When Girlawhirl just can't stomach – literally – another crunch, trainer Tiffany Davidson has her hop to her feet and start hooping. Yes, hooping… as in hula hooping! She might be daydreaming about childhood summers and plastic drugstore hula-hoops, but Tiffany's got a far more strenuous routine in mind. Out come the modern hoops, that while still tons of fun, make a routine workout anything but…
These customized hoops are made of plastic tubing wrapped in colorful tape. The hoops are 47” in diameter and come weighted (1-2lbs) and non-weighted. The general rule of thumb for hooping is: the larger the hoop, the easier the rotation.
The weighted hoops will rotate more slowly than the lighter hoops, which allows an average hooper – Girlawhirl included – to hoop for a longer time. On the other hand, lighter hoops require more energy for rotation and are the way to go if a faster, more heart-rate-raising workout is part of the program. 
Hooping improves coordination, tones abs and glutes, contributes to weight loss and builds cardiovascular endurance. In addition, it's relaxing, meditative and sensual. And perhaps most importantly, hooping is FUN! It promotes laughter and smiles, which has a positive effect on Girlawhirl's mind, body and spirit.
To learn more about hooping, go to hoopgirl.com.
Tiffany Davidson is a personal trainer based in Weston, CT and the owner of Femme Fatale Fitness. Tiffany advises consulting a physician or health care professional before performing any of the exercises described on these pages or beginning any exercise program. The information herein is not intended to be diagnostic or prescriptive.
Have fitness question for Tiffany? Click here
related articles:
| Oct 23, 2007: | A personal trainer makes all the difference. read full entry |