Hooping It Up

The latest fitness craze to hit Charlotte isn’t in a cold fitness room or spin class. instead, it takes place every Sunday afternoon in a 6,000-square-foot photography studio in Plaza Midwood. No weights, no workout mats, not even an instructor. But at Hoop Jams, there is often a DJ and everyone has … a hula hoop. Turns out the game once relegated to kids’ birthday parties is a great workout (Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, and Liv Tyler are just a few notables hooping it up to stay in shape). Organizer Jim McGuire says there are Myers Park and Dilworth moms hooping next to hippies and twelve-year-olds. "it’ll be mainstream in a few years,” he says. Want to get your hoop on? Head to McGuire’s studio at 1212 east Tenth street on Sundays (starts at 4:30 p.m.) and Wednesdays (starts at 6:30 p.m.) for a two hour sweat session. You can purchase your hoop there.