Boston Hoops

I miss it already and I am still here....

Music Monday: The King of Limbs, Radiohead

Hello Hoopers!


As you may have heard Radiohead just released their new album The King of Limbs. While I have only listened to it a few times through - I can already tell that there are some hoop gems in the mix. 


Would you like to check it out? http://www.thekingoflimbs.com/
Enjoy!!!


Happy Hooping -

Exercising Beyond the Hoop

Yes, I do (sometimes) exercise using methods other than the hoop, though I tend to fall off the wagon with everything except hooping. These two videos are turning out to be an exception and have kept me coming back for some time now.

Pilates is a great addition to any hooping practice because it focuses on core strength and creating a fluid, lean line. Both of these videos are on Netflix watch instantly and have made me stronger, held my interest, challenged me, and made me more confident in my hooping!

Pilates: 10 Minute Solution with Lara Hudson (2004)

10 Minute Solutions: Rapid Results Pilates with Lara Hudson (2006)

10 minute workouts were all the rage when these came out, and I have to say, I still love them. No overly long, tedious warm-ups and cool downs! If I am going to workout, it better be worth it - and these videos make you feel the burn right away.

Though I’d done work with Pilates some years ago it had been awhile since I had any directed practice. Someone with a moderate fitness level and moderate to high flexibility would find these do-able, yet engaging. The rapid results video is more challenging, and if proper form is not followed could create more strain than tone - so I do recommend starting with the first is this is your first foray into Pilates.

Lara Hudson is a pleasant host who (thankfully) does not become redundant nor annoying upon repeated viewings, and makes everything easy to understand. Five, 10-Minutes workouts focusing on each section of the body compose each video. Usually, I do three of the sections and feel my whole body surging with energy by the end. With normal gym workouts I tend to get very stiff, lose flexibility, and bulk up quite easily making for some some hulky hoop sessions... (not fun)

Pilates is the perfect remedy for those who want to tone, challenge, and create a lean line. After just two weeks I definitely feel stronger and I am still not tired of these two! Check them out - you can even take my favorite approach to a new workout: let the video play out while you are busy with something else. While it's playing, listen and check in to see how you like the routines. If you think it's for you, you can get up and try a few things. If not, no harm done and no money spent! (Thanks Netflix!)

Music Mondays: deadmau5

Hello hooopers!


Turn on some deadmau5 and you will first notice that your head bobs, then your shoulders follow and soon you will be in an all out hoop frenzy. Yes, most likely it will be spastic. Luckily, you have a prop to help guide your movement - so grab your hoop and try a session to this song. I promise, 5 minutes later you will have had a good workout.


I couldn't resist blasting it this morning and heading outside for a multi-hoop challenge:

They're up!

They're down...

Listen to deadmau5 here: http://www.youtube.com/user/UltraRecords#p/search/1/bXWk-aInsow

Top 5: Inspirational Hoopers

I love lists. 

I am going to be doing Top 5 lists now and again for many hoop related goodies and where better to start than those hoopers who first inspired me! Even if you skip the James Lipton-esque descriptions - check out the moves of these hoopers and they will speak for themselves. 

I love hula-hooping more than life itself.

5) HOOPLUR aka Chika.

http://www.youtube.com/user/HOOPLUR#p/u/56/hsMZ9smq8_I

Chika makes every practice look like the most fun you could ever have. Her videos highlight the process of learning, without editing out every mistake. She takes joy in adding creativity into each session, and back in '07 when I was looking for new moves, I would always be inspired to practice after seeing her ridiculously cheery videos.

4) Beth Lavinder

http://www.youtube.com/user/lavinder5#p/u/0/NtdhhfC9rSk

Ethereal. Not a word I thought would ever be used to describe hula-hooping, but truly, her movements are seamless and other worldly. She somehow manages to move fast and slow at the same time, an illusion created by her precision of movement and total calm in the hoop. An amazing seamstress as well, the skirt I purchased from her at a Hoop Path event is one of my favorite things to wear when I spin.

3) Jonathan Baxter

http://www.youtube.com/user/jlbaxter

He makes hooping look cool for everybody. Seriously, I’ve had student's from 25 to 75 watch a clip of him and all agree: that is how they want to hoop. He pioneered Hoop Path to bring his style to others, serving as a kind and inspiring teacher throughout the country.

