Island HoopFit

Give it a Whirl! Free Hula Hoop Fitness Classes in August and Parks & Rec Classes for Fall!

2011-08-11T07:01:00.000-07:00

Your kids can play at the playground or hoop it up with you at Battlepoint Park!

Fall will be on it's way, why be a cliche'? Don't wait until New Year's to get into shape---start now! Come to Battlepoint Park this Friday, August 12 from 10-11 by the Kids Up! Play structure and learn how to hula hoop with Island HoopFit! Hooping gives you a terrific workout that can make you feel young, free and joyful, while whittling your waist and giving you a cardio boost! Check out these articles about the benefits of hooping from the American Council of Exercise http://www.acefitness.org/certifiednewsarticle/1094/ace-sponsored-research-hooping-effective-workout. You can bring your own hoop or use an Island HoopFit hoop--hope to see you there! Free classes will also be August 19 & 26.

Then, you can eagerly await your Bainbridge Island Metro Parks & Rec Catalog, because when it comes, you can sign up for Hoop Fitness Classes on Wednesday mornings, whirling yourself into shape BEFORE January 1st! Questions? Email dani@danihemmat.com or call Dani at 849.0606.

Hoops, Health and Happiness,
Dani Hemmat
HoopMistress, Island HoopFit

Island HoopFit's Happy Hoopmistress Hearts Inside Bainbridge

2011-07-30T13:02:00.000-07:00

You gotta love the peeps at Inside Bainbridge---they give us such great, up-to-date info on our rock and beyond, and now they covered little ol' me! Power to the Hoopers! Check out their site---you'll be happy you did!And don't forget our free August classes--if it's not raining, then we're hooping!

You Can Hoop it with a Fox, You Can Hoop it in a Box!

2011-07-29T18:58:00.000-07:00

Bet I was the first Hooper EVER in that neck of the woods!

Hooping here, hooping there, you can hoop most anywhere! I do! I bring my travel hoop along and hoop my buns off in the most lovely, yet unlikely places. The beaches of Kihei, the Grand Mayan in Mexico, and now I can add Sage Creek in the Pryor Mountains in Southeastern Montana. On a small bridge over tiny, recently flooded Sage Creek, I hooped amid swarming bugs and the sweet smell of sage. The clean mountain air added yet another dimension to a sport/activity/hobby/bliss that I believe you can enjoy anywhere in your life, your whole life long. Want to buy a great travel hoop? Well, since Island HoopFit only makes whole hoops, you'll have to buy your collapsible hoop from Gaiam. And if you're ready for your own home hoop so you can get down on a train or in the rain, well, email me. We'll get you whirling in a custom-made Island HoopFit hoop!

Bainbridge Island Summer Vibes was Hoopy Goodness!

2011-07-07T18:31:00.000-07:00

If you were savvy enough to head down to the summer vibes party on July 3rd at the Town Square, then you KNOW that the place was loaded with kids at heart (and plenty of kids!) whirling around to the groove with Island HoopFit Hula Hoops. Old, young, skilled and beginner, partygoers were taking advantage of the free hoop rentals we provided for this amazing community party. The music was a blast, the energy was vibrant, and the souls who found themselves inside our hoops ended up losing themselves for a few sweet moments to the bliss that hooping brings. Thanks to Debbi Lester, Heather and Sean Wolf and all the other volunteers who helped make the dance a swell ol' island time!

Summer Time, and the Hoopin' is Easy....

2011-06-22T16:17:00.000-07:00

And it just got even easier! While I've temporarily canceled the Thursday classes at Island Martial Arts, I'm moving it outside in the fresh air and sunshine! This summer, we're heading out to Battlepoint for Outdoor Fitness Hoop Classes with Island HoopFit.

FRIDAYS THIS SUMMER at Battlepoint!
Outdoor HoopFit Classes!

$5 --BYOH---Bring Your Own Hoop
$7--rent an Island HoopFit Hoop

Meet by the play structure between 10 AM-11 AM for an uplifting, fun hoop class! Visit blog for updates on Thursday evenings. Classes scheduled for JULY 1, 22, 29, AUGUST 5, 12, 19, 26, and September 2. BEGINNERS ALWAYS WELCOME!

