Replies to This Discussion

StudentPermalink Reply by Brandi M.P. on November 23, 2011 at 5:29am

In my opion, I really don't think it's bad.  I'm also short but have a DDD cup size (I don't see this as a blessing really).  I enjoy chest hooping and I don't think it hurts much.  I think it depends on the weight of your hoop.  The heavier it is the more it's going to hurt.  I think its great for my back, because I have a bigger chest I tend to have poor posture and when chest hooping I'm working those muscles that are typically slouched so it makes me feel better.

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StudentPermalink Reply by Shannon "HoopLove" on November 23, 2011 at 6:01am

I am big chested and I actually love love love chest hooping.  And seriously, a large chest is not a blessing. 

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Permalink Reply by Tracey*Hula Hoopla* on November 23, 2011 at 10:19am

Hello!  I am going to cite this question when my students say it must be easier for me to chest hoop because I have a bigger 'shelf' !! 

As with anything it takes practice for all body types.  Some will get it right away and some won't.  I usually cover this concept but don't spend too much time on it.  I've noticed most people find it a bit uncomfortable to learn.  I tell them the basics of the body mechanics and let them know thay can work up to longer durations on their own.  Although it's great to be proficient in this for a smooth flow....really, when you're hooping, flowing with your groove, no-one really spends a lot of time on the chest.   (OR maybe they do??) I think of it as a transitional area.

I've noticed that sticking their chest out makes some people really uncomfortable.  I think it is conditioning based on our society's values and perceptions of our chest area.  I try to lead them past these judgements into a place of free expression, self love, and an 'open heart'.  Learning new things is often not 'pretty' but moving through and beyond our comfort levels means true growth!

I would love to hear other tips for introducing this concept.  Here's how I do it: I have them hold the hoop in their hands, elbows in, hoop is held at chest level.  Engage your back and upper abs as you push your chest out in front and sink into the back.  Push your chest towards the front of your hoop, then push your upper back towards the back of your hoop. Doing this for a while you will feel these muscles working and getting stronger.  Bellydancers do what is known as 'chest lifts' which is a similar movement. 

Then I get them to place the hoop horizontally, point of contact is on their upper back, elbows straight out, palms in holding the hoop. Give it a really fast really flat spin, arms up.  Getting used to the feeling of the hoop moving over the chest. Don't try to keep it up, let it fall naturally after a few spins. Then add the front to back pushes and try to maintain the momentum at chest level. 

Also: easier with a lighter hoop.

Happy Hooping!!

 

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StudentPermalink Reply by jenny on November 23, 2011 at 1:22pm

I just wear a good sports bra!! no prob :)

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StudentPermalink Reply by Swift Hoops on November 23, 2011 at 1:41pm

No boob pain here, I'm a D...When I first started chest hooping and I couldn't pick it up right away I thought it was due to my lady parts but once I got the motion of chest hooping down my boobs truly didn't effect my hooping at all.  Just took lots of practice =] Jenny had a great suggestion, sports bra is a way to go if theyre having an issue or afraid of pain.  Good luck! 

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StudentPermalink Reply by Sheena on November 23, 2011 at 5:52pm

I've seen this thread before! The answer (still) is: wear a sports bra (obvious), don't use boobs as an excuse, and lots of practice :)

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Permalink Reply by HoopinKat on November 23, 2011 at 6:50pm

I wouldn't say I'm busty. I'm average (34C), but I haven't had any discomfort with chest hooping. If done correctly, it shouldn't be traveling across the nipple region anyway. I can only see it being an issue for women who have a very large bust that actually pushes up into the collar bone area or breasts that are so full the tissue is partially under the arms. Even still, as others have mentioned, a good, properly fitted sports bra should help with that.

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Permalink Reply by Jessica Wormley on November 26, 2011 at 5:47pm

Thanks for all the help guys, it's really useful. I shall take all that I've learned to my next lesson and get these ladies rocking it in the hoop!

As for the size issue, I'm sure we can all agree we'd like to be somewhere in the middle? Bigger ones could be a bit smaller and smaller ones could do with being just a bit bigger? I certainly think so. All of us seem to wish for the opposite of what we have anyway, so it seems perfect! If only we were all made of plastacine and could mould ourselves into our ideal shape lol

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StudentPermalink Reply by Tilly Whirls on November 28, 2011 at 12:40am

I have a medium sized chest and the hoop always stays above my actual nipples so it doesn't hurt. I teach too and there are quite a few women with large chests in my current class and none of them are having issues. I think everyone is just intimidated by the move at first and then when they're working on it they blame their chest or lack of chest, but once they actually get it—no problem. 

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Permalink Reply by Jessica Wormley on November 29, 2011 at 4:17am

Yeah I would be inclined to agree. It's good to have such a great response from you all, as it gives me something to give back to my ladies I teach. I can reassure them that I've been doing my research and although I don't know anything about having bigger boobs, I have it on good authority that it's not a problem. :)

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