I recently came across my old hula hoop and remembered how much fun it is! I'm interested in "hooping" for fitness purposes. I'm trying to figure out if I'd be better off with a sports hoop, or a dance hoop. Your site mainly discusses dance hoops, and it seems like an artistic form of expression, as well as a good workout. I'm not the graceful type, and can't see myself using it for dancing... You guys are the experts... Are there advantages/disadvantages in using one hoop or the other?

I notice the sports hoops (like on spoortshoops.com) are padded, and are wavy inside (waves seem awkward, but padding might be nice). The dance hoops seem thinner and look nicer. But for general toning purposes, which style would you recommend?

Thanks!
Susan K.

Dear Susan

The big difference between a dance hoop and a sport hoop is the price. Sports Hoops cost considerably more, and they don't do anything for you that a homemade dance hoop can't. Keeping the same basic instructions in mind, you can add more weight simply by going with a different grade of polyethylene tubing. Typically we make hoops with 160 psi 3/4" pipe, or 100 psi 1" pipe, but going with a 160 psi 1" pipe will make you a very heavy hoop. Want to add more weight? Add tape, multiple layers even. Tape not only adds weight, it adds traction which will help you keep the hoop going, and if you want an even more intense workout you can always try adding some water, sand, or beans to increase the weight even more. Another perk to making your own is that you can make your hoop look exactly the way you want to. Most sport hoops we've seen tend to be a little on the ugly side.

Happy Hooping!

Hooping.org