Hula Hoop Sizing

Hula Hoop Sizes

To determine what size of hula hoop you should order, you need to consider a few things.

1. Age – 18 and over, follow the guidelines listed below. If you are younger, you may want to speak with me prior to purchasing. It is possible that you may require a lighter hoop.

2. Height – How tall are you? This will give you a rough idea of the diameter (size) of hoop you should get. The below are averages:

Under 5’2 = 38 inches
5’3 to 5’8 = 40 inches
5’9 and up = 42 inches

You should also measure from the floor to two inches above your belly button.  The hoop should measure the same distance.

3.  Weight – If you carry extra weight around your midsection, you will want to purchase a larger size of hula hoop.  The more space that you have between you and the hula hoop, the more likely you will insure success when starting out because the hoop therefore rotates slower.  I would suggest going larger if you are around 38 inches.  My husband recently lost over thirty pounds and he says the 42 inch hoops started feeling good at a 38 inch waist.

4.  Skill Level – If you have hula hooped in the past, you will likely know what type of hoop you want or at least the diameter.  I can speak with you and assist you in finding a hoop that I think would match you well.  I have used over seven types of tubing/piping and love to share what I have experienced.

When a person first begins hula hooping, they typically prefer a heavier and thicker hula hoop.  This is because the inertia of the hoop spinning at the heavier size makes it easier than if you were using a thinner/lighter hoop.  One other item to factor in is if you are using the hula hoop for waist hooping or if you will be doing some hand hooping.  If you plan on doing hand hooping, you should look at one of the lighter hoops.

Decision time…  Now that you know the diameter of the hoop, you need to determine what will create the hoop… which tubing.

Beginner and for Exercise = 1 inch 75 PSI

1 inch @ 75 PSI = This is the best tubing for a person who is just starting to use a hula hoop.  It weighs just under two pounds when tape has completed.  If you are a petite person, you would likely prefer an Exercise Hoop.

Learn more about our Handmade Hula Hoops.

Beginner and Intermediate also for Petite Women = 3/4 inch 100 PSI

3/4 inch @ 100 PSI = This is for a person who wants to exercise.  Because it is lighter than the heavier hoops it allows for a larger range of motion and more calories are burned.  It weighs about 1.5 pounds once taped.  You also open up the ability to learn more about hoop dance.

Learn more about our Handmade Exercise Hula Hoops

It should be added that to increase the weight of a hula hoop, you have a few options.  One option is to add extra tape.  This helps add a little bit of extra weight.    The other option is to put some extra weight into the tubing.  You could add dry rice, marbles, ball bearings, water or anything else that you may have at your disposal.