Like any nostalgia-based trend, the appeal is easy to understand: The dance-like motion required to keep the hoop moving feels like a playful game and an excellent workout, all in one pretty affordable piece of equipment. To uncover the benefits of bringing back this childhood activity, we spoke with a CPT and researched the options available today. Learn more below, and find our picks for the best weighted hula hoops of 2023. According to McClellan, a weighted hula hoop also provides resistance, for a more challenging exercise that can help build muscular endurance in the arms, shoulders, back, and core. “Hula hooping requires balance and coordination, and using a weighted hula hoop can help to improve these skills. Hula hooping can also be a fun and enjoyable form of exercise and provide a way to release stress and tension,” she adds. Some studies have indicated similar benefits, with reduced waist and hip width after several weeks of consistently using a weighted hula hoop, but research is quite limited. Once you’ve landed on the type, consider the weight capacity you’re looking for, the size you want, and how much you are willing to spend. Very cheap weighted hula hoops will often catch, scratch, or be difficult to adjust and use. Even the most premium hula hoop we chose is under $50 and extremely high quality. At under $20, if you want to try weighted hula hoops, this one is worth the purchase. Despite its budget pricing, this hoop has a 4 out of 5-star rating, from over 1000 customers. One reviewer loves how fun the weighted hula hoop makes her workout sessions. “It makes working out a blast, and it works well! I use it every day for a few minutes at a time, a couple of times a day, and I can definitely feel it working.” With a 4.3 out of 5-star overall rating and almost 700 reviews, this hoop has mainly positive feedback. One reviewer notes choosing it after a heavier option was too difficult to use: “After buying a hoop with an attached ball on it, I chose this “traditional” hoop. The attached weighted ball hoop engaged my leg muscles but this one engaged my core muscles, which was what I wanted. I found it easier to use. As a complete beginner using weighted hoops, the 2-pound [hoop] is perfect.” The hoop is made from a robust and firm plastic called acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), which is a thermoplastic used to make light, rigid, molded products. The plastic is padded with foam, so it’s more comfortable than some other options, and will likely stand the test of time. It also comes with a carrying bag that makes it easy to transport on trips or to the gym. With an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 from over 2,000 ratings, this is a solid pick. One user reports using it to help break up periods of inactivity during the work day, and another loves the convenience: “The carrying case is a perfect touch because storing a giant hoop isn’t exactly convenient or practical. The assembly is so easy that it isn’t a hassle to take it apart and put it right back together.” The hoop is 41 inches across, and padded with foam to improve comfort. Some reviewers mention slight bruising after their first use, which stopped after they got used to the activity. Wavy ridges on the hoop help keep it from slipping down so it stays put on your waist. Just note: read the instructions carefully, as many users struggled with assembly. The average customer review is 4.5, with reviews from beginners to more advanced hula hoopers. One reviewer chose this hoop while looking for something else to do besides her daily trip to the gym. “As I recall, I wasn’t great at hula hooping when I was a young girl, and at 50, I was unsure if I was going to be able to make this work…It took me about 4 tries to hoop and I had it!” The same reviewer goes on to say, “I can really, really feel it in my stomach and legs. I can see this is going to be an excellent workout.” Made from sturdy ABS plastic, this weighted hula hoop should stand up to frequent use. Make sure you adjust the size for your body so that the links don’t pinch you, which is a complaint some users have. According to reviewers, it is easy to attach and detach pieces to make the hoop smaller or wider. One adds, “Overall, this is perfect for those who can’t lift weights or don’t have the time to go to the gym but still want to burn some calories. I also like how I can track how many I have done or estimated calories I have burned.” Shock absorbers inside the hoop help prevent bruising and soreness and keep the hoop moving smoothly around you. The basic model comes with 24 removable links that you can adjust to fit your body. Additional links are available for a custom fit if you need a bigger hoop. The Fithoop has a 4.8 star rating out of 5, from over 14,000 customers on the brand’s website. One reviewer says the Fithoop really required them to work their lower body, and they could feel it the next day. “I never really work out, and it’s a good starter. I put my wireless headphones in and do 4 upbeat songs for about 30 mins, and I’m done with it for that day…very easy to take off and on links. And it spins effortlessly when you get the rhythm down,” they add.