Your kids can entertain themselves at the play structure and you can burn 400-600 calories while you have a blast, condition your core and feel as young as your kids!

March 24 Thursday 10 AM Hoop Class Canceled

2011-03-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

Sorry, Hoopers---most of you had the head's up a few weeks ago, but to remind you: Thursday, March 24 10 AM Hoop Class is canceled. See you next Tuesday at 9-10!

The Circle Game

2011-03-16T06:41:00.000-07:00

...or shall I call it the Hoop Game? The seasons, they go 'round and 'round and the painted ponies go up and down...and hoop classes just got shuffled.

The last Thursday night class at Strength Lab will be Thursday, March 17th at 7-8 PM. Island Fitness Monday classes have now been moved to Thursdays at 11:30-12:30. The Tuesday/Thursday classes at Island Martial Arts remain the same. I just couldn't teach 3 classes on Thursdays, so I hope you'll understand. You still have 3 daytime options.

I'm still looking for a good time for a night class, to keep those commuting hoopers in their hoops!

Happy Hooping,
Dani

FINALLY! Science proves Hooping Rocks Your Body!

2011-02-18T06:53:00.000-08:00

We knew, but now most everyone else will, too. Looky here!

University of Wisconsin Hoop Study

That's right---we've known it all along! Grab your hoop, work your body! It works!

Happy Weekend!

NOTE: There will be no classes on Thursday, February 24. Out of town. Bringing hoop, of course!

OOOO
Dani

It's About Time! Evening Class Added on Bainbridge!!

2011-02-09T14:04:00.000-08:00

That's right, we've got evening space to whirl and it's at Strength Lab! Now on Thursdays from 7 - 8 PM, you can drop in and get your hoop workout. The nice folks at Strength Lab charge $12.50 drop-in class fee, and class hoops and instruction are provided by Island HoopFit. Classes begin this Thursday at 7 PM. For questions or directions, go to Strength Lab or call 842.9900. Strength Lab is located at 9727 Coppertop Loop, Suite 102 (At Sportsman Park) Bainbridge Island, WA 98110.

We've also changed Thursday daytime classes at Island Martial Arts to 10-11, so now you've got 4 different ways/times to burn 400-600 calories and hour and feel more flexible and just plain old happy!

See you there!!!

A special note: Free passes for Island HoopFit are not accepted at Strength Lab.

Healthy Living Expo--Here we Come!

2011-01-28T11:19:00.000-08:00

Island HoopFit will be doing some hoop demos at the Healthy Living Expo on Bainbridge Island this weekend. First demo starts at 10:30, and hoops are provided! We'll also be selling our durable, professional hand-made hoops at a special expo price, and the lovely Hoopnotica teacher, Esther Parvin, will be helping us out by showing folks how fun hooping is!

Check out the Expo!

Stop by and See us at the Restore Your Core Booth!

Winter Break

2010-12-20T17:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays, Hoopers!

Well, even though I am not of the Christmas-Celebrating Persuasion, I do like the holiday break. Cuddling with the kids on the couch, reading Harry Potter and baking cookies for friends and neighbors (sometimes they're the same thing!). My kids are home from school and my desire to let them relax and sleep in is scratching at my ankles. Plus, my new venture, Restore Your Core, is nearing it's launch, and there's plenty for this HoopMistress to do. A break is in order.

Hoop Classes at Island Martial Arts (Tues/Thurs) are on hold through the break, and will resume on January 4. Classes at Island Fitness are in session throughout Winter Break.

Keep warm, feel loved, eat sweet treats and spin on your own, out in the snow or in your living room. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

OOOO,
Dani

Holiday Hoops!

