Customer Reviews

Hooping: A Revolutionary Fitness Program (Book & DVD)

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When choosing which hoop dancing dvds to get, it was a hard choice between HoopGirl and Hoopnotica. I opted for Hoopnotica based on the reviews, so I had to get this book when I found out about it so I could experience the HoopGirl phenomenon too.

This book is a lot like Sheila Kelley's S Factor book, except for hooping. It starts off with Christabel's personal story and consists of illustrated hoop moves interspersed with motivational side bars, suggested songs, and personal anecdotes. The tone focuses on fitness, fun, and empowerment and is very positive. It starts off with basic moves and provides numerous moves to work through. Not only is there a lot of content to work through, but Christabel puts a nice focus on going from doing moves to actually dancing, including a list of moves you can do from certain positions and sample combinations. It would be hard to get bored with the content in this book.

On top of that, the authors had the genius idea of making this a combo book and DVD. Hooping provides an interesting dilemma in that, although DVDs provide excellent instruction, few people have enough room near a television to try out the moves. A book is a great way to bring the instruction with you when you take your hoop outdoors. The DVD was not exactly what I expected. It only contained a fragment of the moves in the book, and they were the more basic moves. Unlike the Hoopnotica DVDs which are based more on instructing than providing a workout, this DVD seems to be designed as more of a fun workout. It could be a good workout, but don't expect it to take you through the more advanced moves. On the positive side Christabel has a good narration voice (I presume it is her voice) and seems like a very fun person to take a class with.

There are two negatives about this book for me. First of all, I find a rather egregious lack of information about the hoops themselves. The authors provide suggestions for places to buy them, including the hoops they sell, but don't mention the different types of hoops (i.e. standard, collapsible, LED, etc.) or the ability to make your own. Given the cost of shipping hoops and how many people opt to make their own, it would have been great if the book included instructions on how to make a basic hoop. A conflict of interest for the authors, but I think the book suffers for not having it. Additionally, I personally would like to see more racial diversity in the book. And though there is a page about men hooping too, this book does not really seem geared toward men.

Overall, this is a great book. I think anyone else who comes out with a hooping book will be hard-pressed to try and top this one.

If you ever wanted to get started hooping and were too afraid to, uh, ask, then this is your answer! Christabel Zamor and her co-writer, Ariane Conrad, have done an amazing job with this book. It has material for the beginning hooper and lots of great information for the intermediate or advanced hooper as well. Christabel includes info about the history and physiology of hooping, personal essays by hoopers, great breakdowns of different hoop moves, and ideas for combinations for those of us working on our "flow." Not a single page is superfluous, and the whole book is intelligently written and beautifully photographed. The DVD is great, including warm-ups, cool-downs, cardio, and a combination. Spectacular job!

As a mid-thirties male with a desk job, I have to guess that I'm somewhat on the periphery of "Hooping"'s target demographic, making it all the more delightful and surprising that I've enjoyed reading it so much. With infectious enthusiasm, the authors explore every dimension of physical, psychological, and spiritual gratification that collectively characterize the hooping journey.

This book may well mark the pivot point on which society finally turns: away from the monotony of gym-based workouts, and towards a transformational adventure of full-body expression.

The video is a good basic how to on how to start hooping. It is entry level so if you are new to hooping it is perfect, if you are more advanced the video may not be enough information or a workout for you.

The book contain Lots more info than the video. It is great for people who want to move into advanced moves. It is clearly written and has lots of good photos and step by step (as much as you can in a book) on different moves.

I guess the book and the video make a nice pair from beginning to more advanced levels of hooping.
I am a moderate beginning hooper and found this set to be useful.

I am so excited to be holding this book in my hands. Not only is it one of the most beautiful books I have ever seen, it is inspiring! I have been hooping for a while now and am so stoked to finally have a book that talks about the history, many of the different moves, the people involved, and how it can change your life. It's like physical proof that I can show everyone, sitting right on my coffee table.

It is also going to be an amazing book to help more people discover the awesomeness of hooping and what it can bring to their lives. With the DVD included, they can get started right away with learning the basic moves and keep evolving with the dozens of moves in the book! The pictures are incredible with each move broken down so clearly.

This book is going to help bring hooping to the masses, which in my opinion, will just make the world a better place!

This book is a spectacular hooping instruction and lifestyle book. With a 50-minute DVD included, this book is the best value on the market for those seeking to get started with a healthier, better, and
more joyous lifestyle through hooping. The book includes moves
instruction, music playlists, a history overview of hooping, tips about
eating healthier, and more!

Christabel and Ariane's book rocks! It's the bible of hooping! It's elegant. It's pure energy. It's light! There is no better way to learn to hoop than this book and DVD combined.

This book is absolutely FABULOUS!! The detailed photos and descriptions are easy follow and the hoopers look like they are having so much fun! Its great to have as a reference when you are thinking "hmm....how do I do that move...if I could only see it broken down into steps..." and the best part is that if you need to "see" someone doing the move there is also a DVD included! However, the book is just not about learning moves....the stories inside too are of real people, real life health issues....oh and the music playlists are fabulous....and the "a tip for triumph" for each move are fabulous for those moves that are hard to master....what can I say..its a FABULOUS book!

While I'm not a fan of the uber corporate vibe that Hoopgirl puts forward, there's no denying she puts in the time and effort and passion to amass the hooping empire she has. this book has great illustrations, the history or hooping, music and diet tips...all in all a must for any beginning hooper who wants to take it to the next level

This program has allowed me to excercise at home whenever I have the time. I used to 'Hoop' as a kid and I have found this to be a flash back to that time. I have really enjoyed it and have found it to be exactly what I needed!