We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.
The 11 Best Weighted Hula Hoops of 2024
Get a full-body workout in your living room.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Laura-Williams-MSEd-ASCM-CEP-660-e5084159a9e24c72b53f64500853eb37.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Kristin-McGee-1000-07cf951d98d3450dbba8d6a2e3bda2d6.jpg)
Kristin McGee is a certified personal trainer and currently teaches yoga and meditation for Peloton. She is also certified in Pilates by the National Association of Sports Medicine.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/RichPic1-edit-8c4103768b5042988b0a22fc0c74e78f.jpg)
Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle.
Verywell Fit / Reese Herrington
Weighted hula hoops are an excellent way to increase your daily activity level while strengthening your core and loosening up your hips. Once you get started, a weighted hula hoop is easier to keep moving because the hoop’s spinning motion is slowed and steadied by the added weight. It also requires more core activation than a standard hula hoop—a true win-win.
When shopping for a weighted hula hoop, it’s important to consider the size and diameter, how much it weighs, whether it’s adjustable (in diameter or weight), how easy it is to travel with, and whether it has any extra features. For instance, some hoops have rollers or ribs that can massage the muscles of your back as you use them. You may also want to consider which materials the hoop is made from: Some are hard plastic, while others are wrapped in softer foam.
To find the best weighted hula hoops on the market, we asked experts how they work and which features to look for in high-quality models. Then, we researched dozens of weighted hula hoops from popular brands to create our final list of recommendations. We also asked a certified personal trainer from our Review Board to review this story for accuracy and the best way to safely use a weighted hula hoop.
What are the benefits of a weighted hula hoop?
Hula hooping is a low- to moderate-intensity form of exercise that’s low-impact and easy on your joints. It’s also accessible and relatively budget-friendly—most weighted hula hoops cost between $20 to $50—plus, you can easily do it at home.
“Exercising can sometimes get repetitive, frustrating, and boring. However, working out with a hula hoop is a great way to exercise while having fun, as you don’t really feel that you’re working out. This makes it a great way to be consistent,” says John Gardner, NASM-certified personal trainer and co-founder of the Kickoff App. And when done consistently, Gardner says hula hooping can help strengthen your core, burn calories, and improve your cardiovascular fitness.
How effective a weighted hula hoop workout is depends on your fitness level, how heavy the hoop is, and how often you use it, says Joe Johnson, certified personal trainer, weight loss coach, and founder of 9-to-5 Nutrition. He adds that, to maximize the benefits, it’s best to use your hoop regularly as part of a well-rounded fitness routine that also includes other types of exercise.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/dynamis-fat-burning-weighted-hula-hoop-e8e2a0be2c6e430e99870faf5799ae7f.jpg)
Soft foam padding
Compact
Heavier weight creates a harder workout
Smaller diameter
Doesn’t come with a carrying case
For a high-quality, all-around weighted hula hoop, Dynamis’ Weighted Hoola Hoop is our top pick. At 3.6 pounds when fully assembled, this hoop is in the middle of the range of weights on our list. Not too light and not too heavy, it’s ideal for both beginners and intermediate users.
This plastic hoop features soft foam padding and comes in eight different pieces that can be securely clipped together in just a few seconds. We like that the compact design makes it easy to bring this hoop with you outside or to the gym. Users with smaller frames may elect to use only seven of the pieces to assemble a smaller, lighter hoop, which may also feel more comfortable on your lower back back and hips.
Note that this hoop has a smaller diameter than others on our list, and it doesn’t come with a carrying case. Still, we think these are minor trade-offs, considering the hoop’s overall quality.
Key Specs:
Diameter: Up to 36 inches | Weight: Up to 3.6 pounds | Materials: Foam, plastic | Adjustable: Yes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/skayddb-weighted-smart-hoola-hoop-2f016bd006fe404a9fe9956a4af24f15.jpg)
Adjustable size, weight, and intensity
Medium weight
Comes in four colors
Smaller diameter
May be too noisy for some
This weighted hula hoop is our top budget pick because it’s easy to use and easy to adjust, at half the price of our best overall pick. Although it doesn’t have any high-tech features, we still think the design is pretty “smart.”
