Introduction

Hello world! This being my first post on this blog, I thought I'd share with you what got me interested in hooping in the first place. When I was in 4th grade our elementary school held a "field day". A day for children to forget about academics and get competitive with each other, in a variety of areas...racing, baseball, basketball, long jumping, and hula hooping. I've never really been athletically inclined, but hooping I was confident I could handle. Took the "gold" so to speak...I'm not sure how long I hooped for, but it was longer than everyone else that tried. It was fun, and it came naturally. My parents bought me a hoop and I had a fun summer. When it broke eventually, I never bothered to pester my parents for another one.

Fast forward 10 years. I am at a music festival in western Massachusetts, enjoying the jams and soaking in the smiling faces. On the field to the left I spot some hula hoopers! I just watch...I am in awe. One girl in particular is moving the hoop up and down her body effortlessly it seems, twirling, spinning the hoop above her head with her hands, and down back onto her waist with ease. I wanted to ask to try it out for myself. I thought back to my younger days, of my field day in 4th grade. I kept making excuses however ("those hoops are way bigger than the ones I remember" or "everyone is going to be looking at me") and never tried it myself. The whole weekend of the festival I longed to, but, in the end, didn't have the self confidence to try. On the drive home I was mad for not allowing myself to "let go", and silently promised myself that the next time I would at least try.

The following spring, I attended another music festival, at the same place, hosted by the same wonderful people. Things were different this time though. I walked over to the "hooper section" and started chit chatting with a lovely girl who showed me all the hoops that she had made, beautiful, large hoops, nothing like the flimsy plastic tube I remembered from my childhood. Some were filled with water for weight and momentum. She had carefully sewn over the thick tubing an array of different fabrics, all fashioned in a patchwork style. It was truly a piece of artwork in and of itself. She made sure to let me know I was free to hoop with any of the hoops that she brought. I stepped inside the hoop, picked it up, and placed the hoop against my back and gave it a good shove. I did it, and I was nothing short of elated. It was just as natural as when I was a child, only this hoop was larger, sturdier, and easier to use. I barely stopped hooping at all that weekend, and came home with bruises on my waist to show for it. I made sure I exchanged information with the angel who had shared her fabulous hoops with so many that weekend, and asked her make me a hoop of my very own. She did an awesome job, covering the hoop in colored and patterned fabrics of pinks and blacks. I have made and bought quite a few hoops since then, but that first hoop will always hold a special place in my heart.
That was about 4 years ago now, and I haven't stopped hooping since (well, except to work, eat, sleep, and bead, of course).
I hope I can use this blog to encourage others to get over any anxiety or fears they might have about hooping, and just DO IT! It is a wonderful workout, for both body and mind. Any hooper will attest to the meditative state you can attain from hooping. Larger, heavier hoops are especially helpful for bringing you to a trance like state. I highly suggest Karma Hoops if you are more interested in the meditative side of hooping. Karma Hoops are made specifically for opening up your chakras, and to help you find balance in life.
If you are more interested in melting away pounds and exploring sexy dance moves, then I suggest BodyHoops. BodyHoops can be ordered in a variety of sizes, and offers a DVD, perfect for beginners.
Stick around and I'll explain more about the benefits of hooping, what size hoop is right for you, and how to make your very own hoop.