2010-12-14T05:03:00.000-08:00

Hoopers,

Imagine waking up on Christmas morning, shuffling downstairs in your foot pajamas, and spying something round, graceful and rather large leaned up against the Christmas tree. What's that? Why, it's your very own hula hoop, custom-made from Island HoopFit. Somebody loved you enough to realize that you wanted, nay---needed this hoop. It's all yours, made especially for you in colors that make your heart sing and your hips wiggle. And if they didn't know you wanted one, well, buy one for yourself and put it under the tree. Who says Santa can't shake it, too?

Custom Hula Hoops from Island HoopFit, made on Bainbridge, make a unique, thoughtful and affordable gift for the loved ones in your life. From $20-35 dollars, they last for YEARS, look great, and promise the recipient fun and fitness and feeling good! Order now to get in time for Christmas. 206.849.0606 or email dani@restoreyourcorefitness.com. Each hoop comes with a coupon for a free class with Island HoopFit.

Hooping It Up in Mexico!

2010-10-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

Hola, Hoopers!

Island HoopFit Classes will be on hold from November 2 - November 14, as I'm taking my travel hoop and heading to Puerto Vallarta for a much-needed two weeks of rest, relaxation, and of course, revolutions! Keep hooping at home, in the park, at the gym, and I'll see you on Tuesday, November 16 with hoop in hand!

Adios!!

Fall HoopFit Schedule is Here!

2010-09-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

Hoopers! The Fall schedule begins the week of September 13.

Tuesdays / Thursdays 9:00 - 10:00 AM

Sundays 6:00 - 7:00 PM

September's Special--New Students $5 for the first class! Returning students--bring a friend and your class fee is only $5, too!

Hoop to see you there!

End of Summer Schedule Changes

2010-08-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

There ain't no cure for the summertime blues---and it's hard to keep a class full with those summertime schedules! Island HoopFit's August schedule has some changes you'll want to know about: Wednesday classes are canceled during the month of August only. They'll resume again in September. Also, I'll be out of town in NYC, doing some super special training on Monday, August 23rd. So, let's review: No HoopFit classes on Wednesdays in August, and no class on Monday, August 23. Sigh.

But wait, there's good news, too! All classes are $5 during the month of August. Five bucks! It gets even better! We're going to start adding Sunday classes, from 6-7 PM at Island Martial Arts in Rolling Bay. We'll just do a few in August, and then add them regularly in September. Sundays, August 8 & 29, from 6-7 PM for only $5 a person! Zowie!

Break it down: HoopFit Classes Mondays 11:30-12:30, August 2, 9, 16 & 30; Sundays 6:00-7 PM, August 8 & 29.

Enjoy the rest of your summer~I hope to see you as much as you can make it to hoop class!

Happy Hooping!

Island HoopFit Gets Down at the 5th Annual Bluegrass Festival

2010-07-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

Whoa, Nellie! Thanks to those who stopped by the Island HoopFit booth at the 5th Annual Bainbridge Bluegrass Festival on July 24 at Battlepoint Park. We surely had the busiest non-food booth there, keeping current hoopers happy and creating new hoopers as the day wore on. Our booth was designed on a shoestring budget by Jeff Hemmat, Event Planner Extraordinaire. If you need to make a splash at your next event or party, you'll do well do consult him first. We had the most festive, happenin' booth, complete with Island HoopFit tattoos--temporary, of course--and swirling, whirling hoops in all colors of the rainbow! For those of you that walked away with your very own hoop, we wish you all the joy and fun that you deserve. Happy hooping!

Our booth stood out across the festival field--Look at all those hoops!

Hoops for sale! Hoops for sale!

Free HoopFit Class Offered

2010-04-11T06:22:00.000-07:00

Sunday, April 18 from 6:00 - 7:00 PM, there will be a free Island HoopFit class for new students only. Bring water, and expect to be barefoot or in stocking feet. Hoops provided for class use. Free demo class taught at Island Martial Arts Dojo at 10225 Valley Road NE in Rolling Bay. Happy Hooping!

Current Class Times

2010-04-04T20:32:00.000-07:00

Hello, Hoopers! The classes that are currently running are Mondays 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM and Wednesdays at 10:00-11:00 AM at Island Martial Arts Dojo at 10255 Valley Road, in Rolling Bay on Bainbridge Island. I'd love to offer more classes, all I need is YOU! Come whittle your waist and strengthen your core...and feel joyful and free and flexible all at once. I'll see you Mondays and Wednesdays! Happy Hooping!

