[Dwiizie]

My connection speed won't support skype, but I totally get you on the spirituality aspect. I like the stretching and breathing, and even meditation. But when instructors get really heavy into the 'Can you feeeel the energyyyyy" I can't help but feel like the person in church who doesn't get it lol. No. I don't feel the energy. But I'm also conflicted because I've heard that people are a bit irritated with "westerners" picking and choosing the aspects of Yoga that they like, rather than following all the teachings. I guess I'm just a mindfully training in flexibility. I'm just glad I'm not the only one. I've always wanted to feeeeeel the energyyyyyy but I feel like I only experience that alone. People throw me off. I also don't get why its so important to spread your fingers in a plank. A teacher told me to spread my fingers and push down mainly with my thumb and first finger in order to get the energy flow. It was just harder lol

[Dwiizie]

Yeah I think ALL the moves in the first video I uploaded are on this list somewhere. I was like "wow really? chair spin ugly? wrist sit vulgar? waaa" lol

[Dwiizie]

Well, I don't like water or beads in my hoops because it throws the weight balance off. If it doesn't bother you, then don't worry about it. Usually the beads are just there to make sound. I actually recently made a hoop for a woman who requested I make it rattle to remind her of childhood hooping as she was letting it whirl. Her kids love it too.

Harder pushes will make a hoop go faster, but with the balance thrown off by the water, it may get wonky. I often play with this type thing when I see hoops in the store. You hoop and it swishes 3 times then all the pebbles get locked in place with force for a spin or two then they start going around again. If you do a fast enough weave, the pebbles will just stay where the outward (centrifugal force) is.

If you enjoy it and it feels good, stick with it. If its difficult or unbalanced feeling, you can try draining the water, but it will still be a very light hoop for you if you are a beginner. My definition of "big enough" for beginners (if thats what you are) is usually 38-40 inches. I haven't found a kiddy hoop that big. They make 36s now fairly regularly in kids hoops, but I still don't like how light and flimsy they are. 

Good luck!

[Dwiizie]

I also find the Levoxl (brand name levothyroxine) was MUCH better than generics. Both my endos insist upon it (though my insurance company always "recommends the cheaper generic alternative). I am currently on Synthroid. It manages fairly well. More predictable release/absorption. 

[Dwiizie]

Everyone has given great advice, anything I could say would probably be a repeat of something. But I will say, I have lost a LOT of weight, and I suffer hypothyroidism as well as PCOS (too much testosterone, not enough estrogen.) There are times I gain 10 lbs in a week, then I lose 12 in 2 days. ALL hormones. But the long term results, more strength, flexibility, less pain, better mindset, are well worth all the hard work. I started out at around 200 lbs, considered obese for my height. I am now around 145-150 depending on the day, and I find that the weight I "go back to" is the one I watch. I was hung on 151 for a while. I'd have a 148 day and feel great (149.9 is the number that says I'm healthy and not overweight, by BMI standards) then I'd see that 151 again. It wasn't too long before that "fall back" number was 147. I'm hoping the next will be even lower, but for the moment, I'm stuck there, but recognizing is what keeps me from feeling hopeless or helpless. And yes, if my thyroid level gets off, I WILL gain 30 lbs in an incredibly short period of time, and it is HARD to work them off when they get your levels right, and as soon as your levels are right, well, you lost x amount of weight so they need to adjust your dosage. I feel you. Just keep on keepin' on, you will overcome!

[Dwiizie]

I have the same experience as chem. Guage your soreness, if it is HURTING, don't risk an injury, but if it is workout soreness, you may find that pushing through it is relief. I've gone from basically hobbling around back to full non soreness just from working a little bit the muscle groups that were hurting. Even if its not a full workout or anything, maybe a few squats or heel raises or something, it will solve the soreness. I still fatigue more quickly on those days, muscle wise.

[Dwiizie]

http://www.hooping.org/2012/09/burning-man-hula-hoop-cam-goes-super-viral/

This is an article about the making of this video. There are several other go pro hoop videos out there as well. One has the go pro attached to a remote control helicopter and gets an aerial view of it all. Neat stuff. 

[Dwiizie]

I have been a bit busy this week, but I I will have a photo or two for you by the weekend, promise. <3!!

[Dwiizie]

I love my eyes

I love my legs

I love my butt lol

I love that I'm stronger, healthier, and at the lowest weight of my adult life

I love that I can actually support my body in interesting and beautiful ways

I LOVE that I love flipping up side down, spinning around, climbing up high, and jumping. 

I also love how awesome my pointed toes are. I have been proud of that since my ballet teacher used me as an example of a proper point when I was little lol.

[Dwiizie]

I would love to Guinea Pig for you!  Message me with a good email address to send a photo to 🙂

[Dwiizie]

🙁 Sad to hear you won't be able to continue on with it, but it sounds like the right move for you. Good luck lady!

[Dwiizie]

I know of a pro golfer who attributed her weight loss to it. She did say it was very painful, on the borderline of torture, but worth it. I know me and my sensitive nature, I tell the masseuse to go light, so I don't think I would ever do rolfing, but I have heard its praises sung.

[Dwiizie]

I think the V teddy looks bad, especially if you have any extra on your thighs, it just looks painful. I LOVE the wrist sit lol. I can't really think of anything besides the V teddy that I really don't like…… Maybe the jackknife. Anything too contortiony is admireable but usually not necessarily "beautiful" in a traditional sense. I think chopsticks is a little odd without being pretty flat. Don't really like the Marley. Not that I can do any of these moves, but just what sticks out to me as "Thats pretty!" vs "Thats cool! Eventually maybe I'll try it just to say I did…" Rocketman isn't gorgeous. Some of the Titanic variations using the neck look a bit ackward. I do love the flatline scorpio and bottle rocket. 

[Dwiizie]

Thanks Ari. I will pay close attention to myself during next practice. Im trying hard to keep elbows close as well.

[Dwiizie]

I definitely plan to get a video. Its very hard to upload as I have a satellite internet connection, it takes 6+ hours to upload a 3 min video. I took yesterday off pole. I will see what I can do tonight. I appreciate everyone's continued advice and support. I will also try the plow-like pole exercise Chem explained (if I'm understanding it correctly….)