Like Dynamis’ Fat Burning Weighted Hoola Hoop, this hoop is on the smaller side, so it may not fit everyone. But we like that it’s fully adjustable: You can change the circumference and the weight based on your body and fitness level. Simply add and remove as many of the 24 pieces as needed to get the right fit.
The hoop itself isn’t weighted—instead, there’s a detachable weight that connects to to hoop and swing around the outside perimeter while you use it. The hoop’s 3-pound weight is ideal for beginners or intermediate hula hoopers. You can also change the length of the rope that attaches the weight to the hoop to adjust the intensity of your workout.
Some users have found that this design makes the hoop a little noisy, but we like that you can remove it to customize your workout. Choose from four bright colors to match the rest of your home gym equipment.
Key Specs:
Diameter: Not listed | Weight: 3 pounds | Materials: Plastic | Adjustable: Yes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spinsterz-beginner-hoop-5b1a81baa753436a9c022adf3a7bc709.jpg)
Lightweight
Compact
Lifetime warranty
Not adjustable
Expensive
Beginners need a lighter weighted hoop that’s simple and easy to use, like The Spinsterz’ Beginner Weighted Hula-Hoop. The standard size is 38 inches in diameter and weighs 1.3 pounds, while the large size is 42 inches wide and weighs 1.5 pounds—great weights for those new to hooping.
We love that the hoop also has a detachment point and can be rolled and secured in a smaller loop to make it more travel-friendly. With a sturdy polyethylene construction, the hoop doesn’t come with any additional weights and isn’t adjustable. But we think this is ideal for beginners who don’t want to be slowed down by having to constantly adjust their new hoop.
The Spinsterz’ Beginner Hoop is more expensive than other hoops on our list. However, we like that it comes with a lifetime warranty and a 90-day money back guarantee, for easy shopping and returns.
Key Specs:
Diameter: Up to 42 inches | Weight: 1.3 or 1.5 pounds | Materials: Polyethylene | Adjustable: No
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bintiva-weighted-hula-hoop-3043b75605e342a192a863acbc71ec50.jpg)
Compact
Easy to use
Soft foam padding
Smaller diameter
Doesn’t come with a carrying case
We like Bintiva’s Weighted Hula Hoop because it comes with an extra set of six weights that can be added internally to each of the hoop’s sections. The 38-inch diameter hoop weighs a substantial 3.3 pounds when fully assembled. But with the added weights, you can increase the hoop all the way up to 5.3 pounds—the heaviest on our list.
Although we love how easy it is to adjust the weight, note that the diameter can’t be adjusted, and it’s smaller than other hoops on our list. Also, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll have to add two weights each time on opposite sides, to keep the hoop balanced. But we like that the inside of the hoop has soft foam padding, so you can use it comfortably.
While this compact hoop is easily disassembled for travel and comes with a case to hold the added weights, there’s no carrying case included for the hoop itself. Still, if you’re looking for an adjustable weighted hoop, this one is our favorite.
Key Specs:
Diameter: 38 inches | Weight: 3.3 to 5.3 pounds | Materials: Plastic, foam | Adjustable: Yes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/auoxer-fitness-exercise-weighted-hoops-0e18aab966ae427491fa3f6dc3b42dc9.jpg)
Adjustable size and weight
Budget-friendly
Good for beginners
Smaller diameter
Doesn’t come with a carrying case
Auoxer’s Weighted Hoop is our top pick for a lightweight hoop that’s ideal for beginners, especially those with a smaller frame. With all eight segments, the hoop weighs in at just 2 pounds. Each segment weighs around 0.2 pounds, meaning you can adjust this hoop all the way down to 1.5 pounds.
This adjustable hoop ranges from 29 to 38 inches in diameter, which is smaller than others on our list. But we think this is a fair trade-off, considering how lightweight the hoop is. And we like that the hoop is lined with foam, for a more comfortable workout.
