Tutorial: #2: I Started Hooping Again, What's Next?

-Hope you've been having fun moving again with your hoop
-You may have noticed some muscle soreness in your core, back, & legs
-If your hoop is too small and your movements are "jerky" you may be compressing your spine and and causing low back pain, so make sure you have a large & weighted hoop
-You may notice it initially took A LOT of effort and movement to keep the hoop up; with practice you will be more relaxed and have "effortless movement"
-Keep hooping and slowly you will start improving your body awareness and propioception (where your body is in space)
-Comfortable side is your "happy" side and the opposite side is your "healthy" side
-Change stride and do your "healthy" side to be more symmetrical
-It may feel like you are starting all over again, so you may want to start using the mirror for feedback (see tutorial #1)
-Doing both directions works on symmetry and coordination
-Doing both your happy and healthy side will balance your pelvic musculature and your sacroiliac joint (SI joint)
-Hooping in both directions may balance your brain (right/left side)
-Next, try hooping with feet hip width apart in both directions
-Slowly work endurance by increasing time in increments; hoop both directions to a song or during commercials
-Your heart rate may increase and provide a cardio workout
-Have fun and build up your time slowly

Your are building on your fitness and lower back exercise program!

Jodi Jainchill PT, CFMT