Knowing what size hoop to buy can be a pain if you don't understand what to look for. Fear not! Read below for a comprehensive guide on what to consider when choosing your first hoop. If you are still unsure and need further guidance, please contact me.
- Measured in Inches, from Outside Diameter to Outside Diameter (O.D. - O.D.)
- (Some prefer to measure Internal Diameter (I.D.), which is the actual space inside the hoop. This measurement will be smaller than the O.D. My hoops are measured using the O.D.).
- Beginner's: recommended size should fall somewhere between nipple and navel height.
- The larger the hoop, the slower the rotation, so the easier it is to get started.
THICKNESS
UK hoops come in 2 tubing thicknesses:-
- 25mm - easier to manoeuvre, so more suited to beginner's and/or those who prefer extra grip and a slower hooping style.
- 20mm - this lighter, thinner tubing makes it more comfortable to hoop on the more delicate parts of the body, such as the neck, knees and arms. It is also more suited to faster hooping styles.
WEIGHT
Myth: The heavier the hoop, the more weight you'll lose.
Wrong! The heavier the hoop, the more it will massage your waist which may help to tone up your midriff. If you are looking to burn calories, the smaller and lighter hoops will be more suited as you'll be putting more effort into hooping and moving around.
If you hoop too hard and fast with a heavy hoop, this will give you severe bruising, especially if you were to use it around the delicate areas of your hands, hips and neck (this happened to me and I ended up looking like I'd been strangled...).
PLEASE NOTE: While hoop-dance can provide an excellent addition to a healthier and fitter lifestyle, it is not a miracle cure for weight loss. If you are concerned about hoop-dance on your personal health, please consult your doctor or physio before commencing.
A Note About Bruising...
Bruising is a common occurrence when you first start to hoop and obviously may cause concerns for the beginner hooper. You may find that the more delicate areas of your body will be susceptible to bruising, e.g. neck, back of the hands and the hips (where I got my first serious one!). This will mostly be a problem with the thicker hoops. Bruising usually occurs because you are teaching your body how to move in a way that you're not used to. As you progress, you'll learn to control the hoop better so that your body is more aware of the correct movements. In the meantime, it is advised that you avoid hooping on the sore area and maybe rub some Arnica cream onto the affected area to speed up the healing, then gradually build up the movements again.
Non-Foldable vs Foldable Hoops
- Foldable hoops will be slightly weightier than regular hoops, due to the added materials needed to construct them.
- The amount of hoop tapes used to decorate a hoop also affects its weight. So the more you use, the heavier the hoop will be. Please see my Guide to Choosing Tapes for more information.