It also doesn’t come with a carrying case. But because this hoop is less expensive than some of our other top picks, like Bintiva’s Weighted Hula Hoop, we think it’s an ideal starter hoop for beginners who don’t want to make a large investment upfront.
Key Specs:
Diameter: 38 inches | Weight: 1.5 to 2 pounds | Materials: Plastic, foam | Adjustable: Yes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sports-hoop-weighted-hula-hoop-8f242d7cf6bf48f6917166e882e29902.jpg)
Internal wave design provides acupressure
Large diameter
Compact
Expensive
A heavier weighted hula hoop provides a more challenging core workout as your body works to keep the hoop moving. If you’re a more experienced hooper who’s looking for something heavier, we recommend this option from Sports Hoop. At 4.9 pounds, it’s one of our heftiest top picks.
We like that the diameter can be adjusted all the way up to 41.5 inches, which will fit large frames. Soft foam padding helps your body get used to the hoop’s heavy weight. Plus, this hoop breaks down into eight compact pieces, so you can take it with you while you’re on the go.
One other feature that’s unique to this hoop is the wavy interior, which provides light pressure. The structure also provides some grip, making it easier to keep the hoop up. Although this is one of our most expensive picks, we think these design elements make it stand out from our other recommendations, especially for intermediate and advanced users.
Key Specs:
Diameter: Up to 41.5 inches | Weight: Up to 4.9 pounds | Material: Plastic, foam | Adjustable: Yes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hoopnotica-travel-hoop-a8b09f21afea4fb8834e7f8be4e06600.jpg)
Adjustable size and weight
Comes with a strap
Large diameter
Expensive
No padding
If you want to take your hula hoop with you to the gym, to the park, or even to work, Hoopnotica’s Travel Fitness Hoop is our top pick. This six-segment hula hoop is easy to assemble and take apart and it comes with a handy travel strap (similar to a yoga mat strap). With a maximum weight of 1.5 pounds, we like that it’s lightweight enough to throw in a carryon.
This hula hoop also has a large, 42-inch diameter when fully assembled. But if you want something a little smaller, you can use just five of the segments for a 37-inch hoop.
Note that it’s a thinner, lighter hoop that doesn’t have any added foam padding. If you’re looking for a heavier or more substantial hoop, we recommend our top overall pick, Dynamis’ Weighted Hoola Hoop. It’s also more expensive than most of our other top picks. But if portability is high on your list, Hoopnotica is our favorite.
Key Specs:
Diameter: Up to 42 inches | Weight: Up to 1.5 pounds | Materials: Not listed | Adjustable: Yes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/dumoyi-smart-weighted-fit-hoop-884f90c16b694002828762f72669c96a.jpg)
Adjustable size and weight
Wide range of colors
Internal design provides a massage
May be too small for some
May not be as durable
Dumoyi’s Smart Weighted Fit Hoop is our top recommendation for a smart hoop that’s easy to use. You can quickly adjust the size, weight, and the rope that holds the weight for a customizable workout. Just remember, “smart hoop” doesn’t refer to high-tech features (like a smartphone or smartwatch). Instead, it describes the hoop’s design, which has small links instead of larger pieces, like Auoxer’s Weighted Hoop does.
This hoop is smaller and designed to hug your waist, with pieces on the inside that help absorb shock and massage your lower back. But given that it only has a maximum circumference of 43 inches, it may be too small for some. It also has a 3-pound bag with a retractable cord that you can attach and adjust. Shorten the cord for an easier workout, or lengthen it for an added challenge.
Some users have found that this hoop isn’t as durable—the weight may come detached while you are hooping. Still, we love that it comes in over 10 bright colors.
Key Specs:
Diameter: Not listed | Weight: Up to 3 pounds | Materials: Plastic | Adjustable: Yes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sports-hoop-weighted-hula-hoop-fdf6d567b89c49adbcfb12d3d9d0ff05.jpg)
Adjustable size and weight
Compact
Durable
Doesn’t come with a carrying case
If hula hooping sounds intimidating, we recommend Sports Hoop’s Trim Hoop. With just a few clicks, you can adjust it all the way up to 3.1 pounds, with a 41-inch diameter. The larger diameter is ideal for beginners—plus, 3.1 pounds is a solid, mid-range weight that won’t spin too fast or too slow.
