Jodi's Hoop Dance Workshop at Big and Hearty

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQI-HT7iwlo
Jodi taught Hoop Dance Workshops at Big and Hearty in Gainesville, FL over Labor Day Weekend 2010

My Hoop Convergence 2010: Breaking Blocked Flow

So I was sitting at Hoop Convergence opening circle and I realized I was sitting next to Spiral, Shakti, and Miss Rosie to my right and to my left was Jewels, Caroleena, Stefan and OMG! Inspiration! As someone had shared in this circle, our hoop community in‘3-D’. I felt the flow of this amazing circle. I was so honored to have been surrounded by over 140 hoopers ready to geek out all weekend. So let me start from the beginning of my journey.

A few hours earlier, I found myself hooping on the side of I-40. From the airport, there were probably too many of us piled with luggage and hoops into one vehicle. Unfortunately, the AC was not working in the car, but that was not the problem. The more important concern was our tire blowing out on the interstate next to a semi. So we happily hooped on the side of the interstate. Instantly there was sharing and teaching happening. We were causing a true ‘Highway Hoop Traffic Jam.’ Then my hoop hit my glasses and a lens flew out. So, I asked a group of hoopers if anyone had tape. And after choosing a color, we did a less than a professional job to keep my glasses functional for the weekend.

We hoped our hooping by the Chappell Hill exit 24 on the interstate would attract other hoopers to rescue us on their way to Hoop Con. Shortly thereafter, in comes Deena from NC and Stefan from Groove Hoops and part of the NY hooping crew with a spare tire to save the day! Our hoop heroes. After we were on our way from fixing the flat tire, we returned again to jump a hooper’s car that needed a jump. And then we later found out she could not change gears and that is a whole other story.

Still, a few hours earlier in the day, I was attempting to carry on my precious hoops at the airport. After spending many hours preparing 3-piece collapsible hoops, the bee-ach at security said I needed to check in those ‘weapons.’ It was confirmed, she was new and clearly holding her ground in her supervisory position. So with the use of packing tape, my hoop ‘weapons’ were checked- in. I decided not to worry what will happen to them. After all, I was headed to Hoop Con!

Next, I sat on the plane rocking out to Daft Punk …I am going to Hoop Con!!!
With my next plane connection to Durham, I was united with KaytiBunny and Jeff. Also, sitting in front of me on the plane was one of my new-found Hoop Angels, Tracy, from OH! The hoop family was coming together. At baggage claim, they announced for the ‘hoopers to come and pick up their hoops.’ We were then united with Danielle from CO, another new found Hoop Angel.

Upon arrival at Hoop Con, we were welcomed by Alley ‘Oop’ and Sandra ‘Safire‘ among other hoop family…I was Hoop Star Struck.

So as I was settling in to the beautiful campgrounds, I heard a hooper say that she had been experiencing ‘blockage in the flow.’ I asked her to repeat what she said. While giggling, I told her I was also experiencing flow blockage that day. But, I could feel a change of the flow, after all, we were at Hoop Con!

As someone legally blind, it is always fun to get acquainted with my environment as well as meet lots of new friends. At first, almost everyone looks the same, but then with time I learn voices and body language. Hair styles usually help, but everyone has such awesome funky dews, so that was not a good tool to use. I felt the love of my many Hoop Angels, and you lovely ladies know who you are, who made sure I had a buddy, especially for night time when my sight goes to almost nothing. I was so grateful and felt so much Love from our hoop community.

I love when I am in a place where the energy floats you and there is no where else you’d rather be. That was how Hoop Con was for me. I had this amazing feeling of strength and Love within me and around me. I am in awe of Jewels. Jewels embodies strength with kindness. Standing around me were so many hoopers united with strength and expression of a flowing art form. I felt so much gratitude to experience so much growth in and out of the hoop with our community.

After one of the many kick-ass workshops, I found myself standing next to Shakti, Khan, Spiral, Rich, and Malcolm…. I was in awe. There were so many mind-blowing workshops and each instructor had so much to offer, and did. In the workshops, some hoop masters were straight forward, some taught us to think ‘outside the hoop’ and let go of limitations, some taught bad-ass combos, and then there was Breckon. She teaches a theory of ‘F-it’, which works really well for us hoopers. We even played ‘Simon Says’ and the ‘Hokey Pokey’ with Stefan and Malcolm. Stefan and Malcolm made themselves available to give a little extra from their trick box to share throughout the weekend as did Safire (Safire ‘live’) and many others. I was so grateful. Also, Safire was also so willing to help modify Hoop City to make my visually impaired software flow better with her site.

