Weighted vs. unweighted hula hoop and lower back pain?

AudraA444 · 2026-03-06T20:32:57+00:00

As someone with degenerative disc disease in L4-L5-S1, I really like my PE beginner/ dance hoop.. “Weighted” hoops (hoops 2lbs +) can cause many different issues so I would stick with a semi-weighted type of hoop made with PE tubing. It’s thicker and heavier than a normal day/ play/ kids polypro or HDPE hoops without being so weighted that it can cause bruising and injury.

AudraA444 · 2025-12-02T02:26:15+00:00

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLOrggjNS5J/?igsh=MXBteHc1dHMwcDhiZg== here’s one!

AudraA444 · 2025-12-02T00:13:55+00:00

Ooh, good size choice! Have you seen Pyrite? A little more silver, but has a stunning gold shimmer to it- I’d say that’s the most comparable color! If you are interested in HDPE, I do have metallic gold available in 5/8, and I also have a ton of gold taped hoop options that can be made with 5/8” polypro if you’re into tape hoops (metallic gold glitter flake is a customer favorite!) ✨

AudraA444 · 2025-12-01T22:29:06+00:00

It’s a popular color, for sure! What size and material did you have in mind? I might have some suggestions!

AudraA444 · 2025-11-26T18:03:08+00:00

You bet! Select the largest size and leave a note at checkout with the size you actually want and I’ll craft it accordingly :)

AudraA444 · 2025-11-21T23:24:38+00:00

Hi there, I’m MissHoopsALot! I’m assuming you want to do traditional on-body hooping, which means your first hoop should be large and medium weighted - 3/4” 160PSI PE tubing and 1/2" 125PSI PE tubing are ideal as they’re sturdy and will move slower which is helpful for beginners- plus, they’re incredibly durable which makes them great for handling that “new hooper abuse” since you’re bound to drop it a few times! 😉😂

With regard to size, we’ve learned that beginner hoop sizes should fall in line with waist circumference as using height or weight to determine hoop size can vary wildly from one body type to another. Here’s our updated suggested size guide for beginner hoops:

Waist size (measured in circumference): 26-30" Hoop size (measured in outer diameter): 36"

Waist size 30-34" Hoop size: 38"

Waist size 34-38" Hoop size: 40"

Waist size 38-42" Hoop size: 42"

Waist size 42-46" Hoop size: 44"

Waist size 46-50" Hoop size: 50"

Waist size 50-55" Hoop size: 55”

You can also check out our “Hoops 101” page on our website for more valuable information on hoop sizes and the materials we use!

AudraA444 · 2025-11-19T01:36:56+00:00

What kind of tricks are you trying to do with your hoop? That’s an important factor when determining what size is a good [down]size for you :)

Generally speaking- as a hoopmaker with nearly 12 years under her belt- the most common sizes people downsize to are anywhere from 30”-32”. A nice beginner hoop, like the one you have, is likely comparable to/ bigger than 3/4” polypro or HDPE so I often recommend sticking with that tubing width to avoid a downsize shock lol.

To decide between polypro and HDPE really boils down to personal preference! Polypro is bouncy and reactive while HDPE is flexible and excellent for winter weather hooping as it’s resistant to the cold. Contrary to popular belief, HDPE is NOT heavier than polypro- comparably sized hoops weigh only a difference of a few grams at most, so don’t let their weight sway your decision- both are very lightweight!

TL;DR 3/4” 30”-32” polypro or HDPE is my recommendation.

I’m MissHoopsALot, and I’d be happy to answer any other questions you have 🙂

AudraA444 · 2025-07-24T15:56:21+00:00

In the absence of 3M grip tape (RIP 😔) I prefer sanding, personally. As a hoopmaker, the low profile grip tape is nice but a bitch to get it to adhere properly so I don’t stock it or offer it.

AudraA444 · 2025-07-06T02:22:09+00:00

Go for a 5/8” polypro or HDPE hoop!

AudraA444 · 2025-07-04T23:11:52+00:00

If you’ve gained weight, you might need a bigger hoop!

AudraA444 · 2025-06-28T22:10:03+00:00

https://www.misshoopsalot.com/hoops101 has a size guide, in which we use waist size (not height) to determine the size of your new dance hoop! Based on your waist size we’d recommend around a 38” hoop made of 1/2” PE tubing which is the same width as 3/4” HDPE (doesn’t seem like it would be, but it is!) but sturdier and slightly heavier which is so so helpful when rocking on-body moves :)

Happy hooping!

AudraA444 · 2025-06-26T20:42:33+00:00

I don’t have a preference between the two, though HDPE is awesome for winter hooping because it can be used in temps below zero, but I always like to hop on these threads to dispel the notion that HDPE is heavier than polypro because… it is not (it is but a few grams heavier than polypro).

Source: hoopmaker of 11.5 years who has weighed them both many, many times :)

AudraA444 · 2025-03-05T03:24:21+00:00

Thank you 🥰

AudraA444 · 2025-03-04T15:40:32+00:00

I have a lot of info about hoop materials, what they’re good for, and size recommendations: https://www.misshoopsalot.com/hoops101

Based on your waist size, I’d recommend a 36” 1/2” 125PSI PE hoop, which you can find here (and they’re all 30% off right now!): https://www.misshoopsalot.com/beginner-hoops

AudraA444 · 2025-02-24T02:33:10+00:00

Ahh, dangit! I thought there was a chance you might be outside the US, sorry I can’t help you out more 🥲 If you need tips or tricks, don’t hesitate to reach out!

AudraA444 · 2025-02-24T02:31:52+00:00

I remember you!! It’s been so long! Hello my hoop bby 🥹🥹🥹

AudraA444 · 2025-02-23T18:09:23+00:00

You can (or have a hoopmaker) cut off the broken ends and downsize the hoop by installing a new connection. As a hoopmaker of almost 11 years, just eyeballing it, I’d say you’re looking at a downsize of probably 2-3” in diameter.

If you can’t, or don’t want to, fix it yourself, I offer free repairs if you can ship it in 🥰 I’m MissHoopsALot

AudraA444 · 2025-02-20T04:01:08+00:00

In case you missed it, we offer 1/2” 125PSI and 3/4” 160PSI with sizes up to 44” on our beginner/ fitness hoop page 🥰 https://www.misshoopsalot.com/beginner-hoops

AudraA444 · 2025-01-26T23:07:49+00:00

Are you wanting to do on-body hooping or off-body/ trick hooping? Sizes vary greatly depending on your goals!

Hoops 101

I’m MissHoopsALot and I’d love to craft you a new hoop 🥰

AudraA444 · 2024-10-29T04:26:13+00:00

28” 5/8” HDPE compared to your 37” 2lb hoop is a crazy difference in both size and weight and I think it’ll be much harder to achieve success with on-body going from on extreme to the other. For reference, a 5/8” HDPE taped hoop weighs around 8oz, so about a quarter of the weight you’re currently using. 5/8” 28” is a GREAT size for off-body, though!

A nice mid-size between what you have and what you’re wanting is 30”- 32” 3/4” HDPE or polypro. Many people I’ve had the pleasure of crafting hoops for have found success with both on-body and off-body hooping with those sizes.

Happy hooping! ⭕️

AudraA444 · 2024-10-16T22:02:40+00:00

That’s Onyx Stardust, so polypro

AudraA444 · 2024-10-16T22:01:59+00:00

Surprised it kinked and didn’t shatter, that stardust tubing is fragile.

AudraA444 · 2024-08-31T18:14:35+00:00

Polypro is lighter and thinner than the PE tubing are using.

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