This durable plastic hoop is covered with soft foam, for a comfortable workout. And we like that this hoop can be broken down into segments for easy travel, like others on our list. However, it doesn’t come with a travel strap or carrying case.
Even so, users have found that this hoop is sturdy and durable. The pieces will stay locked together as you use it, and the strong construction will last for many sessions to come.
Key Specs:
Diameter: 41 inches | Weight: 3.1 pounds | Materials: Plastic, foam | Adjustable: Yes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gate-fitness-weighted-hula-hoop-7c7352cde18641a68f7e76d5ad57093c.jpg)
Soft foam padding
Comes with a guide
Adjustable size and weight
May be difficult to assemble
If you’re looking to take your hula hoop with you to the gym or the park, you’ll need one with a reliable carrying case—like this option from Gate Fitness. This hoop comes with a drawstring bag that has an additional strap. Tucking all of the pieces inside is simple, and you can carry it confidently without worrying about anything falling out.
The hoop itself can be adjusted by using some or all of the included eight segments. With a maximum diameter of 39.4 inches and a maximum weight of 3.1 pounds, it falls in the middle of most other options on our lis and is ideal for most skill levels.
We like that this hoop also comes with an exercise guide to keep your hula hooping sessions interesting. Plus, the foam padding cushions your lower back while you exercise. But some users have found that the pieces require extra strength to snap together.
Key Specs:
Diameter: Up to 39.4 inches | Weight: Up to 3.1 pounds | Materials: Plastic, foam | Adjustable: Yes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sports-hoop-weighted-armhoop-65a284249f7f46649fce17f91afebe8c.jpg)
Soft foam padding
Great value
Not adjustable
Hula hooping isn’t just for your core—smaller hoops can help your tone your arms and upper body, too. Our favorite upper body option is this set from Sports Hoop. These smaller, lightweight hoops can be used alone or with a traditional hoop for a workout that will test your coordination.
Foam cushioning makes these hoops easy and comfortable to use. We also like that they’re easy to store and won’t take up your entire home gym.
Although they’re not adjustable, we love that these hoops are a great value. You get two hoops for less than half of the price of other top picks, like Sports Hoop’s ACU Weighted Hula Hoop. And if you’re looking for a heavier option, Sports Hoop also sells a set with 0.8-pound hoops.
Key Specs:
Diameter: 13.3 inches each | Weight: 0.4 pounds each | Materials: Plastic, foam | Adjustable: No
How We Selected the Best Weighted Hula Hoops
To find the best weighted hula hoops, we first asked John Gardner, an NASM-certified personal trainer and co-founder of the Kickoff App, and Joe Johnson, a certified personal trainer, weight loss coach, and founder of 9-to-5 Nutrition, which features they prioritize when shopping for a high-quality hoop.
Then, we researched dozens of weighted hula hoops from the most popular and trusted brands. We examined the design, quality, price, weight, and size of each hoop before assembling our final list of recommendations.
What to Look For in Weighted Hula Hoops
Price
Generally speaking, weighted hula hoops are an inexpensive piece of home exercise equipment. You can find a high-quality weighted hula hoop for under $100, with most products on our list ranging between $20 and $50. Less expensive weighted hoops may not have as many additional features, like massaging elements or a carrying case. Also, it’s likely you’ll pay slightly more for heavier or larger hoops.
Size
It’s important to consider the diameter of a weighted hula hoop before making a purchase. Most weighted hoops are at least 38 inches in diameter, to provide ample room for you to use them. Some people may prefer a hoop with a larger (or adjustable) diameter. The hoops on our list are available up to 42 inches in diameter, and many have adjustable links to help you get the perfect fit.