2) Safire (Sandra Sommerville)

http://www.youtube.com/user/FireSandra

Starting like everyone else, with a few YouTube videos of her hooping at home, she has now created a Hoop EMPIRE. Workshops, classes, tutorials, a clothing line and HoopCity.ca - the most effective social networking site for hoopers - are all to her credit. 

She is most inspiring as a teacher, with any trick you want broken down perfectly in her tutorials. They explain everything step-by-step... in slow motion... and with written directions. I've improved as a teacher and a hooper thanks to Safire - and I can only look forward to what she comes up with next!

1) Spiral

http://www.youtube.com/user/spiraldancer?blend=2&ob=1

Sustained spinning is my favorite hoop style and she always brings something new and insanely beautiful to the stage. I never, never get tired of watching her videos and drawing new ideas out of each. Seriously, is she using magic? How is someone this good. She's stayed at my top spot since the beginning. Gorgeous!

Why Become a Full Time Hooper?

 After I left school and moved away, I got a job in admin, as do many 20-something college grads. It was a fine job, with wonderful people. But it consumed me – even though I didn't see it as a career track. I tried to think of it as funding my hobbies, but I felt too tired and drained at the end of each day or week to even think about free time. Then, I realized something about myself: I better do what I love, because I become what I do in spite of myself every time.

And, I love to hoop. Throughout every idea of the future, it was always there, a constant in the background. When I started teaching, I couldn't believe how exhilarated I was after a good class. Finding music, breaking down moves, watching others find the same joy that I did while hooping was such a reward. Did everyone I teach become a hoop convert? Nope. Most don't. Some flat out hate it. It's more of a skill building than a fitness class, which can be frustrating if your expectations aren't set up for that. But, that's okay. For the folks who felt the same way I did, it was wonderful to share. When folks didn't like it, no harm done. 

With hooping, all of the sudden failing didn't seem to be the paralyzing outcome that had haunted me throughout life. It was a process. Just like learning a new move, making it a career is one step, two steps and eventually reaching the goal.

That's where I am now. I am not all the way across the path, but I am making it one step at a time. If anything I do can inspire folks, not only to hoop, discover a new song or move, but to live passionately – well, then I feel like it's been a success.   

This is the one and only time that I will experience this life. Why waste most of it on something that I don't love? In a few months or years from now, if I change my mind or path, then that is what will come. But, I want this – this is my dream and I will always look back and say, “I tried, and for that, I am glad.” Happiness isn't shameful, optimism isn't silly, and reaching for your goals – even the crazy ones – is the only way to live your dreams. That is what I aim to do, and that is why I am a full-time hooper.

Music Monday: Mt. Eden

Can you really ever go wrong with Dubstep?

Listen:

Mt. Eden - Sierra Leone

The Hoop Journey: Before and After

This first video is a short snippet of me trying out a few things when I first started hooping. It seems like a million years ago, but was really only about 3 or 4. That big green hoop was one of the first I had ever helped to make and I still have it today.

When I First Started Hooping
 

This second is from earlier in the week. My goal here was not to perform a bunch of tricks or show off all i could do - it was really just to be in the moment, listen to to the music and move as I was feeling (and as my very, very small hoop space would allow - you’ll hear me crash into something more than once.)

Spinning with Flow 

Watching these two videos I am struck by so much. One, everyone starts somewhere! Don’t worry about being clunky or silly! Two, I am so much more at ease with myself now. I am not afraid of the camera - and pretty much forget about it - and my clothing, movement and expression all reflect much more confidence at the outset.

That doesn’t mean it’s not scary. Sharing something about which you care deeply is a very difficult thing. In the first video, any rockiness or mistakes I look at as sweet, and with some nostalgia. In the second video, the mistakes SCREAM out to me, making my face burn with embarrassment that someone else might see me making a mistake.

But.

Then I start to think about that scene in Back to the Future, when Michael J. Fox is chatting with his future father in the school cafeteria. George McFly is an avid Sci-Fi author, but never lets anyone read his work because “what if they don’t like it. i just don't think I could handle that type of rejection.” Of course, in the beginning of the movie we see George has lived a life ruled by fear. The alternate ‘happy ending’ has him having shown his work, fear and all, and ending up a successful author. 

Who wouldn't want to read that?

