Is POI easy to learn?
Robert Miller
Published Feb 18, 2026
Is POI easy to learn?
If you’re a beginner poi spinner, this article will teach you the fundamental skills required to use LED poi balls. With so many techniques to learn, entering the world of poi for the first time can be daunting. It can be difficult to find a good starting point, and it’s not always clear when you’ve made progress.
How long does it take to learn poi?
Learning to perform the basics with good rhythm and expression usually takes another 150 hours, that’s another six months at the same rate of practice. To play poi at a high level like any of the playpoi teachers takes at least 2,000 hours of regular and dedicated practice. That’s two to four years!
Is poi spinning a good workout?
It also shows that poi improved right alongside Tai Chi, meaning poi is as good as an activity which is considered a gold standard of exercise for older adults. In addition, the results cover the hallmarks of frailty: balance, cardiovascular function, strength, and memory.
Why are they called poi balls?
“POI” is the Maori word for “ball” on a cord. Many years ago the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand used it to increase their flexibility and strength in their hands and arms as well as improving coordination. Men used it for strength and coordination. Yes, the poi was also used as a weapon during a battle.
How long should poi be?
between 20-24 inches
Standard Poi The most common poi lengths for poi range between 20-24 inches. A general rule of thumb for those just starting out is to pick a length from the center of you palm to the inside of your shoulder crease. This ranges for everyone, so go ahead and measure!
What length poi do I need?
What is the purpose of poi?
Māori culture In the Māori language, poi can mean the physical objects used by the dancers, the choreography itself, or the accompanying music. In Māori culture, poi performance is usually practised by women.
How many calories do you burn spinning poi?
On average, they found hoopers burn 7 calories per minute, reach an average heart rate of 151 beats per minute, and consume 20 liters of oxygen per kilogram per minute, making hooping an excellent aerobic workout.
Is poi a Maori?
In New Zealand, they swing it! “POI” is the Maori word for “ball” on a cord. Many years ago the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand used it to increase their flexibility and strength in their hands and arms as well as improving coordination. I love the grace of the long poi and the rhythmic beats of the short poi.
How do I get started playing poi?
Beginner Series: Week One: Manifest poi and learn your first moves! It’s easy to get started playing poi with our beginner guide! Poi are easy to make: you just need weights on tethers. There are many ways to make poi at home…. Tens of thousands of people have learned poi through our free beginner series, shot in Bali in 2010.
How do you use a POI rope?
Steps Get your poi. Slip the looped ends of the rope over your hands. Find a good space. Hold your arms down by your sides and swing both poi to get a bit of momentum going, slowly. Learn the different planes and timings. Try weaving. Master weaving with the other side. Try the butterfly. Keep practicing to learn more tricks!
What are the different planes and timings of poi?
Learn the different planes and timings. In planes, there is wall plane, with the poi spinning in a circle in front of you, there’s wheel plane, with them alongside you and there is floor plane, with the poi spinning in a circle over your head or under your arm (going parallel to the ground). These are the three basic planes.
How do you hold a poi correctly?
With the poi going in opposite direction and same time, bring your hands together. Be sure to have one hand slightly in front of the other so the poi don’t hit each other. If done correctly, it looks like the heads of the poi hit and bounce off of each other.