How Much Are Hula Hoops: A Price Guide Comparison

Over the years, there have been a lot of famous fitness trends. From trail running to P90X, these workout routines have seen great surges in popularity--and if you’re like me, you’ve tried them all. This is a good thing, because it’s only after trying countless methods that you find the kind of exercise that is most effective for you. But there is one drawback: all that special gear can get expensive!

Hula hooping has been having a moment in the sun for a while now, and this exercise trend shows no signs of slowing down. This workout is great for blasting belly fat and burning calories - plus it’s super fun! So how can you reap the benefits of a great hula workout, without going broke trying to buy equipment? Here are a few guidelines to keep your waist and your wallet happy:

What Style Do You Want?

Fitness hoops come in a variety of styles, and each style is meant to serve a specific purpose. There are magnetic hoops, which claim to use biomagnetism to increase your calories burned. There are collapsible hoops, perfect for the girl or guy who wants to take a hoop on the go. There are weighted hoops, which increase your workout intensity the way a bigger dumbbell would. They all do different things, and they all come at a different price.

If you’re new to hooping, my first suggestion would be to use a standard adult hoop with a lighter weight. This will ease you into hooping, and give you a chance to decide if this is the right fitness routine for you (though I’m sure it will be - it’s too much fun!) Travel hoops are particularly popular, as they can collapse and fit into your gym bag or the backseat of your car. But each style varies in price, too; a travel hoop, for example, can cost you anywhere from 30 to 70 dollars.

What Size Do You Want?

Once you’ve decided on your style, you’ll next have to decide on size. As I mentioned earlier, you’ll want to take up a standard hoop with a light weight as you begin your hooping journey. Look for something between 40 and 44 inches in diameter, with a weight between 1 and 1.5 lbs. As you improve and gain strength, you can opt for a heavier hoop, or even a smaller one for an even more intense workout.

Please bear in mind that this is not a hoop you will find at the local toy store. Those plastic toys are, just that - toys - and they tend to only weigh 1.5 to 2 ounces! Of course, you’ll find that your standard fitness hoops is a bit more expensive than the child’s toy version. Weighted hoops range from 20 to 40 dollars, depending on the weight you choose and where you buy them from.

Where Are You Buying It?

Here we come to the crux of the matter: the cost of your hula hoop largely depends on where you buy it from. Because of the popularity of hooping at the moment, most fitness stores and big box retailers are offering exercise hoops for anywhere between 20 to 40 dollars. You can even buy them online for a slight discount - though shipping costs may offset the savings.

On the other end of the spectrum, specialty stores offer a variety of hoops, as well as instructional DVDs and other hooping material for a higher cost--usually between 50 and 70 dollars. While these products do carry a higher price point, they also tend to be more durable, which can save you money in the long run. Many of these stores can also provide you with support over the years, too; for example, should your collapsible hoop lose a segment, a hoop specialist could sell you a replacement at a lower cost.

All in all, your choice of hoop depends on a few things: your budget, your needs, and how seriously you take hooping. If you’re brand new to the scene and aren’t too sure yet, a cheaper hoop from a big box store will probably suit you just fine. But once you’ve fallen in love with hooping (and again, I’m sure you will), splurging on a sturdier hoop will most definitely be worth your while. So shop away - but then, get to hooping!