Hula hooping is a fun and dynamic form of exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. One of the most important factors in choosing the right hula hoop is size. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hooper, the size of your hula hoop can affect your hooping experience. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the different sizes of hula hoops available and help you choose the right one for your needs.
Hula hoops come in four different sizes: small (36 inches), regular (38 inches), large (40 inches), and extra-large (42 inches). Standard large hula hoops for fully grown persons usually measure between 38 and 42 inches in diameter.
However, smaller and lighter hula hoops may be more challenging for beginner users, since it requires more skill to get them going.
WHAT Size Hula Hoops Should You Get?
The size of the hula hoop you should get depends on your height and the type of hooping you plan to do. A general rule of thumb is to choose a hoop that reaches your belly button when it’s standing on the ground. For adults, a medium size hoop (around 38-42 inches in diameter) is a good place to start. For children, a smaller size hoop (around 28-32 inches in diameter) is recommended.
Sizing Hula Hoops Based on Physique
Generally, hula hoopers are classified into six different profiles, depending on their expertise and physique: children, beginner, novice, intermediate, expert, and overweight. Depending on the individual’s experience level with the hula hoop, they can move from one profile to another.
| Height | Weight | Recommended Size |
| > 5’10” | 140-180 pounds 100-140 pounds | Extra-large Large |
| 5’5” to 5’10” | 180-220 pounds 140-180 pounds 100-140 pounds | Extra-large Large Regular |
| 5 to 5’5” | 180-220 pounds 140-180 pounds 100-140 pounds | Extra-large Regular Small |
| < 5 | 180-220 pounds 140-180 pounds 100-140 pounds | Large Regular Small |
Are Weighted Hula Hoops Best?
Weighted hula hoops can be beneficial for some hoopers because they provide added momentum and can make certain tricks easier to perform. However, they can also be heavier and more difficult to control, so it’s important to try out different types of hoops before making a decision. It’s also worth noting that some hoopers prefer the feeling of a lighter hoop, as it allows for more fluid and faster hooping. It depends on the individual’s preferences and skill level.
Profiles of Hula Hoop
Now that we know more about the different types of hula hoops, let’s analyze each profile and determine which hoop is best suited for you.
- Children: This profile includes children who are just starting to learn how to hula hoop. Smaller hoops are mostly used that are easy to control and maneuver.
- Beginner: This profile is for individuals who are new to hula hooping and are still learning the basics. They typically use medium-sized hoops that are easy to control and maneuver.
- Novice: This is for people who have some experience with hula hooping and are starting to learn more advanced tricks. Medium-sized hoops that are easy to control and maneuver are mostly used in this profile.
- Intermediate: Includes individuals who have some experience with hula hooping and are starting to learn more advanced tricks. Medium-sized hoops are used in this profile that is easy to control and maneuver.
- Expert: People who have a lot of experience with hula hooping and can perform advanced tricks fall in this profile. They normally use larger hoops that are more challenging to control.
- Overweight: Overweight individuals who have difficulty hooping with standard-sized hoops fall in this profile. Larger hoops that are easier to control are used in this profile.
It’s worth noting that this classification system is not set in stone and can change depending on the individual’s experience level with the hula hoop, they can move from one profile to another. And also the size of the hoop is not the only factor to consider, it’s also important to take into account the individual’s body shape, height, and skill level when choosing a hoop size.
What Size Hula Hoop For a 10-Year-Old?
For younger kids (up to 6 years old) an 80cm hoop is recommended. Those in the 6 to 12 age group and intermediate hoopers should look for a 90cm hoop, whilst beginners of all ages should aim for a 100cm hoop.
Does The Size of The Hula Hoop Matter?
The size of a hula hoop does matter, as it can affect the hooping experience. The size of the hula hoop can impact the hoop’s weight, momentum, and ease of control. In general, larger hoops are heavier and have more momentum, making them easier to keep spinning but also harder to control. On the other hand, smaller hoops are lighter and have less momentum, making them more challenging to keep spinning but also easier to control.
A general rule of thumb is to choose a hoop that reaches your belly button when it’s standing on the ground. However, it’s always best to try out different sizes of hoops before making a decision, as your personal preferences and skill level can also play a role.
FAQs
What are good hoop sizes?
It depends on your skill level, size, and preferences for what size hoop you want. If you’re a beginner, it’s usually best to use a larger hoop because it rotates more slowly and is easier to handle. A 36 to 42-inch hoop is usually a good size for adults. In general, a 28 to 32-inch hoop works for kids.
What is the difference between 5/8″ and 3/4″ hula hoops?
Compared to 3/4-inch hoops, 5/8-inch hoops have thinner tubing. The difference lies in tubing thickness. Thicker tubing makes the hoop heavier, stiffer, and more stable. While thinner tubing makes the hoop lighter and more flexible, it is easier to rotate and perform advanced tricks. Your hoop size determines whether you use 3/4-inch or 5/8-inch.
What weight hula hoop should I start with?
The heavier hoop rotates at a slower rate, making it easier to learn basic hoops. A weight range of 1 to 2 pounds (0.45 to 0.9 kilograms) is the best starting point for most adults. If you need lighter or heavier hoops, listen to your body.
How do I choose a hoop?
Hoops are more comfortable for taller individuals than for shorter individuals. Skill level: Beginners may prefer larger hoops, while advanced hoopers may prefer smaller hoops.
It is easier to control a heavier hoop for faster tricks, while a lighter hoop is easier to control. Hoops come in plastic, polyethylene, and HDPE. Different materials provide different qualities.
Choosing hoops for fitness or dance requires different hoop characteristics.