Hoop R-evolution

Feb 15, 2012 by Sentinel

By Angelica Duggan

You’ve probably seen them around. Whirling in the parks on a clear sunny day, moving to the electric beats at Shambhala, or maybe even taking a spin around campus. People of all different ages and physiques are getting hooked on the hula hoop. The toy that swept America by storm in the 1950′s has returned, manifesting itself in fresh new ways. Record of existence in a variety of different cultures dates back to as far as 500 B.C. In ancient Egyptian and Greek times hoops were made from grapevines and used in games and for exercise . Eskimos have used hoops in target practice for harpooning, and the Native American hoop dance tradition is an art form that is still practised by members of certain tribes today.
The hoop has had its own evolutionary journey over the centuries, and it is exciting to see new interpretations appearing as time goes on. All these re-inventions can be attributed to someone deciding one day that waist-hooping wasn’t the only way to use a hoop. Modern expressions include aerobic hoop classes, yoga with hoop, rhythmic gymnastics, aerial hoop—there’s a lot of ways to get down with hula these days. The symbol of infinity has become a tool for a unique new form of artistic expression and play over the last 15 years, and has been strongly influenced by modern music festival culture. This form of hula hooping combines contemporary and traditional dance with circus -style tricks and, moving to music or drumming. You may have even seen fire hooping or hula hoops that have LED lights in them, creating a spectacle of light in darkness.
Modern hoopdancers are just one of the many types of “flow artists” that exist today. Poi spinning, staffs, levitation wand, contact juggling— all of these methods of play help keep us healthy in both mind and body, and builds confidence through physical awareness.
You can burn as many calories hula hooping as you can running. It is a low-impact cardio exercise that increases flexibility, co-ordination, respiratory strength and balance. Physiotherapists are even beginning to utilize the hoop as a tool for rehabilitation with certain clients. The rocking movement of the sacrum (tailbone) and hips has been found to stimulate the sacral plexus, helping circulate qi (energy) in the body, and promote core body and pelvic strengthening while relaxing the nervous system. A study by the American Council on Exercise found that you can burn up to 100 calories every ten minutes, depending on intensity of the workout, and the weight of the hoop you are using. Hoopers that want to lose weight tend to use heavier “fitness” hoops that are easier to hoop with, while hoopdancers tend to graduate to lighter hoops for ease of tricks with the hands and rest of the body. Gone are the days of the flimsy dollar store hoop. Irrigation tubing and pretty ribbon and tapes make for the fabrication of some pretty unique looking hoops, which are even made to collapse for travel in some designs.
Not only do our bodies benefit from the physical acceleration, the use of “skill toys” can definitely act as a portal for release and relaxation, while giving the practice a metaphysical meaning to the individual, allowing them to tap into a different head space. If you think about it, this is the same state that many people reach when they are running, reading, snowboarding or even doing yoga. With enough practice, a mundane action can quiet the mind and allow for a meditative existence, and this is the point where “flow” is born and bliss is experienced.
So whether you are wanting a new hobby, or looking for a fun, creative way to burn some calories—-or maybe you just want to meet some cool new friends— pick up one of those toys and give them a whirl. You will be surprised at how easy and fun it is. For those interested in finding out more or for up to date info on happenings in the Kootenay area, please visit www.illuminadis.weebly.com to get in contact with some of your local flow artists. Also, every Wednesday at noon in the gym.