YOU never know where life will take you, and one woman proved just that after she quit her job to become a full-time hula-hooper.
The former engineer has broken multiple world records in the unique sport.
In the past few years, Andrea M. perfected a niche skill in the world of hula-hooping and has since begun performing around the world.
The performer went viral online for her record-breaking hula-hooping attempts using her bum and boobs.
Since quitting her job in science, Andrea has now broken 10 Guinness World Records.
The London native explained that she never expected to go down such an active path.
“It was by chance, I was not sporty but five years ago I picked up a hula hoop and it changed my life,” she said.
“I have broken 10 Guinness World Records so far. I am training for several more.”
She described her attempts at breaking the records as “very addictive because of the challenge of pushing myself further.”
“I have a PhD in engineering and, a few years ago, I quit my job at a university to pursue hula-hooping full-time,” she explained.
She focused all her attention on improving and became progressively better over time.
Andrea was inspired by her fellow hula-hoopers and set out to win as many accolades as possible.
She broke her first Guinness World Record in 2020 with the most hula hoop spins around her bottom at 400.
Andrea would later go on to break the record again in 2022, with 453 spins.
She broke another six records, beating her own personal best on a further two occasions, taking the tally to 10.
“I was inspired by other hula hoopers who had broken world records, and as I got better at hooping I decided to go for a record myself, hula hooping on my butt,” she said.
“My first record in 2020 took a lot of training and effort, but it was very exciting.”
Five years ago, I could not do it since I was very unfit and not sporty at all.
Andrea M.
She also commended the unique hobby for helping her get in better shape.
“Five years ago, I could not do it since I was very unfit and not sporty at all,” Andrea explained.
“But I practiced every day to music, at home, in parks all through lockdown, in gyms, and in city squares.
“At first, I learned from internet tutorial videos, and then discovered that there is a very big community of hula hoopers and teachers in London and the world.”
Andrea revealed that she has made “so many new friends” since taking up the sport.
“People find my hula-hooping on my butt very funny, and people usually laugh when they see it and are very surprised that it is possible,” she said.
“Usually they have not seen it before. They are often curious to try it, I love making people smile and laugh with my hula-hooping.”