Wellness: From Nostalgia to Niche: The Rise of Adult Hobby Retreats

What is the Hula Hoop Hobbyist Trend?

This trend centers on adults rediscovering and elevating childhood pastimes into focused, skill-based hobbies. These are not just nostalgic fads, but rather deep, personal pursuits often practiced in organized, communal settings like retreats.

• Description of the trend: The article describes the Michigan Hula Dance Retreat where adults gather to practice and learn advanced hula hooping skills. This includes everything from basic waist-hooping to complex maneuvers, fire-hooping, and even "boob hooping." These gatherings are not just for fun; they are a serious form of physical and mental exercise, creative expression, and social connection.

Why the Topic is Gaining Momentum

The growing popularity of adult hobby retreats is a direct response to several cultural shifts and consumer needs.

• Loneliness and a desire for connection: In a hyper-connected yet often isolated world, people are actively seeking "in real life" communities. The hula hoop retreat provides a tangible space for like-minded individuals to meet, connect, and form a "flow family," as the article describes. This directly addresses the human need for belonging and shared experience.

• The pursuit of wellness beyond the gym: While traditional fitness is often seen as a chore, hobbies like hooping offer a more joyful and creative path to physical well-being. It’s "meditation" and "exercise" at the same time, turning a workout into a form of play and self-expression.

• Escapism and finding a "third place": With the pressures of work and home, adults are looking for dedicated escapes where they can fully immerse themselves in a passion. These retreats serve as a "third place"—not home, not work—where they can de-stress, recharge, and explore a different side of their identity.

Overview: The Hobbyist Economy

The hula hoop retreat is a micro-example of a broader trend: the commercialization of niche hobbies into premium experiences. What started as a free-form activity in a park has evolved into a structured, paid-for event with tiered pricing, international destinations, and professional instructors. This shows that consumers are willing to invest significant time and money into their passions, especially when those passions offer physical, mental, and social benefits.

Detailed Findings: The Deeper Dive into the Hoop World

The article highlights several key aspects of this growing community.

• A serious and skilled pursuit: Far from the simple playground activity, adult hula hooping is a demanding "flow art." The attendees at the Michigan retreat are dedicated practitioners, with some even having back tattoos to commemorate their involvement. This demonstrates a high level of commitment and a deep sense of identity tied to the hobby.

• Emphasis on safety and consent: The retreat includes formal workshops on fire safety and a practice of asking for consent before giving a hug, reflecting a modern, conscious approach to community building. This is not a wild, unregulated party, but an organized event with a clear code of conduct.

• The "Hobby as Identity" phenomenon: Participants like Rachelle Emerling state, "I’ve never felt more myself when I am hula hooping or with hula hooping people." The hobby is not just something they do; it’s a core part of who they are, a "friend finder" and a "safety blanket" that allows them to express themselves.

Key Success Factors of The Experience

The success of the Michigan Hula Dance Retreat lies in its ability to offer a holistic and supportive experience.

• Building a community (The "Flow Fam"): The retreat is described as being "so tight-knit that participants frequently refer to each other as their 'Michigan hoop family.'" This sense of belonging is a powerful draw and a key differentiator from casual meetups.

• Offering structured learning and professional instruction: The retreat is filled with dozens of workshops, from "bun hooping" to "Hoop Fitness Beginner." This structured learning environment helps participants feel like they are progressing and getting tangible value for their money.

• Curating a unique environment: The campground setting, with its communal areas and special events like the fire circle, creates a unique, immersive experience that feels separate from daily life. This "third place" allows for deep focus and shared moments.

Key Takeaway: The Search for Joyful Escapism

In a world saturated with digital distractions and professional pressures, consumers are increasingly seeking out physical, communal, and joyful activities. They are willing to invest in experiences that offer a sense of belonging, a chance for self-improvement, and a pure, unadulterated form of fun. The adult hula hoop retreat is a perfect example of this consumer shift toward "joyful escapism."

Core Trend: The Rise of "Intentional Hobbies"

This is a trend of individuals moving beyond passive consumption (binge-watching, scrolling) toward active, skill-based hobbies that require dedicated time, practice, and often, a community. These are not just time-killers, but intentional pursuits for personal growth and well-being.

