Seniors hoop for their health online

The number of students in Hoop Fitness by Jakki classes have grown since the classes moved online. Underwood said the squares are getting smaller because there are more people taking the class. Photo courtesy of Hoop Fitness by Jakki/Jacquelyne Underwood
The number of students in Hoop Fitness by Jakki classes have grown since the classes moved online. Underwood said the squares are getting smaller because there are more people taking the class. Photo courtesy of Hoop Fitness by Jakki/Jacquelyne Underwood

Seniors hoop for their health online

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Each morning, a group of seniors gather via zoom and hula hoop for their health. Jacquelyne Underwood instructs the class and leads the group of women.

With COVID-19 and the stay- at-home order, people have found creative ways to still exercise. Hoop Fitness By Jakki online is just another way people are staying healthy by continuing to move.

Underwood said she started doing the classes online because they shut down the gym where she teaches the classes. She said she grabbed the hoops from the gym and delivered them to her students because she wasn’t sure how long they’d be out.

“I just kind of started my hoop online to see who I could be a blessing to,” she said. “Since we’ve been out, it’s just been growing like crazy.”

Underwood is not just a fitness instructor and trainer, she’s also a registered nurse. Before COVID-19, you could find her in the gym from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. everyday.

“We’re not just giving them something to do, it’s a great workout,” she said. “I want to keep them healthy and fit. I definitely want to keep those individuals moving. And, they are loving it.”

Underwood said her structured hula hoop classes online classes are growing. Now, she has a team of people, which include an assistant and social media person, who help her monitor her followers. Interested people contact the team and are given a link where to purchase the hoops and how to join the classes online, which are facilitated through zoom.

“Now we have a huge following,” she said. “Th e boxes are getting smaller because there are so many people.”

Underwood said she has a personal motive for wanting others to stay healthy. At 61, she said she is in the best shape ever.

“I’m trying to give them hope. No matter where you are in life, you can at least improve – get to your highest potential,” she said. “I pushed through, I built muscles around those aching muscles and sore joints.”

Underwood said she encourages her students to push past where they think they can go and motivates them to do more.

“Whatever it is you can do, push yourself to your potential,” she said. “One of my slogans is: I don’t feel sorry for you, let’s go.”

Underwood said she has a great group of students. And, they are excited about the classes each time she teaches.

Underwood said she’s very passionate about hooping.

“You know the hula hooping you did as a little kid, that’s not what I do,” she said. “Th ere’s definitely a skill to it, you just can’t grab a hoop and go.”

Underwood said that passion for hula hooping started when she went to Curves and saw the weighted hula hoops. She said once she picked it up, she couldn’t put it down.

“I started hooping every day in the gym,” she said. “Somebody asked me to teach a class and from that point, word of mouth from churches and community centers, it got around.”

Underwood said she also has a passion for helping people.

“As a natural caregiver, it’s a calling for me,” she said. “Th is is just one way of giving back.”

Those interested in classes, can call 708-336-4200, or email hoopfi tness-byjakki@gmail.com.

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