Kids, Adults, and Hoops

Why is it that most kids can pick up a hula hoop and move so fluidly and easily? Yet, when some adults start to hoop again, they are stiff and unsuccessful. What happened?

It seems that kids tend to be uninhibited and secure with their body movements. They are not concerned with their body image and can fully embrace the hoop. Their spine is supple and muscles are relaxed. Kids are more often tapped into their parasympathetic state of their nervous system.

The term "fight or flight" refers to the state of our nervous system. According to certified hypnotherapist (CHT.) Stephanie Moses, who practices bio-emotional release, states we are either in a "parasympathetic or sympathetic state of the nervous system." Long ago, we would go into a sympathetic state if we were being chased by a lion, tiger or bear! Today, we are rarely being chased by life threatening animals or situations, but by our boss, co-worker, family and friends. In a sympathetic state, the body needs to run so the "spine gets stiff." When the spine is stiff, the hoop will fall!

The looser our spine gets, the more we can hoop and live in a parasympathetic state of mind! The better we can move! The better we can enjoy Life!

As a certified Polestar Pilates and Certified Functional Manual Therapist (CFMT from the Institute of Physical Art/ IPA) trained Physical Therapist, I encourage both male and female patients to get a large hoop so they can become a successful and safe adult hoopers. It is a fun way to allow proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and core strength to imprint. Dr. Kabat and Maggie Knott originated the PNF approach to improve a patient's funciton. Sincehooping can help evaluate function and sequencing of of motion, it fits into the IPA approach that Greg Johnson teaches about Functional Movement Pattern (FMP). It also becomes a cardiovascular workout.

Once you get the movement back in your pelvis and spine, you will find it hard to put your hoop down. I have seen kids hoop for hours without a moments rest!

Jodi Jainchill PT, CFMT