Well, I was on the wrong track, but think I have it thanks to the clues. You know how something can suddenly hit you _______ -like a ton of bricks? :) Oh and thanks for the kind words TM. Love my job, but the paperwork has become pretty overwhelming now. Our parent liaison, who calls my Spanish-speaking parents, set up five meetings in three days next week(two at the same time-really?)I'm ready to retire. Bank says otherwise...

Oh Yes! I discovered hooping in March and in one month lost one inch off my waist. Using the hoop has completely reshaped my midsection. In fact I won a "fat to fit" contest at my gym, which was based on percentage of body fat lost. I only lost 10 lbs, but went from 28.9% to 19.1% body fat. I posted about hooping several times on the Home Decorating forum (Conversations side). I have several hoops now, but started with the 3 lb Acu hoop like the one pictured above. My most recent hoop is the travel hoop from Hoopnotica.com. I also got a couple of videos from them. If you buy from Hoopnotica use this code for a discount - TS0926. I can't say enough good things about hooping. It is a fun way to exercise that I can do at home while watching TV. I find it very enjoyable. I am 52 years old and wore a bikini on my last vacation to Mexico. Here is a link that might be useful: Decorating forum thread

Here's the deal, the larger size and weight actually make it easier to hoop at first. Did your daughter just get a cheapie hoop from Walmart? If so, she may get frustrated with it. If she wants a lighter weight hoop, that still has enough weight for an adult to use she should check out the hoops at Hoopnotica and Canyon Hoops She might want to especially check out the Hoopnotica travel hoop. It comes in 6 sections, and can be put together using either all 6 or only 5 sections, which can be helpful for smaller people or those with limited space to hoop in. Another great resource is Hooping.org

I have been hooping every day, in short sessions- 10 minutes- ( although I am still starting, stopping and picking up the hoop) Sometimes I hoop more than once a day. I noticed the flexibility of my spine has improved! Last night we went to a concert by our fav band Telesma and I danced like crazy - really dancing! In the past,I moved rather stiffly to the music as best I could. Additionally, I was able to dance the whole hour of the second set! Yay!!!!