Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lindsay F on July 13, 2012 at 1:20pm

Thanks, I appreciate the advice, but I have no clue what anyone really means when they say to find my flow, and I don't think I'm good enough to become one with my hoop. I'm starting to think part of the problems I have might be due to the fact that I'm hooping with a 3/4" 160psi, 42" hoop. That sucker is crazy heavy and I'm 5'3" and not heavy.

Permalink Reply by Lindsay F on July 13, 2012 at 5:49pm

Thank you :)

StudentPermalink Reply by Jessica on July 13, 2012 at 3:40pm

re: finding flow

it took me a looong time to get into a flow with hooping. for a while i was just waist hooping to music, then tried leg hooping, chest and shoulder hooping, started learning tricks.. and that's all it was.. tricks. it definitely took almost a year(!) for me to be able to relax with my hoop when there's some awesome music, and just feel it out, instead of trying to show off all that i know. sometimes tricks come out, sometimes i'm content just dancing around with a hoop around me. everyone is unique in that sense, so just enjoy your time with the hoop as best you can. if you need a break, take a break! 

Permalink Reply by Lindsay F on July 13, 2012 at 5:50pm

I'm the same way: so stressed about tricks. I'll try to relax about them and just enjoy :)

Permalink Reply by Laura on July 14, 2012 at 3:31pm

I came to the same conclusion with my hoop when I started hooping - I had the same size hoop but I'm about 5 inches taller than you, so your hoop first of all is probably too big! I've been hooping about 3 months and it made a HUGE difference for me when I bought a coil of HDPE tubing and started making my own hoops. It gave the the chance to experiment with what size and weight worked best and I no longer feel like my hoop holds me back from learning. I'm still not great, but imho heavy hoops like yours are just to get you started and the real learning begins when you downsize :)

I bought my tubing from www.hoopsupplies.com. They have great prices and are super helpful if you have questions about how to make your hoop, etc. I ended up buying a 30' large coil of 3/4' HDPE which made three hoops. My fave right now is my 38" HDPE that I made.

Permalink Reply by Summer pink pixie on July 13, 2012 at 1:20pm

Try music and dance with it close your eyes and play with it... it might work ;-)

StudentPermalink Reply by Lenette Nakauchi on July 13, 2012 at 1:30pm

Yeah, that's a really big hoop!  I think the ideal hoop size should come up to your navel or even a few inches past it (when you are standing behind the hoop).

Enjoy the process and know that you're really getting better with each session, whether you realize it or not. 

Think about why you want to dance with a hoop. OR if you really aren't feeling it, why not try poi or staff or flow wand? Experimenting with different toys can be fun and addicting! :)

Permalink Reply by Niisha Doodle on July 13, 2012 at 3:02pm

I was definitely the same way, nothing physical ever comes to me quickly, and watching all those hoop videos of people kicking ass was a little discouraging. For some people it can be a lengthy process. But here's the thing, I did get WAY better. and I am the most ungraceful klutzy person ever. But now I have something where I actually look graceful and skilled, and it came from A LOT of practice. Sometimes I would just stand there and waist hoop in all the different ways I could for hours, just enjoying the feeling of the hoop carressing me and enjoying the music. Sometimes you just need to do that, it helps develop your hooping muscles more, because a lot of hooping is teaching your muscles to do weird movements, and sometimes your body takes a bit of time to learn what your trying to tell it to do, like shoulder hooping. That took me forever to learn, but I kept pushing myself until I could do it longer and longer each day. Now I can do it without thinking. Just remember, you can't pick up the hoop if you don't drop it. Right? And definitely downsize if you're in the market for more tricks, I started with the same size and I had to. Your big hoop will be awesome for learning on body stuff though. I often switch back to mine to practice angled hooping cuz I can slow down and learn the proper movement. I know it's tough but I hope you don't give up! Try and set little goals for yourself each day or week. That made it easier for me too. :)

Permalink Reply by Lindsay F on July 13, 2012 at 5:52pm

Thank you so much for this response. I'm clumsy as hell, and it makes me feel better to know that even clumsy people like me could nail this to the wall with enough practice :)

Permalink Reply by Lindsay F on July 13, 2012 at 5:53pm

Thanks so much for everyone's advice. I appreciate all of it. The hooping community really is so stellar and loving, and it gives me hope to know everyone has struggled at one time or another!

Permalink Reply by LiviJoyHoops on July 13, 2012 at 8:17pm

Recently I forced myself out of the privacy of my backyard and went on a little "self-guided" hoop tour around my area.  I pretty much just went around to some quiet parks, where there was just a remote chance that someone would notice me ( I am still shy about my hooping).  After hitting up four parks, I psyched myself up to hit the garden festival, found a corner that was a bit out of the way from the crowd--but still visible, and hooped to some tunes.  The whole time I was making note of the people who noticed me.  They were mostly kids!  The look on their faces was awesome--especially since I am not super advanced!  This really helped me to come to a different place in my hooping experience, and it might help you, too.  Get some portable tunes and just hoop for you.  Maybe take a break from watching vids (they have been known to make me feel inadequate).  Finding the freedom and growth in your own abilities will advance you more!

StudentPermalink Reply by Rhea Moss on July 13, 2012 at 8:59pm

I feel like this a lot as well. I have been hooping for just over a year and can't do half the things i wish i could. I am a slow learner i guess. I just met a girl the other day who had been hooping for 5 months and she was much more advanced then me. I try to remind my self that everyone learns at their own pace though, and it is something that makes me feel good when I do it, so I just keep going. I totally get what you are saying though!!

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