Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Adriene on November 30, 2009 at 8:22am

Hi Tasha!

I don't own a sports hoop, or anything like it, but in my opinion..a heavy hoop like that would be detrimental to learning hoop technique, & to your body! I feel like it would limit movement, not promote it, and that is what hooping is all about!!

When I started hooping, I made hoops with the 160psi tubing, and they were heavy enough. After lots of hooping in a short time, I switched to light tubing, and still use the light tubing today for myself. Over the 1.5 year hooping span, I have lost 20lbs! I feel just hooping and dancing with any handmade hoop will produce results.

I sell lots of 160psi hoops to those that want the heavier feel..I assume they weigh no more than 2lbs. Some ask me if I make them heavier, and I always say I think it is unnecessary to have all that weight. Everyone seems satisfied so far! And as far as arm work, I use small thin mini hoops and do off-body hooping with them.. my arms have gotten SO toned from this! Again, I feel heavier hoops would be limiting to your arm movement.

I hope this helps! Overall I think some weight helps with learning to hoop, but diameter is also important. I think it's also good to incorporate a variety of sizes into your practice! I have definintely appreciated the gradual progression I have made, and hope you will too : )

~A

Permalink Reply by Lisa Bohanon on December 2, 2009 at 8:32pm

Hi, reading this with interest because I have been thinking about trying a lighter hoop. Mine is 1" diameter, not sure of the psi though. Roughly measured, it is 120" around. I was thinking of trying to make a lighter hoop on my own to save $. Maybe with 3/4" 125 or 160psi tubing. Do you have a recommendation? I want to learn more off body hooping.
Thanks!

Permalink Reply by Tasha Forrest on December 2, 2009 at 9:06pm

Ah thank you! Im definitely wanting to get a lighter hoop so I can do more tricks but I just wasnt sure about the sport hoops. I think the connection I was making is in belly dance some dancers will wear a weighted belt to practice in so their body has to develop the muscle strength to do the hip work with the extra weight so when they take it off their movements are more fluid and faster since they've taken the weight off...so I've been told, lol.

But in hindsight I can definitely see how the heavier hoop would end up doing the opposite for your hooping technique. Thanks again!! =)

Permalink Reply by Adriene on December 3, 2009 at 2:56pm

Tasha, I think you could definitely gain this sort of benefit for belly dancing with the 160psi hoop. You could have one and use it occasionally for this, and then have others to learn other technique! It's all about variety :-)

Lisa: The tubing we have here, and the flow of my hoop progression is: 160psi 3/4'' > 100psi 3/4'' > 125psi 1/2''. I use the 125psi for everything, on and off body, more than 99 percent of the time. It appears smaller, and is easier to grab, but it is actually slightly heavier than the 100psi... the 100psi is hollow to me.

Smaller and lighter hoops are the best in learning off body stuff. I wouldn't suggest 160psi for off body, as it is rather heavy. Both of the others are good. As far as body hooping, the 160psi is also kinda limiting with what you can do... legs and shoulders, especially. It will just depends if you want to progress gradually or not!

what size diameter is your current hoop?

Permalink Reply by Lisa Bohanon on December 5, 2009 at 8:41pm

Thanks for the info! My hoop is 1" I don't know the psi. It is taped up & I don't know if it would be marked on the tubing under the tape. I went to Lowe's today. They had lots of tubing and all those connectors made me crosseyed! Wow! Maybe I should just make a trip down to Memphis!

Permalink Reply by Adriene on December 6, 2009 at 12:10pm

Yep! When I asked about diameter.. I meant the size of your hoop across ;-)

Yeah, the psi is usually marked on the tubing. You might do well with 100psi 3/4'' .. it is a good intermediate size, and light enough for off body stuff.

You are right.. they have tons of tubing and connectors! And it's usually dusty.. grrr.. from sitting on the shelf forever! hehe

Do you live close to Memphis??

Permalink Reply by Lisa Bohanon on December 7, 2009 at 8:56pm

Ohh... hee hee! Roughly 39" which puts it about 2" above my belly buttom while standing.
Thanks for the tubing advice. I want a lighter hoop but don't want to go so light that I get frustrated.
I am about 3 hours north of Memphis. I get down there a couple of times a year but not until autumn. Let me know if you have any hooping events.
Thanks!

Permalink Reply by amy on December 9, 2009 at 6:48pm

i heard these hoops hurt your back. i personally do not have one...but herd they can hurt you

Permalink Reply by Tasha Forrest on December 10, 2009 at 1:47pm

oh, I can definitely see how they would. Thanks. =)

Permalink Reply by Jessica on December 11, 2009 at 5:47pm

I have also heard that these hoops with "massaging ridges" hurt you and bruise you. Plus it would get boring...I mean obviously you couldn't move around with them, just waist hoop and maybe hip or chest hoop....boring! LOL

Permalink Reply by Tasha Forrest on December 11, 2009 at 7:38pm

haha, maybe if you're built like the Rock or John Cena then maybe you could do some tricks with the weighted hoops, lol.