The Different Types of Hula Hoops and Where to Find Them

While traditionally hula hoops have been used as children’s toys or for performance, more adults are realizing that hula hoops are not only fun--but an incredible tool for physical fitness.

Hula hooping provides a full body workout, burns calories, improves cardiovascular health and improves the strength and flexibility of the spine – and those are just a few of the benefits!

If you are interested in jumping on one of the latest exercise trends, the first thing you need to do is get yourself a hula hoop. Believe it or not, there are actually several different types of hula hoops. In order to ensure you are getting the most out of your exercise routine, you’re going to want get the right hoop.

Things to Consider             

To find the right hula hoop to suit your specific needs, there are some things that you are going to want to take into consideration.

• What’s your skill level? Are you just getting started with an exercise regiment, or have you been working out for a while?

• Do you have any physical limitations that may require a specific hoop size?

• Where will you be hula hooping? You’re going to need plenty of space to use your hoop.

• Will you be traveling with your hoop? If so, you may want to consider getting one that can collapse, which will make it easier to travel with.

• Do you have a budget? Hoops can range in cost from $15 to $50+. The more features a hula hoop has, the more costly it will be.

Types of Hoops

Once you have determined your specific needs, you can start shopping for a hula hoop and find one that will work the best for you.

• Weighted hula hoops. These hoops are bigger and heavier than the hoops kids play with. Their thickness and diameter range in size, from about 36-inches to 43-inches in diameter, and they can weigh about 1.5 to 2 pounds. The larger the diameter, the heavier the hoop. While weighted hoops can help add rigor to an exercise, they can also add more stress to the body. Some have complained of the bruising caused by weighted hula hoops, but this could be from poor posture or hooping incorrectly.

• Pro hula hoops. These hoops tend to be smaller in diameter and lighter than weighted hoops. While the lighter weight may be attractive, do note that because they have a smaller circumference, more skill is needed to keep them up and moving.

• Travel hula hoops. Also known as collapsible hoops, these hula hoops can either break apart into sections, or they can be twisted into smaller circles. As the name suggests, these hula hoops are great to travel with because their size can be reduced, making them easier to stow away.

Where to Find Them

When it comes to shopping for hula hoops, there are a lot of options.

Sporting goods stores are a great option. Many carry a wide selection of hoops, including specialty varieties, such as adult and professional hoops. However, many in-store retailers aren’t as well-versed on the benefits of different types of hula hoops and may not be able to help you with specific questions.

If you want real convenience and an extensive selection, consider shopping online. There are countless online retailers that sell hoops, like Hoopnotica, where you can find several different hoop styles in various price ranges. Hoopnotica is the perfect place to find specialty hoops, like travel hoops, and to get started right away on a hooping workout no matter where you are. Hoopnotica also sells replacement segments for your hoop in case it breaks or you need to replace a part.

With the right hula hoop, you can enjoy a workout that provides exceptional physical benefits, and is just plain fun!