Article Contributed on: 5/25/2009 11:09:44 AM
Hula hoops became a craze around the world in the 1950's. There were a few exceptions such as Indonesia where they were banned, because in the local culture it wasn't socially acceptable to shake one's hips in public. After its release in 1958 one company sold 100 million in its first year.
A National Hula Hoop competition has been held in the USA from 1968 and world records were established through the years in categories such as Most Hula Hoops twirled at once (105), Duration - set by11 year olds in Jackson, Mississippi (11 hours and 34 minutes), and Hoop Running (10km - women - 1h:43m:11s)
In the past few years the hoop has made a comeback in the health and fitness arena. Many Hooping Clubs can be found across the country. Hoops have played a part in several recent Cirque de Soleil shows.
When all is said and done, the Hoop is still a cool and inexpensive toy. Twirling hoops can be learned by children and adults with a little bit of practice. It is, however, just a matter of time before medical research warns us of the dangers of hooping and the risks of severe back sprains and other more dire side effects.
Until then, spend a few dollars on some hoops and start shaking those hips.