Hula hooping classes have been springing up across the country as a new fitness workout. Reporter KELLY SMALE speaks to instructor Michelle James who runs Hoopblast.

HULA hooping is no longer just a children’s activity in the playground but a great way for adults to keep fit.

Michelle James has been hula hooping for three years but decided to become an instructor after noticing there were no classes in south-east London.

The 43-year-old said: “I hate going to the gym with a passion and I don’t like doing sit ups. I wanted to lose that bit around my middle and found hula hooping was an alternative way to exercise.”

She added: “It alleviates stress and is an all over body toner. It works out 35 of your core muscles and beginners can burn up to 100 calories in ten minutes.”

Ms James now runs Hoopblast at the Moonshot Centre on Angus Street, New Cross, along with her 13-year-old daughter, Tamara.

Both mother and daughter are qualified to teach Hula Hooping and Hoop Dance after completing level one and two of the BodyHoops and HoopGirl teacher training in 2008.

Each lesson starts with a warm up which involves stretching and jogging.

Ms James, from Brockley, said: “We demonstrate to newcomers how to control the hoop and how to get it started. We also teach them how to recover the hoop as it falls.”

Beginners are also taught different tricks each week.

Ms James said: “We start by stepping in and out of the hoop working the arms and legs.

“We swing the hoop with the right hand and then step into the hoop catching it with the left hand.”

She added: “Every week is different. We do activities, pair work and games.”

Around 20 people attend each session. The youngest member is 12-years-old and the oldest is aged 70.

The hoops are heavier and bigger than regular hoops which can be bought for children.

The bigger the hoop the easier it is to use. Smaller hoops spin faster and can provide a harder workout.

The mother-of-three said: “It’s fun. It’s also exercise without realising it and releasing your inner youth.”

She added: “It gives you the chance to be yourself and let go. You can be as silly as you like. That’s why people come back for more.”

Ms James was one of the 1,388 people who took part in the Hula Hoops Hoopathon on March 21, which raised more than £150,000 for sport relief.

A new world record was set for the most amount of people simultaneously hula hooping at 16 places across the country.

People of all ages can attend the classes on Tuesdays from 7pm or Saturdays from 11am.

To find out about joining a free session, email info@hoopblast.co.uk or call Ms James on 07932 982152.

For more information about Hoopblast, visit hoopblast.co.uk