Reading - Part 3

Many adults and children enjoy using the hula hoop, either for exercise or simply for fun. It can be spun around the waist, arms, legs, or even the neck at very high speed. In the past, hula hoops were made from wood or twisted grass, but nowadays they are mainly produced from solid plastic tubes. Although the design has changed, the hula hoop has remained popular throughout history.

So, when did hula hooping actually begin? While many people believe it started in the 1950s as a form of entertainment, its history goes back much further. As early as the fifth century in ancient Greece, it was used as a way of exercising. Later, in nineteenth-century Scotland, it was considered a type of therapy for heart disease and back problems.

In the 1950s, the modern hula hoop became famous worldwide. An American toy company introduced a plastic version, and within months, millions were sold. In just two years, over 100 million hoops were purchased around the world. The trend spread quickly, and people of all ages and backgrounds began enjoying the activity.

During the 1960s, many popular songs were written about the hula hoop. Although its popularity decreased in later decades, it never disappeared completely. Most toy shops continued selling it, and in recent years, it has made a strong comeback. Today, it is widely used in fitness programs, with special designs created for different needs.

The hula hoop is also connected with impressive world records. In 1960, a group of American children set a record for spinning a hoop continuously for over 11 hours. Later records were even more surprising, including a young competitor who managed to keep a hoop spinning for over 10 hours without stopping.

Another remarkable record involved spinning many hoops at the same time. In 2009, a participant managed to spin 132 hoops simultaneously without using their hands. The hoops had to stay in motion around the body, and once spinning began, touching them again would result in failure.