Hooping

  -Little things of joy

Many things in life bring us joy—often more than the bigger goals that require long-term effort. These could be hobbies for recreation, fitness activities, self-care routines, catching up with friends, cooking or baking, crafting, sewing, embroidery, spending quality time with family, helping someone, or simply being with yourself. Any creative activity that gives us satisfaction counts.

Some people know exactly what hobby or activity they love. They focus on it, master it, and happily spend both quality and quantity time on the same thing to enjoy it better.

Then some identify as “Jack of all trades.” It’s hard for them to stick to one thing for long. Newton’s first law of motion doesn’t seem to apply to them—they can’t remain at rest or in uniform motion, even without external force! Fortunately or unfortunately, I’m part of that crowd. The excitement of change and learning something new thrills me more than following a routine and perfecting one skill.

Eight years ago, while buying toys for my toddler daughter, I noticed a pack of weird sticks. The shopkeeper explained that it was a toy hoop—you had to fix the sticks together to make a big hoop. I had only seen hula hoops in pictures, so I wanted to try and ended up buying one. I couldn’t wait to get home and try it out. After assembling the colorful hoop, it immediately captured the kids’ attention—they were eager to explore the new toy.

But I was even more eager to spin it around myself. I cleared the space and tried hooping. It fell flat on the floor. I moved my waist in different ways to keep the hoop up—no luck. It was a mess. Bending and picking up the hoop became a strenuous exercise, and I saw no progress.

I started looking for ways to learn hooping. YouTube wasn’t common back then; we rarely used it. Somehow, I found a video on hooping, but it was of no use. I tried to imitate the moves but couldn’t keep the hoop spinning.

Then I had an idea: I gave the hoop to my 8-year-old son and asked him to watch the video and try hooping. Kids have more flexibility, less weight, and fewer inhibitions about trying something new. It worked! Within a day, my son was hooping like a pro.

So, I got a teacher at home! Observing my son’s movements helped me understand the dynamics of hooping. My learning sessions were tough but filled with fun and laughter. What my son did effortlessly, I struggled with. The kids had a blast watching me fail. Eventually, I managed to get the hang of it—but it was clear that hooping was much easier for my son than for me.

With some experience, I realized I needed a heavier hoop to match my son’s ease. The next time we visited a toy shop, my daughter found a bulkier, heavier hoop. I bought it and started mastering the art. The hoop was poor in quality—sand leaked from its porous foam lining—but the weight was perfect for me, and I could hoop for a long time.

Later, when a big sports shop opened in our neighborhood, I went looking for a hula hoop and found a nice lightweight one. My search for the perfect hoop continued. I even tried sourcing one from the US through friends. I experimented with making one using a hosepipe filled with sand and glued together. I checked online, but the good ones were expensive, and there was no return option.

Finally, when the sports shop stocked a high-quality hoop, I jumped with joy! I tried it, bought it immediately, and told everyone about it—without even checking if they needed one.

My friends and family know about my craze for hooping. Not just watching—I made them participate! I nagged them to try hooping and succeeded in some cases. I even carried hoops in my car to teach colleagues in the parking lot! I taught friends on the lawn after dusk near my home. Improving and learning new tricks with hoops is fun, but hooping with friends brings even more joy.

Hula hooping is a fantastic way to exercise and have fun at the same time. It tones your body and calms your mind. It’s impossible to feel upset after hooping—it energizes you and soothes your mind. It makes you feel like a master as you control the hoop. When the hula hoop spins around you, it feels like you’re in your own universe.

Hooping requires focus, attention to the moment, and rhythm. Hoops are like the universe—no beginning and no end. They represent the cycle of life.

It is meditative and healing. Hooping improves your spine’s strength and flexibility and enhances hand-eye coordination. It challenges both your brain and your muscles.

So, hooping continues! Although I hop between different fitness activities to keep my interest alive, hooping holds a special place in my heart. My love for hooping is very much alive and kicking.

—Anitha KC