Success Story- How Timothy Lost Over 100 lbs. Hooping!

 “I encourage everyone to seek out a Hoopnotica class and give it a try. Hooping offers something for everyone.” I have been overweight my entire life... I cannot remember a time when my weight was ever considered healthy. Being in my early thirties and obese was not just affecting my self-image - it was affecting my health. My cholesterol and blood pressure needed to be controlled by medication. My health was seriously at risk. I had tried several diets over the years. Each time looking for that magic cure...that simple remedy to burn away the fat. Nothing seemed to work. One day I just decided that enough was enough. I was going to lose the weight. It wasn’t easy. It took a lot of hard work and I had to make a few lifestyle changes. I ate a balanced diet, paying close attention to the portion sizes of my food. I also made sure to exercise daily; burning more calories each day than I was eating. What I have gained is worth it. So far I have lost 80 pounds and kept the weight off. My cholesterol and blood pressure are now in a normal, healthy range. I have more energy than ever before. I now enjoy, and look forward to, exercising. There was no secret, no magic, no shortcuts. It took a balanced diet, plenty of exercise, and a desire to get rid of all the excuses standing in the way of me achieving my goal. Seeing and feeling my body change has helped keep me motivated. Tim's Hoop Journey For me, a healthy lifestyle is a combination of a balanced diet and plenty of exercise. When I first decided to live a healthier life, the only exercise I did was on the elliptical machine at the gym. It wasn’t fun, but I was able to burn enough calories that, when combined with a balanced diet, helped the weight come off. Once I started to lose weight I began to feel better (physically and emotionally). I wanted to find more ways to move my body. The elliptical machine was no longer enough for my new found energy and excitement. So I got into running. It took me outside, exploring some beautiful local parks surrounded by nature and fresh air. I ran my first 5k race; finishing in 24 minutes 27 seconds; first place for men in my age group! Overall I was the 23rd person to cross the finish line out of a total of 168 runners. I felt unstoppable. I wanted to find other ways to challenge my body and stay active. That’s when I stumbled across hooping for fitness. One day I read about a local woman who lost 140 pounds and her husband who lost over 100 pounds. This couple was Hoopnotica Master Trainer Jen Moore and her husband Keith. I’m always looking for new ways to exercise and they taught several Hoopnotica classes around town. I was a little apprehensive at first, but curiosity was too strong. I thought, “why not?” and signed up for their class. I remember my first class very well, I was so nervous. What if I can’t keep the hoop up? This is so silly! I’m the only guy taking this class! Then Jen walked into the room. She introduced herself to us, shared her inspiring story and her personality put me at ease. I had no problem keeping the hoop up. Jen noticed me and asked, “You’ve done this before, haven’t you?” “No”, I replied, “this is my first time”. She told me I was a natural hooper. Sure, I dropped the hoop several times, but I was having so much fun, I didn’t care. Wait, I was exercising AND having fun? Yes, I was laughing, making friends with others in the class and burning calories at the same time. I was hooked! I couldn’t wait for the next class. I fell in love with hooping. I purchased my own hoop so that I could hoop whenever and wherever I wanted. Hooping allowed me to move my body in new ways. I felt more confident in myself and what my body could do. I was achieving things that I thought were impossible. I sometimes think back to the doubts I had about taking Jen’s hoop class. I’m glad I took a chance. My life is so much better for it. Hooping keeps me active. I may not always be able to get to the gym or to the park to run, but I can always hoop, even if it’s just in my living room.  Hoopnotica has added so much to my life. Hooping has become a great addition to my healthy lifestyle. It has helped me feel more comfortable in my body. It feels more like playing than exercise. I have so much fun each time I step into my hoop. I love how hooping constantly challenges my body. There are always new moves to master. This provides me plenty of opportunity to get a full-body work out, strengthen my coordination and just get out and have fun! Hoopnotica classes have opened me up to a whole community of people who share my passion and enthusiasm for the hoop. I love the variety of hoopers out there. Some enter the hoop for fitness, some for dance, and some to connect their mind, body and soul. The variety of reasons why people hoop is proof of the versatility of this activity. Each time I enter the hoop, it is a unique experience. Sometimes I hoop to burn calories. Sometimes I hoop to lose myself in meditative movement as the hoop rotates around my body. Then there are times when I turn up the music and feel like a rock star in my hoop. The only requirement to hoop is a desire to do so. That desire will fuel your hooping as you build up the muscle memory that will keep the hoop off the floor and around your waist. My advice to anyone who is thinking about giving hooping a try is this; get used to the sound of your hoop hitting the floor. That isn’t the sound of failure. It’s the sound of success. You’re succeeding in trying something new. You’re succeeding in pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. You’re succeeding in building that muscle memory that will help you keep the hoop up longer as you continue to grow as a hooper. Besides, having to bend over and pick up the hoop each time it falls burns calories too. Even when you think you’re failing, you’re still succeeding in getting exercise - laughing the entire time. You just can’t lose! Hooping has allowed me to maintain a healthy weight, meet amazing people, and continually challenges what I think is possible for myself. I encourage everyone to seek out a Hoopnotica class and give it a try. Hooping offers something for everyone.

"Go from BEFORE to AFTER."

Name: Timothy Age: 32 City: Rochester, NY Occupation: Computer Technician Height: 5’6’’ Past Weight: 222 lbs Current Weight: 142 lbs