FitSugar

DVD Review: Hoopnotica - Hoopdance Workout

FitSugar — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 03:00:00 PDT

After seeing Marisa Tomei's outrageous hooping skills on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, I was inspired to check out the level two Hoopnotica DVD, Hoopdance Workout ($20). Marisa made those sexy moves look so easy, and even though I'm no hooping master by any means, if she could learn them from this DVD, I thought I'd give it a shot.

This video begins with an eight-minute warmup of stretches using the hoop, and also includes some time to brush up on the skills you learned in the level one Hoopdance Basics DVD such as hip hooping, hooping in a circle, and corkscrews. Then it moves on to teaching you some new hoop skills that further challenge your upper body strength, coordination, balance, and creativity. I loved the instructor's detailed instructions on how to do moves such as the swoop, hand off corkscrews, chest hooping, and hooping in angles. At the end of each chapter, there is a troubleshooting section, to show you how to work through any problems you may be having. This DVD moves pretty quickly, so I found it helpful to pause after every move so I could practice.

I'm definitely not as smooth and sultry as Marisa or the instructor in the DVD, but trying out these new tricks made me feel like a kid. If you've never tried hooping, it really is a challenging and fun workout. You'll end up working muscles you don't normally work. Just make sure you're using an adult-sized weighted hoop.

To see a video clip of this level two Hoopnotica DVD, keep reading

Get in Gear: HoopGirl Hula Hoop

FitSugar — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 02:00:00 PDT

My doorbell rang the other day and when I answered it, my postman had left this package (pictured on left) leaning against my door. I laughed out loud and thought, "Hmm. I wonder what that could be. I was so excited that my hoop had arrived, since practicing my moves along with the HoopDance DVD using a dinky hoop I found at a toy store wasn't quite cutting it.

HoopGirl, the woman who made the DVD, says that using an adult-sized slightly weighted hoop makes regular hooping and doing tricks much easier. The small amount of weight keeps the hoop spinning longer, so it's better for working out (the more time you're actually hooping, the more you can tone your muscles and burn calories).

You can order high quality hoops on the website that range in price from $29.99 to $54.99. The less expensive hoops are for people who want a basic hoop. The pricier hoops have more tape on them, which adds more weight so these are better for working out. The most expensive hoop they sell can collapse down in case you want to travel with it.

Want to see what the hoops really look like? Then

read more When you check out the website, you can choose between three different color combinations. The bright colors make them look really cool when they're spinning. I must say that my new hoop made hooping so much easier. With my first try, I was keeping it spinning around my waist for much longer than the kiddy hoop I had. Since it was easier, I kept with it longer, and was able to even figure out how to walk in a circle without dropping the hoop. If you're interested in taking up hooping, I definitely recommend treating yourself to a professional hoop. Now I'm curious, do you ever hula hoop?

Move It at Home: HoopDance

FitSugar — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 04:00:00 PST

Are you a little skeptical about how hula hooping can keep you fit? I was too until I checked out HoopDance ($24.99). It's an instructional fitness DVD that's perfect for beginners who want to learn how to move their bodies in a sexy way that tones and strengthens. Even if you can't keep a hoop in motion for more than two seconds (like me), Christabel Zamor, founder of HoopGirl, will give you tips on how to keep it spinning around your waist, and how to gracefully pick it up if it falls. Since I'm not much of a hula hooper, I spent the first 20 minutes trying to learn how to get this basic rhythm down, and I could feel my heart pumping, my abs, hips, and lower back working, and I was stripping off layers because I was working up a sweat. All that from the very first chapter of the video!

Want to see a clip of HoopDance? Then

read more Christabel is sweet, extremely encouraging and inspirational, and very descriptive in her instructions, so I was making real progress in my HoopDance skills. It's amazing how learning something new can lift your spirit. I found myself calling to my husband saying, "Babe, it's not falling. It's not falling!" Needless to say, I was very proud of myself, and totally energized from this surprisingly tough workout. If you're looking to add a little fun to your fitness routine, I'd definitely pick up a copy of HoopDance (through the HoopGirl website). It's great even if you can't hula hoop to save your life, but if you stick with it, you'll be able to keep that hoop in motion and learn some cool tricks too. Thanks to Sugar user thirtythreezero for recommending this DVD. Now I'm off to learn how to "Booty Bump."