I finally got to fly! I have found another love with Acro Yoga with Nayeli. And I was mesmerized with poi from Rainbow Michael. Not that I need more activities, but I feel these are extensions of my hoop expression. I have been doing Rainbow’s poi fusion movements every morning and I feel an amazing flow happening.

OK, so the food deserves a paragraph here, yummy! Jewels is so conscious of our environment. We were encouraged to only put on our plate what we know we can eat and come back for seconds. And, if you could not finish, your food scraps were set aside for the local animal feed. If you were a vegetarian, you were in good hands. A delicious variety of meals prepared with love. We also had mint tea and even a papaya smoothie. I chose to eat for one of my meals a burger over the bean burger. I was explaining to my dinner friends that I normally do not eat meat out but I knew this meat was hormone free and consciously raised and then ‘bam!’, my friend to my left is sliding a napkin from my plate across the table. I ask ‘what was that’ and he replies ‘you do not want to know’. But I did. He said it was a wasp that was on my burger. Well, I don’t like my meat that fresh. I asked ‘was it alive’ and he says ‘not anymore.’ I was perplexed how a wasp flew in front of me and landed on my burger. I know I cannot see it but usually I hear them. Nonetheless, the burger was dee-lish.

The evenings were spectacular. The ‘Showcase’ night was ‘five hours long’ and worth every minute of it. Each performance was a perfection of flow. On the ‘Fire’ night, I was blessed by Jewels and Scott to try their new light weight hoop for my burn. It was the best burn ever and I felt fearless inside the fire. So then I just had to buy hoopdrum’s ‘quick wicks’, so I did. For the next night at the ‘Hooper’s Ball’. I wore my solid gold shiny shorts. I was inspired by one of Annieland’s profile pictures to find them in my 80’s costume box. I thought it would go well with hot pink fuzzies and a turquoise top. ‘Little L’ was graciously doing face painting. So, the next thing I knew I had a pink mask and blue star on my forehead and ‘VVonder VVoman’ was born! Also that night, there was a table full of amazing costumes for anyone to borrow. And throughout the weekend, there was amazing vending including Annieland’s gorgeous flowing pants and Sadie’s ‘hoop hangs here’ chonnies. The ‘Hooper’s Ball’ had a wonderful live DJ and band jammin’ while LEDs whirled around. Ironically, or not, the DJ played almost my whole playlist I use for my hoop dance classes!

So, I had begun the opening circle with the word ‘Blossoming’. And I ended the closing circle with the word ‘Blissed’. I am honored to be part of such a beautiful community that finally feels like home. A place where you can geek out on your love for hoop tubing, tape, and moves. A place where everybody feels expression inside a circle. A place where there is strength with kindness. I love the growth I have had in the past year as I come up to my one year anniversary this June 2010. May we keep our hoop community growing and serving as Caroleena inspires us to do. May hooping workshops and local jams fill our calendars. And may we enjoy our ever growing communication through our ‘Hoop City’ and ‘Facebook’. Namaste.


Jodi Jainchill PT, CFMT

HoopGirl shares the benefits of Hooping

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wca5lZdmmFc Interview on NBC Bay Area local news

"Hoop for Your Poop": How Hooping Can Help Your Digestion

Most people do not like the feeling of being constipated or having diarrhea. And often most people are uncomfortable talking about it. But, in our society, it is a familiar body dysfunction.

When your digestion is working properly, you may have a bowel movement (BM) after each meal. That can be at least three a day! Some people are lucky if they get one a day. The local drug store is filled with over-the-counter medicine to help this problem in the bathroom. There has got to be a better answer.

I was first exposed to visceral(organ) work with the founders of the Institute of Physical Art (IPA), Gregg & Vicky Johnson. Inspired by another physical therapist Kent Keyser, senior faculty of the IPA, I started taking courses with the Barral Institute.

The founder of the Barral Institute, Jean-Pierre Barral, has opened my eyes to the deeper layers of the human body. Through the Barral Institute, I have taken several courses from Gail Wetzler and Dee Ahern. Also, I have studied many texts written by Jean-Pierre Barral. I love and recommend reading his book "Understanding The Messages Of You Body".

