I always loved to waist hoop as a child. But, not until my daughter started taking circus classes one summer, did I realize that there was a whole lot more to hooping technique than just waist hooping. I began to follow along in her hoop class and learn what I could. Hooping was just something I did in the summers at that point. But, as time went on, my body began to fail me physically. I struggled with awful joint pain and walking began to become difficult (walking being my main form of exercise at the time). Physical therapy only made the pain worse. I found that hula hooping didn’t hurt. Not only that, but it was so much fun! So I quit physical therapy and took a hoop class and began to hoop regularly. I began to strengthen my body and the pain began to subside. I was later diagnosed with a connective tissue disorder. I have found hooping to be a great stress reliever, strengthens, challenges your mind, confidence builder, an inexpensive/portable way to exercise, lots of fun, brings people together and is a great way to express yourself.
Hooping is a regular part of my life now and I love sharing hooping with others. It is something you can do at almost any age and varying abilities (even from seated positions). It has been one of my ways of feeling ‘healthy and blessed’.
As far as my background, I have a degree in physical therapy and am a certified health coach and Hoop Love Coach. I believe that the way to have life long fitness is to find something you enjoy doing and have a passion for.

Deneen Pancari
Deneen is a preschool teacher, specializing in kids yoga and hula hoops for all ages. Wild & Free Play classes are available privately or held weekly in Bozeman, Montana. Wild and Free Play, offers movement