If you haven’t seen the movie, or don’t know what I am talking about (really? TBS shows it ALL the time, come on now) the take home message is that it is very hard to put something of yourself out there, but you have to stand up to fear or you will never get the opportunities for which you are waiting.


You can’t wait for it to be easy, or for the time to feel right - just move forward and go for it! Maybe in another 4 years I will look back on this and chuckle at where I was today - but, for now, I am glad that I feel good enough to try, to put myself out there and embrace the opportunities that are created when you stop worrying about what anyone else thinks.

Music Mondays: Otis Redding

Strongly emotional and powerful songs can create very successful practice sessions! Otis Redding’s fervent sincerity results in bursts of energy, long pleading notes, and slow builds to an emotional apex. These rhythms create the need to move at differing speeds and styles throughout your practice.

Using songs like these is a great way to play with scale throughout your practice. Make the moves you already know big and small as the tone changes by standing and sitting and keeping the hoop close to your body and then extending your limbs when the tone changes.

Try to think that if you video taped your practice and someone watched with the mute button on - they would still have an idea about what kind of song to which you were listening!

Try a Little Tenderness

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXmLjbTBcdU

I’ve Been Loving You Too Long
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTgvsA-2B74&feature=related


The challenge here is the slow build. Try to match the speed to your practice without losing intensity!

Seeing Your Name in Lights

This was done with an LED Juggling Ball at night. It was fun (and more of a challenge than I expected) to draw out the letters before the camera finished capturing the image. Good thing I have a short name...haha

The How To's: Basics of Leg Hooping

Leg hooping is a fun and much requested move - but, it can definitely seem daunting at first!

There are lots of great videos to assist you in learning new hoop moves, but everyone's learning style is different. I have always liked written directions in front of me when learning something new. I find my mind can connect to my body much more easily if I have a narrative it can follow.
 
In case you are like me - here are some detailed directions on how to perform some hoop basics!
 
Leg Hooping:

1. First isolate to which direction you naturally hoop. I hoop to the left, meaning that when I launch my hoop I give it a push to the left to begin.
2. This is important, because once your hoop is down at your legs the leg to which your hoop is moving (in my case, left) will be the ‘propeller leg.” This means that it is the one moving to keep the hoop spinning. Your other leg will stand still acting to steady you as you hoop. 
3. Begin waist hooping in your natural current. 
4. Slow your movement down and you will notice the hoop drop to your hips and then to your thighs.
5. When the hoop is at mid thigh begin moving your propeller leg very rapidly in small circles.

Wait, that’s it? Uhm, Kym, my hoop totally fell...

That’s okay! The move is simple to break down, but there are many ways the body can react to these instructions. Here are a few trouble shooting tips if your hoop keeps dropping:
 

• Remember to keep a narrow stance. When you are making circles with your propeller leg, make sure that your knees are close together, even gently grazing each other with each revolution.
• Tempo is important! If your hoop continues to fall it is most likely due to your speed being too slow. Each time the hoop hits the front of your propeller thigh say the word “now” aloud. Even if you only get it going one or two times, you will notice just how quickly your leg needs to go to maintain the hoop.
• "Knee hooping” is a misnomer - if you are actually hooping directly on your knee it is very difficult to maintain the spin. It also hurts! Start propelling your leg at mid thigh - start higher than you think you need to until you get the feeling for the move! 
• Circles people, circles!  Is your leg jutting forward before the hoop has made contact with your propeller thigh? Are you performing a kicking action, more than smooth, small, quick circles? You can notice this if your hoop “jumps” each time it seems to come around. You can hear (and feel) a thud on your leg indicating your movement may be too early.  
• Glue your foot down - later you can walk while leg hooping, but in the beginning, so that you are not tempted to kick out, envision gluing your propeller foot down while creating the circle. Your foot may be pointed, but your toes should always remain in contact with the ground.

Give it a try! What do you notice? How many times can you get the hoop around without it dropping?

Well, I Love This...

This is an adorable animation that my sister made for me! So adorable - now, if only I could find a long, skinny, pink dog to hoop with me in real life - !

Music Monday - Double Feature: Bjork and Radiohead

Hope most of you out there are enjoying a day off right now! Two hoop songs for the holiday :) 

Great meditative movements with these.....

