http://www.ehow.com/how_11285_hula-hoop.html
Try this ... don't go in a circular motion ... put one foot slightly in front of the other. With the hoop around your waist, spin it quickly to the right or left (whichever feels natural for you) and catch the hoop with your hips, moving your hips side to side, (or some people their hips front to back - which is harder for me) Keep working at it till you build up to 10 minutes continual hooping. I've lost 6 lbs by hooping 10 minutes, 3 times a day (in 2 weeks) and eating right. Don't give up! Hooping is so much fun!
hey chelsea - great fun exercise! did you ever learn how? just wanted to show you this link for instructions and a great dvd ...http://www.hoopnotica.com/index.php?main_page =learn_how ;
I have a hoopnotica travel hoop and i love it - my teenage kids love it too. In fact my 19 year old son is a total natural and he doesn't even have any hips!
Weighted hoops are easier to use than the cheap plastic ones
yes absolutely ... do you hoop regularly? 
I love hula hoop. If you can't do it with a real hula then try the wii fit exercise, it will help you get the motion down.
I have a weighted one at home, I have tried it, my problem is Im in so much pain/bruising after that it's hard to get into a routine. I know I will get use to it if I "bit the bullet" but when you know it's going to be painful it's hard to get yourself to do it! Anybody else have this problem?
yes
If you are using a weighted hoop you should limit the time you spend hooping when first starting, you have to get used to the weight going around your mid-section and there might be bruises.
To get the hoop going spin it around your waist and push your body against the hoop. Wherever the hoop hits you, push out against it. Keep at it and eventually you'll be able to keep the hoop going.