Description of the Trend: The Joyful Pursuit of a Hobby

This trend is characterized by people turning simple hobbies into a serious, mindful pursuit. They are seeking more than just entertainment; they are looking for a deeper connection to themselves and to others through a shared passion. It’s about taking something simple and making it profound.

Key Characteristics of the Core Trend: The "Grown-Up Playground"

The modern hobbyist movement is defined by several traits.

• Community-First: The focus is on finding a "tribe." The community is often as important as the activity itself, providing support, encouragement, and a sense of shared identity.

• Skill-Based and Educational: There’s a desire for mastery and continuous learning. Retreats and workshops are popular because they offer expert instruction and a clear path for skill progression.

• Holistic Wellness: The hobby is not just about physical activity, but also about mental and emotional well-being. It is seen as a form of "meditation," a way to boost confidence, and a method for building friendships.

Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend: Beyond the Mainstream

This trend is supported by several societal shifts.

• The "experience economy" on steroids: People are increasingly valuing experiences over material goods. The success of retreat-based hobbies shows that consumers are willing to pay for immersive, memorable events.

• Rejection of the "grind culture": There’s a growing backlash against the idea that all time must be productive or profitable. Hobbies like hooping are a form of rebellion against this, a celebration of doing something purely for the sake of enjoyment.

• Growth of niche online communities: While the retreats are "in-person," they are often fueled by niche online groups on social media (like the Facebook group Missy Cooke started). These online communities help people find each other and build the initial connections that lead to real-life gatherings.

What is Consumer Motivation: Finding Your "Flow State"

The motivation for consumers is a mix of personal and social desires.

• Self-Expression and Creativity: Hooping allows for a unique form of self-expression. Participants can learn to "flow" with the hoop, creating their own unique movements and routines.

• Mental and Physical Health: As the article notes, hooping is a calorie-burning, core-strengthening workout that also serves as a form of meditation and confidence-booster. It’s a way to feel good in one's own body.

• Escape from the Mundane: The retreats offer a break from the routine of daily life, providing an escape where participants can fully immerse themselves in their passion.

What is Motivation Beyond the Trend: The Quest for Authenticity

Beyond the surface-level motivation, this trend points to a deeper human need.

• The Search for Authentic Connection: In a world of curated online personas, people are hungry for real, unfiltered connections. The vulnerability of learning a new skill together, or even having your hair catch on fire, fosters authentic bonds.

• Identity Reinvention: For many, a hobby is a way to shed a professional or family-oriented identity and explore a different side of themselves. It’s a way to be a "flow artist" or a "circus performer" for a weekend, separate from the rest of their life.

Descriptions of Consumers: The Passionate Adult

These are consumers who are actively seeking fulfillment outside of their traditional roles.

• Consumer Summary: Based on the article and an understanding of similar trends, these consumers are likely to be passionate, creative, and community-oriented. They are willing to invest time and money into experiences that align with their values of personal growth and genuine connection. They may feel a sense of disconnection from mainstream society and seek out niche communities that feel more authentic. They are a blend of bohemian and wellness-focused individuals who prioritize personal joy over external validation.

• Who are they?: They are enthusiasts and hobbyists who are dedicated to their craft. They are often creative professionals, teachers, engineers, or people in other fields who seek a creative outlet.

• What is their age?: The article mentions ages ranging from 25 to 57, indicating a wide demographic. This is not a youth trend, but a multi-generational one.

• What is their gender?: The article features both male and female participants, though a higher number of women are mentioned, suggesting a diverse but possibly female-leaning demographic.

• What is their income?: The wide range of retreat prices (from $140 to $1900+) suggests a range of incomes, with some consumers treating the hobby as a low-cost local activity and others as a luxury travel experience.

• What is their lifestyle?: Their lifestyle is likely one that balances a traditional job with a deeply-held passion. They are weekend warriors and retreat-seekers, using their free time to recharge and connect with their "tribe."

How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior: From Passive to Purposeful

The rise of intentional hobbies is fundamentally altering how people use their free time and disposable income.

• Shift from "Retail Therapy" to "Experience Therapy": Consumers are prioritizing spending on experiences (like a retreat) over tangible goods. This signals a move away from materialistic consumption toward a more purposeful, experience-based lifestyle.