Bjork - Desired Constellation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ex_M6DT1ig 

Radiohead - Like Spinning Plates

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQBDsNiCCNM

Join a Hooping Community - !

Are you a member of HoopCity yet? It’s a great website with wonderful hooping resources. It is free and there aren’t millions of ads lurking all over the site.

Photos, tutorials, videos, teaching and class resources and great forums to answer every question.

I am trying to sounds less like a spambot for a dating website right now - but if you can get past that, I really urge you to check out the site.  It’s a great resource for well organized hoop info!

Go to hoopcity.ca to join. (If you want to add me I am user = Kym) :D

Music Monday - Blockhead, The Music Scene

Blockhead has some of the best instrumental hip hop out there. Great for chilled out flow sessions or high energy trick work. The whole album is awesome, but one of my favorites is the title track - check it out !

Blockhead - The Music Scene

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhheiPTdZCw

New Hooper Conundrum: What’s Next?

So often I hear from new hoopers after they have mastered waist hooping, “What’s Next?” There are SO many tricks out there - and sometimes jumping into something way too complex can sort of kill your hoop mojo. The best way to stay inspired, and progress: build on what you know, have goals, and PRACTICE!

Where to Start: Move with your Hoop!

First you should build on what you know - which, at the very beginning, is waist hooping. So, keep your hoop a’spinning and take small marches and steps from side-to-side. As you march lean back slightly as you lift each foot to feel your low abs engage and help maintain balance. This move will help get you used to keeping the hoop up while your body is moving in space. An added benefit? A pretty awesome low ab workout remember though - this is FUN first and exercise second!

Have goals, but keep them reasonable and helpful! Beating yourself up for not getting something won’t help. Don’t think of success as marching all around town with your hoop spinning - take one or two steps. Then, four, six and so on. Soon you will be walking with your hoop and ready for the next step!

An ambitious way to build on waist hooping.

Where to Start: Your First Trick

Okay Kym, I'm marching with my hoop, but I'd really like to do something... cool. I feel ya. “Wow Factor” tricks are super fun. They take more work and practice - but they are worth it! 

 

A good trick to learn as you are getting started is ‘the vortex/beam me up.’ Its a great way to remove your hoop from your body to end practice and do something that looks interesting and complex!. 

Vortex with LCD Hoop. 

Pretty Much everything involving a ribbon of lights has some Wow Factor.

I learned from the amazing Caroleeena, who has helped many a hooper learn new tricks with her detailed, clear, and excellent instruction.

(We also get to see her awesome birdie, Mulder, who I love instantly for the X-Files reference.)

Take a look and try it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQgT_Scdj5c

Having trouble? Ask me for help and I am happy to give detailed trouble shooting instruction!

New Years Hoop Reflections (involving Dogs)

Why do you hoop? Is it the same reason why you started hooping. Though hooping is awesome exercise, I feel like folks who start it to lose weight and then never find a passion beyond that seem to become more frustrated than those who find more connection with the hoop. In one of my teaching journeys I had a student who, no matter what the activity, always asked - and what will this work? Will this get rid of my hips? Will my arms stop jiggling?

It was difficult. I wanted to say - no your hips will stay put! They help keep the hoop spinning. Keep going and you may find that you dont mind them so much. Hooping should help you find and embrace who you are, not be a force for disguise.

Acceptance is an amazing thing. People have often said that they can’t do this or that move because they “have too many curves” or “that hoop is so small that i could wear it as a belt,” “it’ll get stuck.” etc. Okay. So why not try it out and find your way of doing this. I think few of us have something that we don't, now and again, wish was different. But whenever I find myself going there, I actually start thinking about dogs. 

 

I know. 

But yes, dogs. I think. What if I was born a dachshund, with a long slinky torso and short legs. (wait, this is pretty close to me...hmmm). Would i stare longingly at a large poodle’s curly fur, and long legs? Would I always wear big giant shoes, a fuzzy wig - ? No. Because I was born a dachshund, not a poodle. It may sound crazy - but humans somehow think that even if they were born a dachshund, they must look like a poodle. Why? We are all human, but the sizes, shapes, personalities - they are different.

Find your style. Embrace your level. Keep trying - but be you! Somehow, the hoop has helped me to do this. This is just my style. Don’t be afraid of yours. Find it. Look for it. Be yourself. Be inspired and find your passion.

Find your style and embrace what works for you!