Updated: Thursday, January 29, 2009 6:08 AM EST

Barack Obama has made no secret of his love for shooting hoops. But you may be surprised to learn Michelle Obama is apparently more comfortable spinning them. She was photographed at her daughter Malia’s birthday picnic last year showing off a few tricks. Although an aide asserted it’s not something the first lady does regularly, she did allow that Michelle is quite adept with a hoop. “She can walk and stuff” while keeping the hoop rotating, our source said.

Word of Mrs. Obama’s skills has the hooping community buzzing, particularly in Washington, where several instructors have been recently certified group that has standardized ways to teach moves. And just about all hooping enthusiasts are waiting for that invitation to get together on the East Lawn.

“I’ve created this daily vision of me hooping with Michelle, Malia and Sasha,” says Jocelyn Gordon, a Washington-area yoga instructor who’s also a hoop enthusiast.

Dreaming of it as a family affair makes sense. After all, hooping has transformed from the 1960s-era kids fad into adult-friendly hoop dance, a bona fide art form that requires fancy footwork while you swirl the prop on and off your body. Also key to its broader appeal: the introduction of heavier, larger hoops that are easier for grown bodies to keep in motion.

Great workout

While hooping feels like silly fun, after a lengthy session you’ll know you’ve worked out.

“You can do it on your arm, wrist, neck, shoulders, chest, ankles. Most people think it’s just the stomach, but it’s total body and requires incredible stamina,” promises Noelle Powers, who has taught hooping workshops at the White House Athletic Center.