The last time hula-hooping was popular in America Elvis was all the rage and had just come out with the top 40 hit “A Big Hunk of Love.” The years may have have passed, and you might not even be old enough to remember, but no worries, the passion for hooping has circled back to the 21st century with whirl wind speed and is being embraced as the latest new fitness trend by young and old alike!

A Hula-Rama Participant

And no one understands this better than wonderful folks at Hoopnotica who have been fundamental movers and shakers in reviving hooping and getting people really excited about fitness! Hoopnotica, in case you haven’t heard, is the hottest new hooping trend out of LA and they teamed up with us last Thursday for the first-ever Hula-Rama at the Hot Springs, bringing the community together to celebrate the benefits of spa lifestyle and the sheer joy of fitness. It was a match made in heaven! Guests (along with some energetic Glen Ivy employees) were quick to pick up a hoop and join in one (or more) of the three classes held on the front lawn that day. Although the initial instruction was about how to perform the basics, by the end of the day, we saw hip and leg hooping, arm hooping, halos and even how to stretch and relax with a hoop. The Hoopnotica hoops themselves are beautiful to look at; larger than a child’s hoop, they span 4 feet and are brightly colored in vivid pinks, reds, greens and blues with flashes of metallic gold and silver. We even saw travel hoops that break down to the size of yoga mat and sling over your shoulder with an easy carry strap. For the more creative types, hoop decorating classes were available in Tiempo Lounge and the results were dizzying!

After a solid cardio workout (hooping burns 420 calories per hour, by the way), spa guests were able to enjoy a calming yoga stretch routine with Glen Ivy’s fitness expert Meg Root.

Stretching class led by Meg Root

In addition, we were joined by the traveling Spa Buzz Bus girls  on their west coast tour — a country-wide mission to create buzz for active and healthy living. Not only were guests invited inside their amazing Airstream for a refreshing glass of lavender lemon elixer, they received gifts and prizes throughout the day including some amazing products from COOLA (a line of sun care products that contain certified organic extracts, antioxidants and vitamins) and Melt (a delicious organic butter spread). Primavera skin care professionals were also on hand to introduce guests to this wonderful organic line that we are now using in our facial treatments and to spray the occasional over heated hooper with the Primavera Moisturizing Refreshing Mist. Botanical tours through the spa had guests stopping to adorn the succulent wall with more plants and other activities during the day including seed bomb making, a labyrinth walk, container gardening classes, bird watching, and an aromatherapy workshop kept everyone busy connecting with the sights, smells, sounds, and feel of nature all day long.

Happy, relaxed and renewed guests were heading home from their spa day only to be greeted with one more very special treat, a farmers market featuring local organic produce. Bob Cat Properties, 3 Hart’s Grove, and Unity Farms have long been supplying Chef Bill Wavrin’s kitchen with everything from honey to avocados, to citrus and squash and had their booths set up in the Hot Springs parking lot. Everyone stopped by to fill their bags with healthy, colorful veggies and cool off with a sample of sweet and juicy watermelon, commenting “I wish it was like this everyday at Glen Ivy!”

Here’s the good news! While you still might have to visit your local farmers market to get your fresh organic produce each week, many of the featured activities at the Hula-Rama event are available on a regular basis at the Hot Springs. The Events & Activities schedule is updated monthly with new classes and presenters, so be sure to check it before your next visit. If you have ideas for an activity that you think we should add, please let us know. Our program of classes and activities is always growing and we would love to know what has you spinning!

Thank you to everyone who helped make Hula-Rama a success! We had entirely way too much fun and we hope that you did too.

View photos in the glenivy.com gallery or visit Glen Ivy on Facebook.

Did you join us for the first-ever Hula-Rama at the Hot Springs? We’d love to hear from you!