From
Ed Thomas, Ed. D.
U.S. Army Physical Fitness School
Fort Benning,
GA
Dear Ms.
Iverson:
Thank you very much for introducing me to the Heavy Hoop and
instructional videos you have produced. You might be aware that the
National Sporting goods Manufacturers of America lists me as a quotable
expert on health and physical fitness. I also create doctrine for the
United States Army Physical Fitness School. We mandate the physical
training for all soldiers in the Army. People and organizations are
constantly sending me ideas and equipment to evaluate, and I have been
in this field for over three decades. In my personal opinion, the Heavy
Hoop and the training system you have developed is a sure winner.
Congratulations.
The circular patterns you
employ are a welcome relief from the linear movements I normally see,
and your progression is very well conceived. The movements make great
use of the body in three-dimensional motion, and the weight of the hoop
is appropriate for both weak and strong. Your product can be customized
for any population like seniors, the disabled, children, and athletes.
It would also be a great tool for rehabilitation.
Congratulations once again
for breaking new ground in fitness innovations. You have obviously
dedicated a tremendous amount of time and energy to your product and
training system. I have heard it said that true innovations, once
created, appear obvious. You have discovered the obvious, and many
people looking for rational physical training will benefit from your
insight.
Sincerely,
Ed Thomas,
Ed. D.
From: M. Mirhoseini, M.D.,F.AC. C.,
F.A.C.S.
Heart and Lung Institute of Wisconsin
Dear Ms.
Inverson:
I had the opportunity to
review the video and the product that was submitted to me regarding
exercise with the Heavy Hoop. Also, I took the opportunity to show this
to one of my cardiology colleagues. We were pleased to notice that
circular patterns that you employ instead of lineal movements in this
tape are probably sufficient for cardiac patients rehabilitation and
also exercise regarding wheelchair exercises that you have submitted. I
feel this is a very outstanding contribution for safe exercise at home
and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and congratulate
you on your innovation.
Very sincerely
yours,
M. Mirhoseini
From:
Barry Stein, D.P.E.
Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Get Fit For
Life
Therapeutic Exercise Programs
Dear Wendy:
What a surprise. Today, I
received a "Heavy Hoop" and video from "Buz" Barlow. As a member of the
"Baby Boomer" generation and author of the book, GET FIT FOR RETIREMENT,
"The Baby Boomers Guide for Staying Healthy," I immediately identified
with the hoola hoop shape. However, it didn't take me long to see the
wonderful potential of this unique and versatile piece of fitness
equipment.
As a Clinical Exercise
Physiologists and director of the GET FIT FOR LIFE program, I examined
the "Heavy Hoop" in terms of how best it would meet the needs of my
"fifty plus" clinical practice patients. While the accompanying video
seemed to be geared towards a younger program participant, I saw right
away that the "Heavy Hoop" could be used to teach balance, coordination,
flexibility, strength and cardiovascular conditioning to elementary
school children - and just as easily be used with wheelchair bound
geriatrics. It appears that the market for this device is
unlimited.
I believe that "Heavy Hoop"
will see great success in FitnessAge 2000. My congratulations to the
developers.
Very Sincerely
Yours,
Barry M. Stein
From: Betty
Fritz, CHHI
Director, Senior Aerobics
United Fitness
Center
Dear Wendy:
You are incredible! The
compliments keep pouring in - "Best class we've ever had," "You've got
to get her back," "Where can I by one of those hoops?" Quite honestly
I'm jealous because in more than two decades of teaching I've never had
compliments like you're getting. Than you so much for taking time from
your busy schedule to introduce my water aerobics classes to your
amazing Heavy Hoop and for the difference this will make in the lives of
those who use it.
I must tell you that I find
it amazing that proper use of the hoop can provide such a wide range of
fitness benefits. In combination, the resistance offered by the hoop,
water and body itself offer superb cardio, flexibility and strength
conditioning. Although weighted, the hoop is buoyant and moves through
the water effortlessly and unlike with free weights or fancy machines
the user is unlikely to overextend themselves to the point of injury. On
top of all this, the hoop is so much fun to use that I saw similes where
frowns usually appear on the face of my students.
Please permit me one final
thought - the Heavy Hoop would be a tremendous tool for physical
therapists or those who work with seniors. In or out of the pool (your
chair routine is unlike anything I've ever seen) people with limited
range of motion or a minimum fitness level would quickly see measurable
results. Get the word out - we've been waiting for something like the
Heavy Hoop for a long time.
Sincerely yours,
Betty Fritz
From: Andrew Starsky, BSEE,
PT
Aurora Sports Medicine Institute
The Heavy Hoop has been a
good rehab tool for advanced shoulder rehabilitation. Twirling the hoop
around your arm activates a number of shoulder and trunk
muscles
Andrew Starsky, BSEE, PT
