Want to join in the carnival of drummers, roller skaters, boarders and magicians on the Venice Boardwalk, but lack your own skill? Check out the hula-hoop classes run by Hoopnotica, the people who helped reignite the hula craze with their brightly-colored weighted hoops. Hoopnotica has begun to offer small weeknight classes in its Venice studio, plus the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel (1700 Ocean Ave) hosts a weekly class in its Ocean Spa & Fitness center (bonus: the $25 class fee includes use of the spa!), where would-be hoopers are led through an hour-long regimen. You’ll start off by using the hoop to aid you in stretches, then continue in a low-impact aerobic workout that focuses on loosening your hips and toning your core, a workout that Hoopnotica claims can burn 400 to 600 calories an hour, depending on your weight and level of fitness. Check the website for a full listing of classes.