April Class Times--Evening Classes Added!

2010-03-31T14:34:00.000-07:00

Classes Starting in April!
Look for the new Bainbridge Island Parks & Rec Catalog or email dani@danihemmat.com for more info. Classes: 9:30 AM Tuesdays, 10:30 AM Wednesdays, 9:30 AM Thursdays, 10-11 AM Fridays & 11:30-12:30 Mondays and Wednesdays. Evening classes by demand--Mondays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 6:30 PM---email with interest, please. If you want a good evening workout, I'll be there with you! Just let me know.

What's all the Hoopla about?

2010-03-30T16:21:00.000-07:00

Check out this quick MSNBC Video--it's all true, and makes me wanna get outta this chair and throw my hoop over my head and whirl!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Don't you want to join in the fun? It's not a fad anymore---it's a cardio/strength/endurance/core building workout that keeps your soul light and free.

You'll never know until you try.

What Have You Done For Me Lately?

2010-01-24T07:14:00.000-08:00

Sure, it looks like a blast, but what can hooping do for me? Well, I'll tell you over the next few posts. That way, you can jump into hooping with a head full of knowledge and a heart full of joy.

I was talking with an adorable, spunky woman about hooping yesterday, and she expressed that she had terrible back pain, sat all day in her chair at work, and was fascinated by hooping. My goodness! There was a perfect hooping student, right in front of me. While I blabbered on about how fun it is, what a great workout it is...blah, blah, blah...it dawned on me that this blog would be a good place to help educate folks about the hooping life. So, stay tuned, I'll post as often as I can, and save you some time. Sure, you can type in hooping in Google and do your own research. Or...you can come to Island HoopFit. Let's face it--you're busy and Google can be a pretty kinky kettle of soup.

So for your first bowl of clean, pure hoop soup, please...read on.

Hooping is being used in both the U.S. and the U.K. for treating back pain and pelvic floor problems (read:incontinence). When you hoop, you're using your ENTIRE core, focusing on balance and stability. This works your abs, legs and glutes, and strengthens your pelvic floor muscles while simultaneously loosening your hips and spine. It essentially untangles a body that is spending the day sitting at a desk, on the ferry, in a car, and on the couch. The motion your body makes when properly hooping is a slow, steady realignment motion for your spine and pelvis, teaching your body how it is meant to move.

If you don't believe any of this, go ahead and Google it. You'll see.

Adding to that is the reality that when you're hooping, whether in a class or at home by yourself, you will have more fun exercising than you've ever had. In your life. You can burn about 100 calories in 10 minutes of a hooping class. That's 600 calories an hour. While you're playing! Think about it. In my Island HoopFit classes, we work on basic moves, incorporating arms and legs to give you a full body workout. While you play.

Now, I'll do the standard disclaimer--you should, of course, talk to your trusted health care provider before you begin hooping. That said, the ultimate trusted health care provider is you. Pick up a hoop and give it a whirl, trust yourself, listen to your body. You know what's best for you.

Hooping Classes Come to Bainbridge Island!

2010-01-23T13:55:00.000-08:00

Hooping! Anyone can hoop. Exercising with a Hula Hoop leaves you more flexible, gives you a low-impact cardio workout while working your core muscles and developing balance and coordination, all while making you feel joyful while you laugh and have a blast through your whole workout.

Classes are beginning on Bainbridge Island in March 2010 and are taught by Dani Hemmat, owner of Island HoopFit.

Registration for classes can be through Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Parks and Recreation or by emailing Dani Hemmat for more information. Hoops are available for class use, and also custom hoops are available for sale. Hope to see you there!

Welcome to Island HoopFit

2009-10-29T16:41:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Island Hoop Fit, the blog for Kitsap-area hoopers who want to get fit, have fun and forget the outside world for an hour a day, while they hoop away...