never been able to do it. Apparently I was not born with THAT gene!
Ha ha Cheryl, you’d be surprised. You’ve gotta try the adult-sized hoops and give yourself time, try a class in your area. It’s addictive, I promise!