Since I've started hooping I've met a few people who can just pick up a hoop and have it swinging around their hips as if they've been practicing for years. But, for the most part I've met people who, like me, could use a little coaching. For all of you who can just "feel the hoop", you may not need to read the tips on this page. For everyone else, I hope you find the following tips helpful! First of all, it's always a good idea to check with your doctor before you start any new exercise program. Once you're sure that hooping is a good exercise for you: ~ Choose a hoop that is the right size for you. Hoops for Healing offers 3 sizes.  One of these should be perfect for you. ~ Stand with one foot slightly forward and one foot back. ~ Place the hoop around your waist with the hoop pressed against the small of your back. ~ Give the hoop a good push around your waist. There is no right or wrong direction in which to hoop. Find the way that feels the most comfortable to you. ~ Begin to shift your weight back and forth on your feet. I found that my 'instinct' was to move my hips around in a circle to try and keep up the hoop.  But a circular motion isn't what works best at first (that can come later). What's needed is more of a rocking back and forth on your feet - or using your feet to accomplish a pumping back and forth of your hips. ~ If you feel the hoop starting to fall then you can try squatting and moving the hoop faster as you come back up. Or sometimes bumping your booty back will help get the hoop back where it should be. ~ Set small goals for yourself. At first my goal was to simply keep the hoop moving around my waist for 10 continuous rotations before it hit the floor. I gradually increased this. Now I can hoop for 30 minutes at a time (at least that's as long as I've been able to hoop without someone yelling "Mom, I need you!"). And I'm even learning some fancy tricks! ~ And most importantly...DON'T GIVE UP!!  If I can conquer the hoop then anyone can! When you're comfortable keeping the hoop up and your hooping time has increased, try squatting while you hoop or adding some arm movements to work different muscle groups.  Go to the park with your family or a group of friends for a fun day of hooping in the sunshine. Be creative! Have fun! That's what hooping is all about.   Word of Caution: New users may experience some soreness or bruising in the first couple of weeks of hooping. It's a good idea to start slowly. A few minutes each day and then increasing the time gradually as you become acclimated to the new movement and the weight of the hoop going around your body. And, once again, if you have any concerns check with your physician before you start hooping.