When did you start hoopdancing? &

Why did you think it is a good idea?

I started Hooping in September of 2009, as something to do for me, and in the hope that I may lose a few more pounds!

Did you find the beginning easy? Did you ever think you would get to hoopdance as well as you do now?

I could not spin the hoop around my waist when I started, I spent more time picking it up from the floor than actually spinning it!  The next six weeks were amongst some of the most frustrating of my life! I would never have believed that I would of come so far in such a short time, and had so much fun doing it.

Has hoopdance changed anything in your life?

Hoopdance has given me back some of my confidence, knowing I can learn new moves which look impossible to begin with, is a great feeling.  I have lost two stone since I began hooping, so I feel healthier, fitter and happier. 

Do you often get frustrated when things do not work with the hoop? How do you get over that frustration? What motivates you to keep trying?

Hooping is frustrating as it is viewed as a child hood game. Great teachers like Bea, make it all look so easy and effortless. It is very annoying to find out how hard it all is!  But it looks so good and it is so much fun that it drives you on.  I have laughed more since I started hooping than ever before... mainly at myself but it so therapeutic!

How much time do you spend hooping?

Well to begin with I just did my hour class a week and wondered why I wasn’t getting better!!!  I was lucky by then end of course one, if I managed 2hours a week!  Then out of sheer fear before I started on level two, I started practising.  I was so afraid of holding everyone else up!   Now well into level 2 I practise most days even if only for ten minutes while the dinner is cooking, but I normally do at least 3 evenings a week for about an hour or two!!!!  (becoming a serious addict)

Have you achieved any of your goals that you had before signing up for the first class? Did you have any expectations?

I have lost weight (still more to go). I have learnt a new skill, and I am dancing again! 

Have you got any favourite moves or any that you particularly dislike? Any really really frustrating ones?

I have finally conquered hooping around the chest, which has been a continual frustration since my first class! I like all the moves just depends on whether the move likes me on the day!  I am now working on shoulder hooping which has got to be the most frustrating of the lot!  But you know with practise you will get it, if you just keep going, and ignore the bruising!!!!!!!

Would you recommend hoopdance to others? What is your advice to those who are just at the beginning of their hoopdance experience?

Recommend is an understatement; I want to shout it from the roof tops. It is great exercise, a full body workout without the repetitiveness of the gym or a normal aerobic class. It is fun; challenging and I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone toying with the idea of starting to, just go for it!!!! I did and I haven’t looked back.