So, I've been doing tons and tons of hula hooping lately for fun and exercise... here's proof:
Hoop dancing is a fantastic aerobic exercise that burns 600+ calories an hour! Plus it's fun, pretty, exciting, and makes you feel sexy! I loved playing with my friend's hoops, so I decided I needed one (or many!) myself.
Now mind you, we didn't make the LED hula hoop, but when I was looking into buying my own hoop, I realized that I'd be spending quite a bit of money on each one if I purchased them. However, the supplies for several hoops weren't a lot more costly than one professionally done hoop, so I decided I'd jump right on in!
Want to know how I did it? Here we go:
Materials:
Poly tubing, from 3/4"-1" outside diameter, between 100 psi and 160 psi
Internal barbed tubing connector for the size of tubing you're using
Utility knife
Sand paper, 200 grit
Hair dryer
Gaffer's tape in your color selection
Electrical, metallic, or any other thin decorative tape in contrasting colors to gaffer's tape
Optional: Helper Cat
Most people will be comfortable with a hoop between 132" and 134", though I have hoops that I use that are as small as 130" and as large as 136". If you are a taller person, lean toward the 134" mark or even a bit higher. Children's hoops can be made to fit as well.
Measure out your desired length of tubing, then cut cleanly with a sharp utility blade. Watch your fingers, and work away from your body!
Using a medium-to-fine-weight sand paper, even the ends of the tubing. Sand both ends.
Sand the very center posts of the barbed connector so they are flat on the top instead of rounded. This makes it easier to smooth out the connection point on the hoop later on. Don't sand the barbs on the ends, just the center.
Holding the ends of the tubing in one hand, begin heating up the ends with a hair dryer. Keep the heat moving, and be careful not to burn your fingers! Once the tube is sufficiently heated, we'll be inserting the barbed connector into the ends.
Moving quickly, insert the connector into one end of the tubing. Ready? Now push, quick, quick!
Try to keep the connector centered between the tubing ends. If the tubing cools down, heat it up around the outside edges with the hair dryer for a few seconds.
See the raised edges where the tube is covering the center barbs? Flatten them out flush by sanding with medium-to-fine-weighted sand paper.
Using gaffer's tape in your choice of color, place tape at an angle over the edges of the tubing. You want to make sure you're using gaffer's tape, as it has the right texture on the outside to help the hoop grip. Don't substitute with duct tape! You'll not only be really mad by the time you finish, but the resulting wrap won't be as smooth or fitting either. Gaffer's tape is made from fabric, so retains a flexibility that duct tape cannot. Gaffer's is used in theater though, so it's available in lots of colors!
Wrap base-taped hoop with electrical, metallic, glitter, or any other decorative tape in any manner you choose. Or, leave plain. You may want to ask you helper cat for suggestions here.
Enjoy your new hoop! Practicing for 30 minutes, 4 times a week is enough to help you burn calories, get in shape, have fun, and feel sexy!
Need a little more information or more detailed descriptions? See the full post on my blog, here:
http://www.theartofmegan.com/adultsized_professional_hula_hoop_tutorialThanks for looking, I'd love to hear your comments!
