Rolling of the hips and upbeat music, plus a special Hula-hoop equals an up-and-coming exercise strengthening core muscles. With a 1.5 pound Hula-hoop, eight females participated in a Hula-hooping class at West Virginia University’s Student Recreation Center Sunday. This exercise is beneficial because it strengthens the muscles, toning the body, said Danielle Williams, instructor of the class. "It’s a huge core strengthener," she said. "There is a lot of cardio involved. It can be from little to no impact." The difference of this exercise compared to others is noticeable, with participants swirling hips to the beat of the music. "I think it’s pretty to watch," said Emily Sickles, a senior child development and family studies major. "Everybody’s body is curvy, and I like to keep my curves." Sickles has Hula-hooped before, but a range of age groups and skill levels participated in this class. Faith Pirlo, a fifth-year senior international studies and Russian major, said the class was nerve-racking. "I’m a little bit nervous, but I’m excited because it is my first class," Pirlo said. Tammy Johnson, a Morgantown resident, has participated in similar events, but never Hula-hooping. "I’ve participated in many different Middle Eastern events, and I’m hoping this will help me with my belly dancing," she said. Williams discussed the history of the exercise, which originated with the ancient Greeks and Native Americans, but became popular in mainstream America in the 1990s. Participants were told risks such as bruising are involved because of the heaviness of the hoops when swung around the body quickly. Williams introduced participants to the different moves possible with hoops: swinging around the hips, neck, hands and legs. Dance steps and yoga moves were also incorporated into the class.
Hula-hooping class at WVU for trial run
Published: Monday, October 26, 2009
Updated: Monday, October 26, 2009 00:10
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