The 5 Best Exercise Hoops (AKA: Hula Hoops) for All Skill Levels
I love hula hoops. Not only are they great for exercise and the mind/muscle connection, but getting in some cardio with a hula hoop is a lot of fun, too!
Here are my recommendations for the best hula hoops across two popular categories:
From Tosca
A simple and fun way to get leaner
There’s lots of skepticism around exercise hoops. They seem like a fitness craze that can’t really work, right? Well, science is on the hoop’s side. Studies show hula hooping burns about as many calories as walking while adding waist definition.
I hope you find joy and inspiration in this list we’ve curated for you.
Weighted Hoops
Weighted hoops are not like toy hula hoops kids play with. These hoops are made of heavier materials, and the additional weight makes your body work harder to move the hoop around you.
Sports Hoop Acu Hoop 5L
$52
Pros
- Designed for weight loss
- Soft foam padding
- Ridges help keep the hoop at the waist
Cons
- Expensive
- Fixed size
The Acu Hoop 5L is 41.5 inches wide and weighs just under 5 pounds. While almost anyone can use this hoop, it’s ideal for people weighing between 120 and 300 pounds. The plastic hoop comes apart into small sections for easy storage and portability.
Better Sense Hoola Hoop
$30
Pros
- Adjustable size
- Includes free jump rope & resistance band
- Suits all skill levels
Cons
- Some buyers may have a hard time with assembly
The Better Sense Hoola Hoop is made of 8 detachable sections, which can be added or removed to adjust the hoop size. This plastic hoop ranges between 30 and 39 inches and weighs 3.3 pounds. Soft foam coats the hoop for a comfortable exercise experience.
Gate Fitness Weighted Hula Hoop
$35
Pros
- Includes training poster & carrying bag
- Adjustable size & weight
- Comes apart for easy storage & transport
Cons
- Assembly requires some force
The Gate Fitness Weighted Hula Hoop is an adjustable option that comes in 8 segments. The product comes with a convenient bag to carry the pieces and a poster to help guide your training. This hoop ranges from 34 inches to 39.5 inches and weighs 3.1 pounds.
Infinity Hoops
Infinity hoops offer a similar benefit to other weighted hoops but never fall down. An infinity hoop is adjusted to fit your waist while a weight hangs from the hoop. As you move, the weight swings around your body. The motion is very similar to a hula hoop but requires less precision timing.
JKSHMYT Smart Weighted Hula Hoop
$25
Pros
- Works for some plus-size users
- Latch makes getting in & out easier
- Heavier weight than many infinity hoops
Cons
- Bearings can break
- Noisy
Product Title
$53
Pros
- Quieter than most infinity hoops
- Comes in multiple sizes
- Includes a workout video
Cons
- None
The Swiss Activa+ infinity hoop comes in multiple sizes, all of which are adjustable. This hoop is designed to be 40% quieter than the average infinity hoop, so you can listen to music or podcasts while you work out. It even includes a counter that tracks your time, calories burned, and number of rotations.
Buyer’s Guide
What to Look for when Buying an Exercise Hoop
They may look similar, but all hoops are not the same. Your experience will vary wildly depending on your experience and skill levels. Before you purchase an exercise hoop, make sure you consider these 2 things:
Size
The bigger a weighted hoop is in comparison to your body, the harder time you’ll have controlling it. Conversely, you need to have enough space for it to spin. If you’re unsure of your skill level, you may want to spring for an infinity hoop until you get the hang of the motion.
Weight
The heavier your hoop, the harder your body will have to work. If you’re using an infinity hoop, you can probably get away with more weight. But if you’re using a standard weighted hoop, it’s best to start low and work your way up.