The hula-hoop was invented by Arthur K. Melin in 1958.
Working out with a hula hoop, or "hooping" as it is lovingly called by hoop dancers is a fitness routine. The hula hoop has graduated from being a child's toy in the 1950s to an effective muscle-building, dance or performance tool--depending on the type you buy.
To avoid any confusion, Hula Hoop is a trademarked brand for a specific children's toy. The generic term, hula hoop, is applied to other types.
Children's Hoops
You will find these hula hoops in toy stores. The piping on children's hoops is usually thin and bends easily, making it difficult for adults to use them. Some of these hoops may even be weighted with water.
Weighted Hoops
Look in the fitness section of any sporting goods store for these specialty hoops. Designed for waist hooping, weighted hoops strengthen your abdomen. Any hoop that's larger than 45 inches in diameter and weighs more than 2 lbs. is bigger than standard adult dancing hoops, and considered a weighted hoop. A weighted hoop's size and bulk, however, doesn't allow for graceful movements around the body during chest, shoulders and leg workouts.
Adult Dancing Hoops
You can easily custom make your own adult hoop using PVC piping and some colorful tape. Adult dancing hoops are between 32 and 45 inches in diameter, depending on your height and weight, and weigh between 1 and 2 lbs. The hula hoop's piping is larger and more firm than children's hoops, but less heavy than a weighted hoop. This allows you to gracefully "dance" with the hoop, working on your chest, legs, arms, shoulders, hips and abdomen.
Fire Hoops
Fire hoops are regular hula hoops with torches attached around the diameter. Professional hoopers use these during performances, adding drama and passion to their dance. Only trained professionals should use fire hoops because they're extremely dangerous.
Travel Hoops
Travel or collapsible hoops are regular adult hoops made of four or six segments connected by a bungee cord. Collapsible hoops make it easy to take a hula hoop to work, the park or the gym without worrying about fitting a full-size, 42-inch hula hoop in a car or on a public bus. Understand, though, they're more expensive than standard hoops and don't last as long.
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