Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Caroleeena of Circles of Joy on August 28, 2012 at 4:19am

Hey girl, 

Welcome to the circle. Before you buy a weighted hoop, consider getting a regular groove hoop. They're pretty heavy on their own but still an amazing workout without feeling like work. It would also allow you to work on hand hooping as well as core body hooping, which is not only fun but great for your arms! The problem with those heavy three pound hoops is they are so heavy you put 'em down pretty quick because they're not fun. If you're having fun, you can hoop all day long, especially if you like listening to music. 

How tall are you and I can help you figure out what size you need. Then we can talk hoop tips! Also, where are you? Perhaps someone near you can make you one. Also, there may be other hoopers around to hoop with!

Don't worry if you've never danced. That is common among hoopers, including me, but I dance all the time now.

Once you get your hoop, I have a youtube channel full of tricks to help you learn. Lots of people do. Mine is under Caroleeena, with three e's. 

It's nice to meet you. You're going to love hooping. It's such a joy. 

 

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Permalink Reply by Rosalie Atkinson on August 28, 2012 at 2:03pm

Thank you so much for your response! I am 5'6 and stout. I am in the East Bay, California but in a week I will be moving down to LA for college. People will make me one?

Did you see any body change without the weighted hoops?? 

It is comforting that i'm not alone in the never dancing thing! I am going to check out your videos as soon as I can.

So nice to meet you too and thank you so much for helping me get started.

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Permalink Reply by Roberta Cervantes Garcia on August 28, 2012 at 10:36am

Hi Rosalie!

Welcome to the club ;) I'm also a beginner hooper. I picked up mine in March, and so far, even though I haven't kept it up as I should, it's been life-changing. It helps me relax, clear my mind of stress, takes away my back pain (due to hours of sitting at an office) and yes, I see some changes in my body shape :) it gradually helps to shift everything in the right place ;) (or so it seems). 

As Caroleeena says, I agree (as a beginner) that it's better to start with a normal "hoop dance" hoop. Believe it or not, it's enough workout as it is! Plus, as a beginner, you need a larger and heavier hoop, but none of that heavily weighted stuff. You just need to find your size ;) 

Here's a very good Youtube video by user "gemgen101" about choosing the right hula-hoop...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0rSogbTOvs&feature=plcp

...and another one of where to buy your hoop in the US:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hB6X9S24wAo&feature=plcp

These are very useful videos. I bought a hula-hoop and started hooping with it. I could manage very basic stuff, but I was having a hard time starting shoulder-hooping and other tricks. When I watched her video, I realized that although my hoop was very good and well-made, it was just not the right size. So, I ordered a bigger one and it was much better! That first hoop is still around, waiting for the time when I pass to more advanced stuff ;)

As for learning: Ms. Gemgen101 also has very good tutorials, they are very well-explained and thanks to them I learnt my first baby steps: how to waist hoop and walk while hooping, the lasso, and basics for chest hooping (which I'm still working on). I also recently discovered Ms. Caroleeena's tutorials ;) I love the one on chest hooping, it's been really helpful on getting the hoop from my waist to my chest :D I took some classes as well, on a park near my home, but due to work reasons sometimes I'm not able to go. And, I just ordered the Hoopnotica DVDs - I've heard really good comments on them that they're very detailed and easy to follow, so let's see what happens. 

Best of luck with your learning curve! Just have fun!!! :D

Roberta

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Permalink Reply by Kayla Davis on August 28, 2012 at 1:16pm

I agree with both of them, I started with a regular groove hoop about a year ago, from there i went to led 38 inch, now i'm down to a 32 polypro, The best advice i can give you is check out youtube, try new things and make other friends. Dont be scared to get in front of people it really is the best way to learn and get better. Welcome have fun and enjoy the hoop love

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Permalink Reply by Rosalie Atkinson on August 29, 2012 at 9:59am

Are there stores that sell groove hoops??

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Permalink Reply by Licia on August 29, 2012 at 12:20pm

Yes, tons! I'm not from the US myself so I can't really give you any advice on that, but you'll find a lot of sellers on etsy if you search for "hoop" or "dance hoop".

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Permalink Reply by Kayla Davis on August 30, 2012 at 5:54pm

i got mine from your hoop.com, but there are plenty on sites like etsy.com or if you google hoops, the local fitness studio that offers hoop fitness classes sell them here, but i live in oklahoma

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Permalink Reply by JazzyHoopz on August 28, 2012 at 2:24pm

Welcome to the fam baby! 

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StudentPermalink Reply by Cheez Hoops on August 29, 2012 at 10:40am

Hi! I started in a polyurethane 160 psi hoop that was past my belly button!  :) and it was great for getting starting and had plenty of weight.  Now a little over a year later I'm at a 1/2 125psi and my 3/4 polypro (so awesome)! So you really don't need a weighted hoop like everyone else said and if you are feeling crafty you should make your own hoop! That's what I did and I will never have anyone else make me one! I love the love I put into them and how they are exactly what I want.  There are a lot of people out there that make custom hoops though so if you can't afford to get the supplies you will definitely be able to buy one!!  Good luck and if you need anything just message me.  Happy Hooping and Welcome!!!

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Permalink Reply by Rosalie Atkinson on August 30, 2012 at 12:17am

Wow sounds great! Not sure if I trust myself to make my first one seeing that I don't know anything about them yet. Do you know a place to purchase them? Or perhaps someone in the Los Angeles area that makes them?

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StudentPermalink Reply by Cheez Hoops on August 30, 2012 at 8:57am

I would check etsy! like Licia said.  There are plenty on there but unfortunately I can't give you any recommendations since I have never purchased one. You can always check on here in the Classified Group.  It's where everyone trades and barters all sorts of hoops and things.  You might find someone looking to get rid on an old one for cheap! Good luck and again just ask if you have any more questions on starting your journey.  If I was a little closer to LA I would totally come hoop! 

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Permalink Reply by Roberta Cervantes Garcia on August 30, 2012 at 10:04am

Check the Youtube video that I sent you - there's a direct link in etsy to someone who manufactures hoops. Also, Hoopnotica has its headquarters in Venice Beach, California, so you could maybe take a look at what they have in stock - I heard the travel hoop can be useful.

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