Dr. Barral says, "An organ in good health has physiological movement." Our digestive organs can become healthier by the foods we eat. If you are otherwise healthy, your diet can help with a good bowel movement. Eat more fiber (figs), fruits, and leafy greens and cook and chew well your beans, peas, cabbage, onion, artichokes, mushrooms and leeks. Also, the more you move your body, the more you can stimulate your digestive organs.

Our intestines are 26 feet long in coils. The intestines works together with the other digestive organs and are able absorb useful nutrients for the health of the body.

A tight and tense abdomen is a sign that the digestive system is not working properly and it may cramp. Also, morning tiredness that goes away as the day goes on could also be a sign of the intestines not functioning properly according to Dr. Barral. Also, when there is tension or gas in the intestine it makes it more challenging for the breathing muscle, diaphragm, to do its job. This can cause burping or heart burn. Also,when the small intestines gets irritated and cannot do its job, the large intestines must finish digesting the food causing a release of gases and causes flatulence. It also makes it uncomfortable to wear belts or tight clothing around our waist.

Constipation can become an obsession. When the fecal matter does not eliminate and hardens, it can cause problems for circulation of blood and lymphatics. It is true, if you miss your "window of opportunity" for a bowel movement, constipation can set in.

Dr. Barral explains that activity will "stir" the contents of the intestines. Deep breathing can "massage" the intestines. He explains that dysfunction to the lumbar spine or tail bone can cause intestinal problems. Dr. Barral also recommends relaxation to help the intestines.

Here is where the hoola hoop comes in! The rhythmical repetitive motion of the hoola hoop over the abdomen can have many benefits. Hooping movement "massages" the abdomen and allows the mind and body to relax while exercising. Hooping also stimulates the core and postural muscles. This can help with back problems. In addition, increasing your hooping time can become a cardiovascular workout. This will help your breathing. What a fun way to get so many health benefits without leaving your home.

Jodi Jainchill PT, CFMT

Farm to Family Hoop Days

We had a blast at Farm to Family this past weekend! Thank you to all our new hooper friends who joined us at our booth. We had fun sharing the love for the hoop again.
It was great to educate and hoop with all our new hooper friends.

We hope you all enjoy reading about the benefits of hooping and continue moving with your hoop. We are looking at places to have classes and will let you all know the latest.

Make sure you watch the free tutorials on "Tips On How To Get Started Again". Please email at info@hoopandhealth.com with any questions. Also, Jodi, physical therapist, will soon have an online class available!

Have a great hoop day! World Hoop Day is Wednesday, September 9, 2009!!!

Farm To Family

Our team of women including Stephanie Davis, Stephanie Moses, and myself will be vending this Labor Day Weekend on Saturday, September 5, 2009. This Full Moon festival is in High Spring, Florida. We look forward to sharing our Love for Hooping and have a fun afternoon. We will have plenty of Gator Orange and Blue hoops to choose from!!!

Check out Farm to Family Music at:
http://farmtofamilymusic.com/

Drumming & Hooping on the Beach in Miami

You are right Jenny Ze, hooping is my drug of choice! What a gorgeous evening to drum and hoop on the beach with such beautiful beings. It was an honor to meet all of you for my first drum circle with hooping angels!!
I was so blissed out by the sweet drumming, chanting, ocean waves, while learning and sharing hoop moves and tricks in the sand. How cool tandem hooping and playing with LED hoops are too! Also, thank you Steve Wechsler, Roger, and Adrienne McGinnis for all your help too :)

I also enjoyed sharing the hoop vibe with my sister Janice, and friends Sassha Witherspoon, "M", and Jason Gordon. I left some hoops behind to share...and now my Mom is a hooper too!!! Thanks Mom and Dad for all your Love and support. What a fun time with friends and family :)

Jodi Jainchill PT, CFMT

Hoop and Health Gainesville Facebook group

Come join the Facebook group: Hoop and Health Gainesville
Share videos, pictures, and Hoop events & thoughts!
It's a blast- thanks!

Getting To Know Jodi

My name is Jodi and I am a licensed Physical Therapist. I received my degree from the University of Florida in 1998, where I was a member of the gymnastics team. I have been practicing P.T. for eleven years. I began my career working with stroke patients. With a strong neurological background, I trained and received certification in Pilates Rehabilitation in 2003 through Polestar Pilates in Miami. Next, I got extensive training in Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitaion (PNF), through the Institute of Physical Art, became a Certified Functional Manual Therapist (CFMT), and graduated through the organization in 2006.

I have also been trained in pain management through David Butler courses and Visceral Manipulation through The Barral Institute. I am always looking to expand my tool box and have found hoola hooping to also be a marvelous adjunct in my practice.

