Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Satyam on February 28, 2012 at 1:23am

Hang in there.  It can be frustrating changing size/weight.  It can seem like starting all over again.  The key is spend time learning and growing with the one you're comfortable with and also with the one you're not very capable with.

What I do is regularly hoop with different sizes.  I recommend getting one even smaller in addition to the two you now have.  For instance if you add a 39" - 1/2" 125 psi to your 42" 125 and 42" 160. What you can do is, in a single hoop session, warm up and groove with the large heavy one you're comfortable with, then play for a few minutes with the in between one, (not minding flailng), then try a few minutes on the way too light/small one, then back too grooving with the comfortable one, keep switching it up.  The much smaller one is helpful in making you get good at the middle one.  After a while you'll start to be able to do the same things on the middle one as you can on the large one, then you'll notice you can do some transitions and off body stuff with it that you can't with the larger one. 

• ▶ Reply

StudentPermalink Reply by Domini on February 28, 2012 at 6:21am

When I first moved down in size, I thought that the new size was horrible.  Like with you, it just kept slipping and I couldn't get the hang of it.  It just felt wrong and everything was harder.  I couldn't do the things I already thought I had down.  It's now my go-to hoop.  It does get easier.  But it will take time and practice.

• ▶ Reply

StudentPermalink Reply by DeanaBlaise Pew on February 28, 2012 at 7:06am

Don't worry and keep practicing! When I first switch to polypro I hated it and I didn't understand why everyone loved it do much! I was so frustrated and mad that I had spent so much on a hoop I couldn't use. After a week or 2 of practicing though, I got it down and I love it now! I can't imagine going back to a regular hoop again. Just keep practicing! You will get it:)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Vikki perry on February 28, 2012 at 10:58am

I use my smaller hoop for off body stuff.  I love it for tosses and things. I can keep it up on my waist just long enough to transition into the next move (though I'm working on waist hooping longer.)  When I want to play with core hooping, I go back to my big girl hoops.

• ▶ Reply

ModPermalink Reply by Martika* of MartikasMysticDesign on February 28, 2012 at 11:02am

Everyone hits that frustration when changing tubing sizes. What I did was just do very basic hooping like waist, chest or hand hooping. I really tried to feel the difference between the weight of my new and old hoop. Try to just breath into your movements and let what is be. If it falls let it fall, it's one step closer to being more comfortable in your hoop. You should be proud for making your own hoop and progressing as much as you have. Don't let this small bump in the road keep you from continuing your path.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jessa-B on February 28, 2012 at 12:14pm

Smaller usually means a little harder but I understand... Try spinning in circles while you hoop (same direction spins) it will slow the hoop down, it just takes some getting used to, every time you switch sizes whether weight or inches, you have to relearn everything.

• ▶ Reply

StudentPermalink Reply by Niky on February 28, 2012 at 3:21pm

I have not read anything below me, so I don't know yet if anyone recommended anything to you....the 1/2" is probably too small for you right now...I started on 3/4" 100psi tubing, a size 42".....this would be slightly lighter tubing than what you are used to, but it should still be heavy enough to make it easier!  That was where I started, then I went to a 39"... 3/4"100psi, then I started using 1/2" tubing!  Hope it helps!!!

• ▶ Reply

StudentPermalink Reply by Sheena Spins on February 28, 2012 at 5:23pm

While no doubt with practice you'll be able to use your 1/2", 125psi like a pro,  i do agree with Nikki that the 1/2" may be too small for you at this time.

When I started, I had a 42", 3/4" 160psi and was taught by my hoop teachers that the next level of hooping would be to use a 38 or 39", 3/4" 100PSI tubing and I must say it felt natural to go there next, and then when you're ready, go down to the 1/2"...

While we all have different skills and things we focus on, this process has made the most sense to me. Good Luck!

• ▶ Reply

StudentPermalink Reply by MaisieHoops of *HulaHoopers.ca* on February 29, 2012 at 12:06pm

This too is what I was going to suggest.  Keep the smaller hoop around for practicing arm stuff, but don't stress yourself out over not being able to get it going the way you want.  I used a 160 PSI for 6 years and then moved to the 100 PSI stuff and then other random sizes including 125 PSI 1/2 inch.  I have been hooping for 8.5 years now and I only got an PPE hoop 1.5 years ago.  When I got my PPE hoop, I was ready for it.  I had been using a 125 PSI 1/2 inch hoop and wanted something that reacted differently.  Please do not put unnecessary pressure on yourself to move to different sizes.  Rock what you have and enjoy it.  That's what it should be about.  =)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Neon Emu on February 28, 2012 at 7:05pm

It sounds like you might need some grip tape on your hoop? Try taping the inside ring of the hoop (so it doesn't stripe the outside). I never liked sanding on my hoops bc it didn't seem to help much.. but once I taped the inside I felt a huge difference. :) Don't give up, love the process!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Masane on February 28, 2012 at 10:27pm

I never had a problem switching. Just relax and keep practicing that's how you learn :) My first poly pro was sanded and with leds . I just jumped right in

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Maia Rose on February 29, 2012 at 3:34pm

Don't underestimate the value dancing in the hoop, rocking out, letting go, spinning, bend your knees and pop that bad boy up.  I've had several students who have gone from a 160 or a PEX hoop right down to a 1/2 125.  They still grab the heavier guy for different new tricks, upper body moves, to really get the feel of them before translating to the little guy.  Play with your little hoop off body, spinning it on your hands and arms, balancing and spinning it on your thighs, all help play a role in guiding you towards your comfort within the hoop.  Don't fret, just let yourself pick up your big hoop when you get frustrated, it's not a failure of the little one, it's a continuation of your ever-evolving practice.

• ▶ Reply