How Hula Hoop Fitness Helped Me Find Myself

Anna's Hula Dancercise Story...

"Hula hooping and Hula Dancercise has played a massive part in a very personal healing journey for me - it has helped me come back to myself and empowered me to remember who the hell I am!"

Every Hula Dancercise story starts differently.

Some people discover hula hoop fitness through a local class. Others are searching for a fun way to exercise, build confidence or meet like-minded people. What connects every story is the positive impact the hoop can have, both physically and mentally.

This is Anna's Hula Dancercise Story, in her own words.

Discovering Hula Hoop Fitness

Many people first experience hula hoop fitness as a fun way to move their body. For Anna, it all started over 15 years ago at her local leisure centre.

"I first started Hula Hooping about 15 years ago when a Hula Hoop Class started at my local Leisure Centre.

This was the first time I had hula hooped for fitness and I loved it, it was a fun way to move my body.

Since then I have always had a hula hoop at home and I would bring it out on the odd occasion.

During the Lockdown era I remember getting it out of my garage and hula hooping A-LOT in the garden. Then one day I was on TikTok and I saw Rachel pop up on my screen and it grabbed my attention straight away as she was actually dancing in the hoop - WOW!

So I started to try and dance with the hoop and it unlocked something inside of me, I wanted more."

"It unlocked something inside of me, I wanted more."

Becoming a Hula Dancercise Instructor

Taking the first step towards becoming an hula hoop instructor can feel overwhelming. Self-doubt is something many future instructors experience, but sometimes the biggest breakthroughs happen when we decide to back ourselves.

"When I saw Hula Dancercise was offering Instructor Training I wanted to do this so much as it was something I felt quite passionate about and I had built a special bond with the movement. I kept putting it off, but it was always there in the back of my mind.

One day I just thought, “what's the worst that can happen? You know you can do it, stop doubting yourself!” So I went for it and I have never looked back since.

I passed in February 2024 and delivered my first class in April of that year."

"I went for it and I have never looked back since."

Growing in Confidence

Teaching isn't just about learning routines. It's about creating a welcoming space where people can move, laugh and be themselves. As Hula Dancercise instructors grow, so does the community around them.

"I feel so proud after every class I teach and the buzz that you feel after is unmatched. Our class is there as a place for people to feel safe and to feel free in their mind and body. I have ladies who have been with me since I started. We get new people that start, some will stay and some… well… just don't get it. And that's okay, it's not for everyone.

When I first started teaching and someone would attend class for the first time my thoughts would always be “I hope they come back next week”. If they didn't come back the self doubt would creep in and I would feel that I was doing something wrong and I would start being critical towards myself. Soon, I came to realise that's not important. What's important is the people who are there and showing up each week, focus on them and just be yourself, and that's when the magic happens.

My classes have gone from strength to strength and I can see how much I have grown as an Instructor and as a person. I feel my class structure works perfectly now and I treasure every moment of teaching."

"Focus on the people who are there and showing up each week... that's when the magic happens."

Where Hula Dancercise Has Taken Me

Hula Dancercise is about so much more than weekly classes. From performances and festivals, hen dos and big birthdays, to community events and local partnerships, the opportunities can be as rewarding as the journey itself.

"Some highlights for me since starting my classes have been delivering a class for a local netball team. I have also hooped at Summer Festivals. I have performed and delivered a mini hula hoop class at a local care home where I always have the best time.”

Hula Hooping can really take you to many places.

Anna shares, “The Hula Dancercise Meet up in London was another highlight for me. Meeting Rachel and some of the Hula Dancercise community was amazing. I will never ever forget that day!"

Advice for Future Instructors

If you're thinking about becoming a Hula Dancercise Instructor, Anna's advice is simple.

"If anyone was thinking of becoming a hula hoop instructor but they were feeling a bit apprehensive, the advice I would give is … if you keep waiting for tomorrow or the next day you could end up waiting forever. Follow your heart because it always leads you to the right places."

"Follow your heart because it always leads you to the right places."

Looking Back

Sometimes the biggest transformation isn't physical at all. It's how you feel about yourself.

"I am forever grateful to have found Hula Dancercise and the hula hoop community. The opportunities, the friendships and the memories it is creating is very special. I want to thank Rachel for the support and opportunities she creates, she is inspirational to me and to so many others. 

On reflection hula hooping and Hula Dancercise have played a massive part in a very personal healing journey for me. It has helped me come back to myself and empowered me to remember who the hell I am! It's just the beginning."

"It has helped me come back to myself and empowered me to remember who the hell I am! It's just the beginning."

Could This Be Your Hula Dancercise Story?

Whether you're looking for a fun fitness class, a supportive community, a new hobby or you're dreaming of becoming a Hula Dancercise Instructor yourself, your story could be just beginning.

Every Hula Dancercise Story begins with a single spin of the hoop. Could yours be next?

→ Inspired by Anna's journey? Explore our instructor training course today!

→ Share your story with us info@huladancercise.com

→ Become part of our growing Hula Dancercise community and connect with hula hoopers around the world! Instagram @huladancercise