Six months ago, Annie Terwilliger began making and selling hula hoops in her home after realizing that most hula hoops today are nothing like they were when she was a child.
After realizing that the hula hoops today were nothing like the hula hoops she loved as a kid— Annie Terwilliger set out to make hula hoops that both kids and adults could love.
Using pex pipe and electrical and decorative tape enables Terwilliger’s hula hoops to be weightier which she said allows hula hoopers, both advanced and novice, to hula hoop faster and easier.
“I try to have some on hand so if someone wants to try different sizes,” Terwilliger said. “If their skill level is higher they may want a smaller hoop because they move around faster or if they’re a beginner they may want a larger hoop because its a little easier.”
Although Terwilliger makes her hoops for all ages she said her four-year-old son Neil Hoinville is still learning.
“He hasn’t quite figured out how to hula hoop, but we’re working on it,” Terwilliger said.
The weightiness of her hula hoops also makes them a great tool for getting in shape.
“My friend has a studio in Haslett, Michelle’s School of Dance,” Terwilliger said. “I’m making some now for her aerobics class that incorporates hula hoops because it’s such a great work out tool.”
Terwilliger and her friend Michelle McDevitt are also working towards starting a class solely for hula hooping.
“ I think people would be very surprised that there’s a lot of calorie burning in it and it’s a great cardio work out,” McDevitt said. “It’s a great way to get the word out there so people know getting in shape is not that hard, it can be fun.”
In making hula hoops, Terwilliger said the most rewarding feeling is the one she gets knowing she has created something that is so much fun and motivating.
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
