The American Dream Story of Geri McNiece

Published on December 09, 2025

Geri McNiece holds a hula hoop and smiles at the camera.

By Office of Communication

At 65, Arlington native and hoop dance instructor and entrepreneur Geri McNiece, founder of aRoundJoy®, is proving that movement, joy, and community can thrive at any age. She’s doing it right here in The American Dream City.

After more than 15 years of teaching over 1,000 clients how to hoop, she now offers in-person classes at the ACTIV Center in Arlington, bringing her signature blend of gentle fitness and empowerment to women in midlife. Her mission is simple: help women “of a certain age” rediscover movement, confidence, and fun through hooping.

“I started getting healthier at 47, the day I picked up a hoop,” she said. “Aging is inevitable, but growing up is optional.”

Originally launched in 2009 in Arlington, aRoundJoy® began with the opening of The HoopShack®, a one-of-a-kind indoor/outdoor hooping facility. Though the physical studio has evolved over the years, from warehouse to office space to a guest house, the spirit of “The Shack” lives on in her current offerings, both online and in person.

While much of her business has shifted to virtual coaching and custom hoop shipments across the U.S., her local classes at the ACTIV continue to serve women in the Arlington area who seek a low-impact, joyful way to stay active. Her online program includes a signature course and group coaching membership, designed to support women dealing with health challenges such as vestibular migraines and anxiety — conditions she personally manages.

“I still hoop because it helps me so much,” she said. “And I want other women to feel that same joy and relief.”

In addition to her classes, she continues to make and ship custom hoops, offering private and small group sessions by appointment for local clients. Her work has also extended into corporate wellness, school districts, and charitable organizations.

For more information about her programs, visit aRoundJoy.com or follow her on social media. Learn more about classes and programs at the ACTIV.

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