Replies to This Discussion

StudentPermalink Reply by circularlogic on January 30, 2010 at 6:29am

Physically, big improvements in shoulder mobility & posture, due to all the moves that require spinning behind the back. Less shoulder & neck pain generally. (I'm an older hooper with lots of meticulous sedentary work, so that used to be a big problem for me.) Better wrist strength, slight improvement in arm strength.

Mentally, quite a challenge for me because coordination between my two hands is something I rarely have to think about. (Typing's pretty much it!) I play neither sports nor a musical instrument, & my non-dominant hand is completely klutzy, so learning to really integrate both hands in time & space was a steep learning curve in my case. I found learning minis far more difficult than body hooping, with the exception of multi-hooping. (I'm still only up to two hoops with that.)

I don't get the same elation from minis that I do from body hooping, though... there's something about the spinning, or maybe it's engaging the core in a deep way, that seems to be key for that. For me minis seem more like a game or physical puzzle, & body hooping something more profound. That being said, I practice with minis every day because I think it's good for brain & body & besides, it's fun to have more variety in my practice. Another nice thing about them is that they're easy to pick up & play with no matter what you're wearing or where you are, & easier to carry around too. The only thing I don't like about them is that they do tend to fly off & break things when I'm learning a new move!

• ▶ Reply

StudentPermalink Reply by Tangled Macrame on January 30, 2010 at 3:01pm

I'm just the opposite. The most basic, practice/drill session with my mini's elates me in a way I experience only during my most inspired regular-hoop sessions...and I'm not even very good at twin hooping! It's also brought a whole new dimension into my regular hoop dance by expanding my off-body range of motion, as well as my ability to use my left arm.

• ▶ Reply

StudentPermalink Reply by circularlogic on January 30, 2010 at 6:01pm

That's fascinating! It just proves that hooping has something special for everyone, I guess!

I completely agree about the added dimension it adds to hoopdance-- I feel I've gained more freedom & confidence off-body with the hoop. Being able to do the surface switches so readily makes a big difference in transitions too.

• ▶ Reply

StudentPermalink Reply by Stef on January 30, 2010 at 4:36pm

@ Circularlogic - Thank you very much for covering so many aspects of minis/twins in your careful response. I would definitely benefit from postural improvements and some of the mental and rythmic challenge!
@Tangled Macrame - Great to hear you feel elated with minis and that it helps with your off-body hooping.

Thank you guys for sharing some of your personal experiences with minis/twins!

• ▶ Reply

StudentPermalink Reply by circularlogic on January 30, 2010 at 6:02pm

You're welcome, & have fun with your minis!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Kinetic Jade on January 30, 2010 at 10:05am

I started mini hooping over winter break & definitely have noticed that because the work comes mostly from your arms & shoulders, it really tones those areas the most.

As for mentally, I have to agree with circularlogic on the challenge of hand coordination. Working both hands simultaneously & in rhythm is challenge enough when you get started - breaking into 1/2time & doing tricks that involve both of your hands doing different things (& sometimes in opposite directions) at the same time is even harder! lol Hooping is so much about timing & the proper execution of a sequence of movements & adding that second hoop in your non-dominant hand exponentially increases the complexity & difficulty lol I was really humbled when I first started mini-hooping, constantly tangling what my left & right hands are doing & especially if I wanted them to do different movements & they naturally wanted to be in sync with each other. Also, the smaller diameter of minis means they'll spin faster making the rotation of the hoop around your hand shorter than one's used to in hooping around the core. This means quicker, finer motor movements of your hands - & lots of patience with yourself if you don't get something you're attempting right away lol

All in all, I think mini hooping adds a different layer of mental concentration & emotional determination & motivation that can really deepen your hoop journey. Like I said, it's very humbling in the beginning because it is so different & having to adjust & feeling like "I sucked" really reminded me of the start of my entire hooping journey. It really encouraged me to tackle it & blossom the way I already proved to myself that I could with body hooping :)

• ▶ Reply

StudentPermalink Reply by Stef on January 30, 2010 at 4:55pm

Thank you for sharing part of your personal journey with minis/twins. It is very interesting to hear they had such a humbling effect.

• ▶ Reply

StudentPermalink Reply by Alicia * of HomeSpun Hoops* on January 30, 2010 at 12:55pm

it is definitely quite a challenge! takes much time and practice to focus and understand the coordination and movements you would like to complete. And it definitely exercises and strengthens many muscles in the arms back and shoulders that I've never even felt before! have fun :)

• ▶ Reply

StudentPermalink Reply by Stef on January 30, 2010 at 4:59pm

Thank you for the encouragement!

• ▶ Reply

StudentPermalink Reply by Sassy Hoops on January 31, 2010 at 10:45am

I made my first set of minis and my 2 year old girls claimed them as theirs. They are the perfect size for them.

I have the love/hate relationship with these tiny hoops, just because they are so challenging for me. Switching directions, learning the muscle memory of each hand has been challenging. It's also so rewarding when you finally master something you've been working on for ages.

Using minis has taught me so much about surface switches and the usefulness of weaves that translates into larger hooping. I never would have discovered these things with my big hoop.

I also love that I can practice pretty easily with toddlers running around. I do find that I get tension in my right forearm if I do too much (hooper elbow). And sometimes my hands get a little rough from the tape--nothing a little vaseline can't cure!

I have limited flexibility in my right shoulder and doing poi has helped loosen those muscles up. I highly suggest adding minis into the hoop mix!

• ▶ Reply

StudentPermalink Reply by Stef on January 31, 2010 at 11:07am

Thank you very much for your thorough response.
You guys have all been so fantastic in sharing your experiences!

• ▶ Reply