I began hoola hooping again after my friend, Stephanie Moses a certified hypnotherapist, noticed my spine had become stiff while I was walking. It was amazing how quickly my spine became suppler once I began hooping again. This exercise was fun and beneficial!

Jodi Jainchill PT, CFMT

Hooping on Horses Part II

It is fun to try hooping with different hoops and in different environments!!! This mare, Annie, loves hooping and is fabulous!

Jodi enjoying a hoop day at the beach

Jodi working the hoop at the beach. Both the water and suntan lotion makes it even more fun! :)

Tutorial: #2: I Started Hooping Again, What's Next?

-Hope you've been having fun moving again with your hoop
-You may have noticed some muscle soreness in your core, back, & legs
-If your hoop is too small and your movements are "jerky" you may be compressing your spine and and causing low back pain, so make sure you have a large & weighted hoop
-You may notice it initially took A LOT of effort and movement to keep the hoop up; with practice you will be more relaxed and have "effortless movement"
-Keep hooping and slowly you will start improving your body awareness and propioception (where your body is in space)
-Comfortable side is your "happy" side and the opposite side is your "healthy" side
-Change stride and do your "healthy" side to be more symmetrical
-It may feel like you are starting all over again, so you may want to start using the mirror for feedback (see tutorial #1)
-Doing both directions works on symmetry and coordination
-Doing both your happy and healthy side will balance your pelvic musculature and your sacroiliac joint (SI joint)
-Hooping in both directions may balance your brain (right/left side)
-Next, try hooping with feet hip width apart in both directions
-Slowly work endurance by increasing time in increments; hoop both directions to a song or during commercials
-Your heart rate may increase and provide a cardio workout
-Have fun and build up your time slowly

Jodi Jainchill PT, CFMT

Where's Your Toddle?

Where's Your Toddle?

How many times have you heard someone look at a child and say, “If only we had that much energy!” Part of what we look at as energy is their freedom of movement – how much they move is just required to navigate our 'big' world. The couch is up to their chin, the door handle on tippy toes, the looking at mommy like looking up to a giant. When did you last climb up over your head to have a seat? Also, as adults we start to take on social reserve and restrict our natural range of motion, but during times of stress and anxiety – triggers for the fight or flight systems – we really tighten and create a sort of imaginary wall to our movement (Jodi can tell you about fascia and proprioception). Think of the body responding to your inner conversation during those times.........”I'm so upset, I feel uptight, I'm stuck, I just want to leave, I feel like exploding” The body acts out the emotions both as literal actions – shoulders up and tight, everything up and set, muscles tensed and ready to run – and as an overall bio-emotional state of feeling locked up or locked in. Sometimes I'll ask a client if they can dance – really shake their butt. Why? Because it is as we do natural 'easy' movements like dancing that the residual holding and tightening from our emotions really show. Try a little dancing right now, did your hips move farther in the past, was there more bounce in your step?

That's where a hoop is a beautiful teacher. You'll be surprised at how much more you need to (and quickly start to) move. You'll bend down and pick up the hoop a hundred times and be laughing the whole time. Yes, you could go out and specifically stretch and train, but the emotional inhibitors would still be active with such conscious effort. We want to relax the command center and let the 'troops' have some fun. Reverse the conversation to “I can move here and here and here!” While hooping and engaging your 'toddle', just like a toddler exploring, you will simply respond to a new set of parameters (very technical for 'keep the hoop going').

Stephanie Moses CHt., Bio-Emotional Release, EFT

Tutorial #1: Tips To Start Hooping Again

Equipment:
Large hoop that stands between belly button and chest
Full length mirror
Favorite Dance Music
-Start by standing in front of your mirror without your hoop
-Feel relaxed, loose, and fabUlous!
-Place either foot in front (stride stance)
-With relaxed knees, rock back and forth fully accepting weight into each foot
-Use the mirror to see where you are stiff. Breathe and relax into that area...You look Great!
-Now you are ready to pick up your hoop!!!
-Show some skin on your belly to help the hoop stick more to your body
-Use all the above techniques to move with your hoop
-If you have your right foot in front, spin your hoop to the left and if you put your left foot in
front, spin your hoop to the right
-Use your mirror for feedback and have FUN!
-Give your body time to warm up and feel the music
-Now your having fun and getting a full body workout

This is the beginning of your fitness and lower back exercise program!

Jodi Jainchill PT, CFMT