Exercises of this nature have two key characteristics: they either direct you to cross your limbs over the midline of your body, or direct you to move your limbs at the same time, on opposite sides of your body. ( The eyes also move in various paths as the limbs move.)
Hand-hooping includes both of these movement patterns, plus more!!! The mini hoops require you to take full command of your left and your right hands working them independently and in sync of each other, throughout multiple planes of movement. As you do so you are stimulating both hemispheres of your brain to work together. As a result, you can instantly access more logic and more creativity!
I became sold on hand-hooping after two concentrated weeks of practice. Prior to starting, I had spent three frustrating years trying to master a five-ball juggle. After two weeks of hand-hooping I picked up the balls, to experience significant gains! My left hand finally began to cooperate!!! Now, I turn to hand-hooping to help me warm-up before taking the stage. I consider them a form of "cross training for the brain!" My sense is that people of all ages can benefit from this art-form.
