Replies to This Discussion

StudentPermalink Reply by Sue on October 18, 2012 at 2:37am

Hello

It is absolutely normal to get some initial bruising when you learn to hoop.  It means the hoop is banging around a bit.  When you get more skilful at controlling the hoop you will smooth out the rotations so that it keeps in smooth contact with your body and the bruising will stop.

You have done the right thing, let the bruises heal, then try again, but build up more slowly.  Do 10 minutes a day to start.  By week 2 you will probably be over it.  As you learn new moves and tricks throughout your hooping career, you will pick up new bruises on different body parts.  They soon go.

Your hoop is only just big enough, and heavier is easier to learn with so don't downsize.

Happy hooping!

Permalink Reply by Saltwatercowgirl on October 18, 2012 at 2:08pm

Thank you for your hooping insight!

StudentPermalink Reply by ShrinkInHoop on October 18, 2012 at 6:08am

Both Sue and Cara are absolutely right - bruising goes with the terrority when you're learning to hoop. Once you've got a move down, both you and the hoop cope much better and bruises become a thing of the past.

Your 160psi is just right, as is the size; you may even find as you progress to fancier moves that you're more comfortable with something an inch or two bigger. But definitely don't think about downsizing yet - a lighter, smaller hoop will spin faster, which will make hooping as a beginner extremely difficult.

Hang on in there - I, we promise that you and your hoop will soon get along just fine!

Permalink Reply by Saltwatercowgirl on October 18, 2012 at 2:10pm

Thanks for all your comments and advice on my hoop size.

Permalink Reply by Traci "CircularPraise" Bonney on October 18, 2012 at 6:27am

I replied to this on the group's comment wall, but I'll say it again here: arnica.  It comes in a tube as a cream, and it's available at health and whole food stores and sites. It has anti-inflammatory properties, so it helps with the pain and discoloration of bruises. The smell is pleasant, a bit like nutmeg, and a little goes a long way. I've had my tube for a couple of years now, and it's still effective.

As for hoop size/weight, when you're ready to try something lighter, polypro is an excellent option, but it does have a learning curve since it's so much lighter and faster than your current hoop.

My first hoop was an eight segment Hoopnotica travel hoop, and that thing bruised me up bad! I didn't even wait a week before buying something else. Of course, my next purchase was a 42" hoop made of 1" diameter 160 PSI tubing, so it bruised me a lot too. Just goes with the territory when you're first learning. ;)

Permalink Reply by Saltwatercowgirl on October 18, 2012 at 2:16pm

Oh, thank you for your help...I'm going to look for arnica cream.  I guess I'm using the right size/weight hoop for me...for now.  I love watching your videos btw, you've really progressed along greatly-  and gotten slimmer too!  Where do you hoop...that has so much empty space...i.e. no furniture? Just wondering.

Permalink Reply by Traci "CircularPraise" Bonney on October 19, 2012 at 8:36am

You're welcome. :)

I hoop at my church fellowship hall. I haven't been in the hoop lately as much as I want - scheduling conflicts and stupid little injuries have plagued me for a while now. So I'm not quite as slim as I was in some of those videos. However, I do know that when I can hoop regularly, I do see a change for the better in my BMI and muscle tone. Plus I just enjoy it. :)

Permalink Reply by cinnderr on October 18, 2012 at 10:00am

By all means try out another hoop! And yes to arnica creme/gel. Bruising comes with learning no matter what size hoop. Your body will get used to having a hard plastic wrap around it for hours on end. I usually take a break in the winter, just lack of places to hoop, and in the spring I get bruises again. 

Practice and keep it up, even for 10 min at a time. It gets easier, and challenging at the same time. I have several sizes and tube weights for when I feel like hooping slower or faster. 

Have fun with it! 

Permalink Reply by Saltwatercowgirl on October 18, 2012 at 2:22pm

Thanks for all the advice.  I live in FL...so actually it's nice hooping weather now.  I'll keep my practices shorter, and maybe try out another size hoop - for fun.  It's good to know that bruises are normal.