The Hoopment

Many people approach "hooping" with the main goal of keeping the hoop moving and not dropping it.

"Hoopment" with mini-hoops provides a different approach--instead of being focused on keeping the hoops moving, our focus is moving around the hoops.

The nature of the hoop is to spin, when force is applied.

When we slowly allow the hoops to move us, they guide us through the planes that the hoops help us perceive: through their flatness, paired with the roundness; that helps to guide our joints through a circular (curvilinear & rotary) range of motion.

If we focus on keeping the hoops on a vertical (vs. a horizontal) plane, they guide our arms and bodies to move through those same vertical planes, within the safe boundaries of circular movement.

The hoops can only spin in two directions (forwards and backwards), so the key becomes moving our bodies around the hoops.

Move the hoop(s) slowly vs. quickly, so the body's stabilizer muscles get the opportunity to engage, as well as gently stretch the fascia and muscles; while warming up the ground substance in between the tissues, causing it to move more fluidly, so the body may move with greater ease and grace.

Our joints are lubricated through gentle motion, as well as guided through space more effectively; through exploration we discover how to move most effectively for our current body dimensions/proportions.

When our joints move effectively, our muscles move efficiently--because our muscles attach to the joints they are moving. When joints move well, the muscles that do the work move well.

Initially begin by lightly scraping the hoop(s) across/around one's body; with a loose enough grip that the hoop(s) can flip or flop as they may, while still maintaining a fairly stationary hold.

Enough slack for it to move, enough grip to keep a light hold on it.

Speed up and slow down. Feel the differences in flow.

By closing our eyes, while we practice allowing the hoops to move us, we may get a better sense of our environments, as we listen...to our breath as well as the sounds that surround us.

The hoop is not spinning because we are applying force to it, and letting it go, as in traditional hooping.

When the hoop is turning, it's because the hand/body is moving it--essentially, the hoop remains "stationary" as we move around it.

Get a sense of your core, your center.

Then expand out (making sure you have enough space) with your arms; the hoops then give you a sense of your "sphere".

Contract and expand within that sphere.

Breathe.

Let the hoops move as they may, and enjoy how good it feels to move your body in all the different ways the hoops guide you to move, safely and gently.

Don't think about it too much. Just feel it.

Breathe. Conscious breathing.

Stretch, meditate, strengthen your core, and increase spatial awareness, any place that there's enough space for Hoopment.

Your balance and proprioception will improve; as well as your sense of presence within your environment.