Choosing the right hoop for YOU

If you've decided you want to try out hooping, congratulations! Hopefully you didn't run out to Wal-mart and grab a child's $10 toy, because unless you are a child, you won't be able to do much with it. What you want is a sturdy, heavier hoop that won't kink after a few drops to the ground...and it WILL drop to the ground, at least a few times.

Here are some things to take into consideration before purchasing (or making) a hoop:

Size
Larger hoops revolve around your body slowly, allowing you to do less physical movement to keep the hoop going. If you have never hooped before, a large hoop will be your best friend and can give you the confidence you need to move to a smaller hoop. Some people prefer larger hoops, because of their trance inducing qualities. A large, heavy hoop allows for meditation not always attainable with tiny, fast moving hoops. If you are tall, above 6', you also would benefit from a large hoop. Large starts at about 42" in diameter. Once you get to 48" and beyond things get kinda silly. It's not impossible to hoop with a 50" hoop, of course, but think about where you will be hooping, and how you'll transport it...hoops are WAY too fun to just leave at home! Also, if you decide you want a super big hoop, make sure the tubing is not the standard 3/4" pvc tubing. You'll want a 1" tubing, to ensure that the hoop doesn't get floppy and wobbly on you.

Medium sized hoops are appropriate for a beginners, young and old. Unless you are really tall (or wide, for that matter), medium should suit you just find. Medium hoops are fairly easy to use, and allow for hoop dancing and tricks that you wouldn't otherwise be able to do with a big hoop. If you read through this and still aren't sure what size you should get, go with medium. They range from 39" to 41" in diameter.

Small hoops revolve around your body the fastest, thus requiring the most amount of movement to keep momentum. Small hoops range anywhere from 36" to 38". They are the most popular with advanced hoop dancers, because they are light, and allow for quick tricks. A small hoop would make a great gift for a child above the age of 3 (however just for the record I HAVE seen children spin with hoops that are 2 times taller than they are).

What's on the inside?
Many hoop makers will give you the option of putting water, beads, or beans inside your hoop. If you are interested in hooping as a way to slim down, and tone up your core, adding a little water to your hoop is a great way to intensify your workout. This will force your abs to work harder than a light hoop, giving you results faster. You should never be experiencing pain when you hoop. Listen to your body, and don't over-do it. Hooping bruises are normal for someone hooping for the first time, even with a light hoop. Know that these will go away, and won't come back if you continue hooping on a regular basis. If you (like me) couldn't stop hooping for hours once you tried it, and had bruises on your sides in lovely shades of blue and red, you may want to take a couple days off.
Beads and beans can be a fun touch, but realize that you'll be listening to it whirl around in there all the time. You might like it, or it might annoy you. It's a preference thing, really.

What's on the outside?
Most hoops are made from coiled pvc tubing, available at most large hardware stores. What makes hoops look so pretty are the colorful tapes used to wrap around them. If you tried to hoop with a "naked" hoop, you would have very little control, as the slick surface would slip against your clothing. Not only does tape make the hoop look nice, but provides a bit of traction. I've found that cloth and gaffer tape provide the most grip without being "sticky". Different people have different methods for taping hoops. My preferred method is 1 layer of electrical tape, to seal the seam and to cover the slick black pvc. Next I do a layer of pretty glittery shiny tape. This isn't necessary, but it's fun. Last I do my layer of cloth or gaffer tape.
For complete instructions on making your very own hoop, visit Jason Strauss's awesome tutorial site HERE. If you need a little help with the taping/wrapping, check out this informative youtube video for some pointers.
If you aren't crafty whatsoever, or just don't have the time or patience to make your own, there are MANY out there willing to make one for you. If you decide to purchase a hoop from a seller on ebay.com or etsy.com, contact them first with your choice of size, colors, and make sure they are using at least one layer of gaffer or cloth tape. It will save you frustration in the long run.
I can personally attest to the quality of the BodyHoops brand hoops. I have over a dozen of these and they are all great. The hoops are wrapped evenly in several colorful layers, the outside layer being gaffer, the grip tape.

Hopefully I managed to enlighten rather than confuse you, however if you have any questions feel free to leave comments and I'll address them in future posts. Now go get a hoop!