Class Act: Hooping

FitSugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 16:00:00 PST

I am not talking about hoops as in basketball. Nope, I'm referring to the hula hoop here. Beyoncé does it to stay in shape because it simultaneously tones your abs and glutes and helps get rid of love handles. Just like spinning or kickboxing, you can sign up for Hooping classes (also called HoopDance and HoopClass. It may seem like a joke, but in order to keep a hula hoop spinning in motion, you've really got to sway your hips quickly so it definitely gets your heart rate up. Plus hula hooping for eight minutes can burn up to 110 calories, so even though this seems like all fun, it really is a great workout. Ask your local gym if they offer classes or workshops.

Fit's Tip: Looking for a hoop group in your area to meet fellow hula hoopers and learn some cool tricks? Then check out this directory.

Grammy Awards: Fergie

FabSugar — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:32:36 PST

Fergie left little to the imagination on the Grammys red carpet, arriving in a see-through Jean Paul Gaultier gown straight from the designer's Spring '12 couture collection. She paired the hot orange lace with black lingerie peeking out from underneath, then accessorized with bold gold hoops and a matching gold cuff. A jewel-encrusted clutch and a high ponytail finished the fashion-forward look. Between the peek-a-boo effect, fishtail silhouette, and high-wattage hue, Fergie's style is all drama tonight - what's your take?

Vote on all of our Grammy Awards polls here!

Olivia Wilde Shares Her Beauty Secrets

FabSugar — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:00:15 PST

Rachel Zoe Adds Jewelry and Cozy Accessories to Her Growing Brand

Chi Diem Chau — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:37:49 PST

Rachel Zoe is a busy woman, juggling The Rachel Zoe Project (which has not yet been renewed for season five), her signature Rachel Zoe collection, a line for QVC, 10-month-old baby Skyler, and a new television production company called Rachel Zoe Productions - but that's not stopping her from doing more. Zoe has plans to launch two new categories to her signature line: costume jewelry and cold-weather accessories. Highlighting her love for vintage baubles, Zoe's jewelry line is art-deco inspired, highlighting tassel necklaces and earrings along with a "Love Me Knots” category, with knot-embellished hoop earrings, cuff bracelets, and necklaces priced between $195 and $695.

Zoe's cold-weather accessories are set to include real and faux fur hats, hoods, scarves, gloves, and statement-making stoles. "I have this obsession with what women wear in Russia," said Zoe. "The funny thing is that I don't know because I've never been there. But it's what I dream about." The jewelry collection will be exclusively available at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman in stores and online; availability on the cold-weather accessories is still not determined. Check out the slideshow to see the collection, plus some of our favorite pieces from her latest Spring collection for QVC.

Celebrity Accessory Report: Statement Hoop Earrings

Marisa Tom — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:05:58 PST

A bold hoop earring has the ability to inject both a bit of cool and a hint of femininity. We've spotted a bevy of our favorite celebrities showing off just how these jewels can spice up a look. Jennifer Hudson donned a pair of oversized crystal-encrusted hoops at VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul; Jessica Biel dressed up a white Victoria Beckham gown with a pair of standout, modern hoops; and Hilary Duff dressed up a bright yellow turtleneck with a more bohemian-inspired pair. Click through to see the growing list of celebs that are loving this look, then shop our editors' favorite hoops to channel the trend.

Meet the New Nike+ Fuel Exercise Monitor

Allie Merriam — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:13:19 PST

Nike put on quite a show in NYC today to introduce its new Nike+ Fuelband ($149). Jimmy Fallon played emcee for a roster of Nike execs and spokespeople, like hoops star Kevin Durant, Lance Armstrong, and sprinter Carmelita Jeter, at the Highline Stages, where the product was unveiled.

The new bracelet is part watch, part exercise monitor, which allows you to set daily exercise goals and share your accomplishments with friends through Facebook, Foursquare, and Path. It's the competitive aspect that Nike hopes will differentiate this product from other exercise monitors. There is a USB port built into the band for uploading your stats, as well as Bluetooth capabilities. Even cooler, the Fuelband also has an innovative battery that can last up to four days. The Nike design team focused heavily on creating a stylish accessory, but this new gadget is really about motivating users to get out there and be active. You know, to just do it!

You can preorder a Fuelband today, which will be available as of Feb. 22. Will you be getting one?

Golden Globes Afterparty: Perrey Reeves

FabSugar — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:38:39 PST

Entourage leading lady Perrey Reeves opted for slinky and sexy on last night's Golden Globes party circuit. Her lingerie-inspired dress was a vision of black lace and nude sheers. She kept her accessories simple and sweet with diamond-encrusted hoop earrings and black peep toes. To complete her outfit, Perrey wore minimal makeup and let her hair down in a casual cascade. What do you think of this boudoir-ready ensemble?

Vote on all of our Golden Globe Awards polls here!