Weight
Most weighted hoops weigh between 1.5 and 5 pounds. Gardner and Johnson both agreed that it’s best for beginners to start with a larger hoop that’s more lightweight, to get used to the exercise before adding weight over time. Gardner adds that the ideal weight for most beginners is around 1 to 2 pounds—our top pick for beginners, The Spinsterz’ Beginner Weighted Hula-Hoop, comes in at 1.5 pounds.
Design
While weighted hula hoops may seem simple, many have additional features that can shake up your workouts. Some hoops have adjustable weights you can add to heighten the difficulty. These can vary—some are attached using a rope, while others have bar weights that are added to the inside of the hoop. You may also want a hoop with acupressure features, like Sports Hoop’s ACU Weighted Hula Hoop. These hoops have an internal design or rollers that massage your lower back muscles for a more comfortable workout.
Materials
Most weighted hoops are constructed from hard plastic. Some are also covered with soft foam padding, which can be better for those with sensitive skin or who bruise easily. Look for a hoop that’s made from tough, durable materials to ensure it won’t crack or fall apart the first time you use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do weighted hula hoops work?
In practice, you use a weighted hula hoop the same way you use a traditional hula hoop. But the additional weight “makes it more difficult to keep the hoop rotating, which requires you to engage your core and other muscles to maintain the momentum,” Johnson says. Using a weighted hula hoop can help to strengthen your abs, hips, and back. It can also provide a good cardiovascular workout and improve your coordination and balance, he adds.
- Are weighted hula hoops an effective workout?
If you want to gain a lot of strength and build muscle mass, a weighted hula hoop probably won’t help you meet that goal. But, if you’re looking to improve your cardiovascular health and develop more core strength, a weighted hula hoop may be an excellent option. Weighted hula hoops allow you to add low-impact cardio exercise into your workout while having fun, Gardner says: “You can easily add it to your exercise routine, as a warm up before other workouts, or a way to get moving while you’re talking on the phone or watching TV.”
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Laura Williams is a certified exercise physiologist with a master’s degree in exercise and sport science who has been testing and reviewing fitness products for over 13 years. She enjoys using a weighted hula hoop in her own workouts to help tone her core.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-product-spalding-momentous-ez-assembly-donna-freydkin-02-7a90054c2f594093bfc032fd167b962b.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-cold-pools-test-plunge-michelle-parente-20-0fdc2fc08a0a485db7916337b479ed1d.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Web_1500-vwt-group-shots-trampoline-rebounders-jjuliao-4639-5abb6bbd642b4a05835808e35538b530.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vw-best-frisbees-tout-52095b2c78f84019bce507449d0e7eed.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-best-pilates-reformers-tout-a245e94655bd482fa3cde06162eb955e.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-infrared-sauna-blankets-test-lifepro-bioremedy-elena-garcia-02-d2983066c5ca4265a8b14d1c477a86e0.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Dumbbell-Racks-5235455-61fef5beb6ac403bb50529f1ecdb02aa.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-primary-adjustable-dumbbells-jjuliao-1380-34643f4e0d1b4ae5b02d938b8fb5ebe2.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/VW-Fit-5-best-infuser-water-bottles-4768575-1185b5c43dd249e09c7727d9c69b2ba9.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/VW-Fit-13-best-walking-sticks-3435996-d7ab9cb0a83949eab6db289d180a45e9.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-primary-best-sports-bras-large-breasts-jkim-0132-f9c9a52dcc7e42b5b9884feff72fdb7c.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/12-best-folding-exercise-bikes-of-2023-tout-8790d2d4170044dd8afd6b1ba5714d44.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Web_1500-vwt-group-shot-massage-tables-jjuliao-4504-264be877722a46ffbfb993bbca8fb54c.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bodyboss-2-full-portable-home-gym-nick-kova-00920-1e95bfb17717430abd1556ff8412f70e.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-sports-bra-test-gymshark-sweat-seamless-private-003-c7c953fa535c44b2b0b567b040c80db3.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-sports-bra-test-all-in-motion-high-support-embossed-racerback-run-private-002-1d7b1f0df72748b4aefa0d30ea358460.jpeg)