• Empowered and Self-Directed Learning: Instead of waiting for a gym class or a formal setting, consumers are taking control of their own wellness and learning by seeking out specialized workshops and retreats.

• Blending of Hobbies and Travel: The existence of international retreats in Costa Rica and Turkey shows that hobbies are becoming a primary driver for travel. This is a shift from travel being a destination to travel being an activity.

Implications of the Trend Across the Ecosystem: A New Market for Wellness and Community

The hobbyist trend creates new opportunities and challenges for various sectors.

• For Consumers: This trend offers a path to genuine happiness, community, and personal growth outside of traditional social structures. It empowers them to find meaning in their free time.

• For Brands and CPGs: Brands can tap into this market by creating products and services that support these niche hobbies, from specialized hula hoops and props to clothing lines and travel gear. There’s an opportunity to build trust by becoming a part of the "flow family" ecosystem.

• For Retailers: Retailers, both online and physical, can create a new category of products focused on these hobbies. They can also host in-store workshops or events to build community and drive sales, similar to how REI hosts outdoor adventure classes.

Strategic Forecast: The Specialization of Leisure

We will see a continued splintering of leisure into highly specialized, experience-based markets.

• Hyper-Niche Retreats: We'll see more retreats for everything from bread baking to bird watching. Brands that can authentically connect with these specific communities will thrive.

• Subscription Models for Hobbies: Companies could offer a "hobby box" or a subscription service that provides new props, lessons, or access to exclusive online communities.

• The "Hobby as Corporate Wellness" Model: Companies may start offering workshops or retreats for employees based on these hobbies to improve mental and physical well-being and foster team-building.

Areas of Innovation: Crafting the Niche Experience

Innovations will focus on making these experiences more accessible, authentic, and engaging.

• Interactive Digital Platforms for Niche Hobbies: Platforms could combine video lessons with live-streamed workshops and a social media component to connect hobbyists globally.

• Personalized Hobby Starter Kits: Brands could create curated kits for beginners that include all the necessary props, a learning guide, and a link to the community.

• Travel-as-Hobby Services: Travel companies could specialize in organizing and promoting retreats for various hobbies, handling logistics so organizers can focus on the content.

• Purpose-Built Gear and Apparel: There's a market for durable, comfortable, and stylish gear designed specifically for niche activities like hooping, juggling, or aerial arts.

• "Pop-Up" Hobby Events: Businesses could organize temporary, pop-up events in parks or urban spaces to introduce people to a hobby and a community without the commitment of a full retreat.

Summary of Trends:

• Core Consumer Trend: "Authentic Aspiration." Consumers are moving away from aspirational living based on luxury goods and toward a model where aspiration is tied to personal mastery, skill development, and genuine community.

• Core Social Trend: "Community Rediscovered." In an increasingly fragmented society, people are actively seeking out "chosen families" and tight-knit communities centered around shared passions rather than geography or circumstance.

• Core Strategy: "Experience Monetization." The trend shows that there is a strong market for monetizing experiences and communities, not just products. The business model is less about selling a hoop and more about selling a retreat, a community, and a sense of belonging.

• Core Industry Trend: "Wellness as a Lifestyle." Wellness is no longer just about diet and exercise; it’s a holistic concept that includes mental, social, and creative fulfillment. This trend pushes the wellness industry to expand beyond traditional gyms and spas.

• Core Consumer Motivation: "The Joy of Belonging." The primary driver for consumers is the pursuit of joy and a sense of belonging. They are motivated by the feeling of being part of something bigger than themselves, of finding their "flow family."

Final Thought: The Pursuit of Play

The hula hoop retreat is not merely an oddity; it is a powerful microcosm of a significant cultural shift. It signals a move away from passive, solitary consumption and toward active, communal, and joyful engagement. In a world that often feels heavy with responsibility and seriousness, these retreats offer a space for adults to reconnect with their inner child, to find a sense of play, and to build a community that feels like a family. This trend reminds us that the quest for happiness and well-being is often found in the simple, joyful act of doing what you love, with the people who love it, too

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2025/09/12/michigan-hula-hoop-retreat/