Hoopilates – Dancing With Hoops

Hoopilates – A Hot New Workout

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, it’s 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.

Hoops can be rotated around the waist, hips, thighs, neck, arms and legs. While hooping has likely been around for centuries, it wasn’t 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 body’s 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. It’s 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. You’ll use arm hooping intervals throughout the course as well.

While you don’t need to bring your own hoop, you certainly can. You should, however, bring your own yoga mat. Classes are held in Prospect Park and they’re 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 don’t live in New York, no worries. Hoopilates will likely be coming to a fitness studio or gym near you.

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