Gaiam Introduces New Dance Hoop Workout

Gaiam Introduces New Dance Hoop Workout

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Dec. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hula hooping is back in a big way and it can get you into great shape. Gaiam brings fitness to a whole new level of fun with the "Dance Hoop Workout" kit. The team behind Gaiam's many best-selling fitness programs worked with Dance Hoop pioneer Betty Hoops to create the "Dance Hoop Workout" kit, which includes an innovative, adjustable weighted hula hoop designed specifically for adults plus a 60-minute, total-body workout DVD set to an energizing soundtrack.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051205/LAM058 )

Incorporating hula hooping, rhythmic dance and yoga moves to trim and tone the waistline, arms, glutes and thighs, the "Dance Hoop Workout" boosts the heart rate and increases strength and flexibility. Hoops'step-by-step instruction and the low impact moves of the "Dance Hoop Workout" kit make it an ideal fitness option for almost anyone. But the moves are so fun you may forget you're getting a great cardio and core-toning workout.

In its heyday in the 1950s, hula hooping has experienced resurgence in popularity over the last few years. In an article on WebMD, the American Council on Exercise Fitness 2004 Director of the Year Debi Pillarella predicted that hoop workouts will become very popular. "It adds an element of play and fun to core stability work," said Pillarella.

There is evidence that ancient Roman children used a ring made of grapevines like a hula hoop, and ancient Greeks, creators of the Olympic Games, used something like a hula hoop as a fitness tool. The lightly weighted hoop used in Gaiam's "Dance Hoop Workout" kit is more substantial than the hula hoop you may have used as a child, making it simpler to keep the hoop moving and more challenging to your muscles.

Betty Hoops drew upon her diverse background as a Usui Reiki practitioner, Iyengar yoga instructor and massage therapist to create her "Dance Hoop Workout" method, which she began teaching in 1998. "It's a whole body experience, very similar to yoga. It puts people back into their bodies on a conscious level and makes them feel alive again. It can stimulate that mind-body connection," explained Hoops, who performed at the ESPN X Games and who has been featured on NPR, "Good Day New York," "The Caroline Rhea Show" and many others.

"We're always looking for new ways to help people to get healthy and enjoy themselves," said Gaiam Vice President of Retail Marketing Susan Haney. "We developed the 'Dance Hoop Workout' kit with Betty Hoops to give people another creative way to get in shape and maintain the mind-body connection Gaiam is known for promoting."

Along with Betty Hoops, Gaiam has helped to bring to the forefront some of the world's most well-known and sought-after fitness leaders, including Rodney Yee, Patricia Walden, Seane Corn, Ana Caban, Suzanne Deason and, most recently, Cameron Shayne, creator of the hot new Budokon martial arts-yoga synergy.

The Dance Hoop Workout kit, which retails for $29.98, is available at www.gaiam.com or by calling 1-800-869-3603.

About Gaiam

Gaiam, Inc. (NASDAQ:GAIA) is a multi-channel lifestyle media company dedicated to providing solutions for the many facets of healthy, eco-conscious living. Gaiam has earned its place as the market leader with award-winning mind-body health programs, the highest-quality certified 100% organic cotton furnishings and apparel, renewable energy solutions and more. For more information about Gaiam, please visit www.gaiam.com, or call 1-800-869-3603.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051205/LAM058
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Gaiam, Inc.

CONTACT: Lisa Elia, +1-310-393-9547, fax, +1-310-393-7918,
lisaeliapr@aol.com, for Gaiam, Inc.

Web site: http://www.gaiam.com/

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