Handmade Hoops by Peachysteve

Hooping FAQ

Here are answers to some Frequently Asked Questions

Do you make weighted hoops?

Yes I do, however the word "weighted" is often used incorrectly.
It is the weight of the hoop that is important not whether it is weighted.
My standard hoops are not weighted but they are quite heavy.
If you want particularly heavy hoops for building muscle bulk then I can make those to your specification however this type of hoop can cause severe bruising.

Why is weight important?

A heavier hoop presses more firmly against your body.
This gives you better feedback about the position of the hoop and therefore it is easier to control.
When you are learning to hoop this feedback is particularly useful.

Why is size important?

A hoop with a larger diameter takes longer to make one rotation around your body.
This means you have more time to respond to the hoop and it is therefore easier to control.
If you are learning tricks which involve lifting the hoop or taking your arm through, then the extra time is very helpful.
The diameter of the hoop is more important than the weight.
A larger light hoop is easier than a small heavy hoop.

I've heard that a 40" hoop is best for beginners. Is this true?

It is certainly true for some people but we are all different.
I start most adults off with a 41" hoop.
If people don't get it after a few minutes I offer them a larger hoop.
I keep increasing the size of the hoop until they get it.

Do you make a 40" hoop?

I can make a hoop in any size you like.
I average the measurement of my hoops.
For example, my 41" hoop made from 1"(25mm) tubing has an internal diameter of 40" and an external diameter of 42".
My 39" hoop has an internal diameter of 38" and an external diameter of 40".
If you want a hoop of a specific size then please give clear details for me to work to.

How do I know what size is best for me?

Many factors like; your waist size, your ability level, what you wish to do with the hoop,
how many hoops you wish to work with and how hard you want to work with your hoop, will affect what size of hoop is best for you.
As a beginner you can base the hoop on dress size where size 8/10 = 37", 10/12 = 39" and 12/14 = 41".
If you want to do fitness hooping then mid-sized is better.
If you want to learn tricks then a larger hoop is best.
If you want to do hoop dance then I recommend 20mm hoop, it's a little lighter so easier to move around gracefully while still being heavy enough to give good feedback and learn tricks with.
Different people learn physical skills in different ways and some people find learning new skills easier than others.
Similarly some people are tenacious and refuse to give up while others are easily disheartened.
Your decision must be based on how well you know yourself.
I'm happy to discuss sizing with you to work out what's best.
See my Size Guide for more info.

What's the biggest hoop you make?

The biggest hoop I use in my workshops is 54" diameter.
This hoop is great for people having real difficulty and you can learn to move the hoop up the body in just a few attempts.
The kids love to use this hoop as it's so big.
At this diameter the 25mm tubing starts to lose rigidity so I don't recommend a hoop larger than this.
Due to flexing there is a lot of strain on the connector when the hoop is this big and so I recommend this size hoop be collapsible.
The collapsible hoop connector is much stronger.
It also makes the hoop easier to travel with.

What size hoop do you use?

For hooping on the body I use a 46" hoop.
I decided on this size as it's the smallest size I can comfortably do "step-throughs" with, without ducking.
For hoop swinging I use 2 x 37" 20mm hoops.

I have a big bruise. Is this normal?

Bruising is very common when learning to hoop.
As hooping tends to give repeated impact to one area, bruises can be very large although are rarely as painful as they look.
If your bruise is particularly impressive, please feel free to send me a picture of it for my gallery.

Why do I just have a bruise on one hip?

In order to keep your hoop up you must input energy. The simplest way to do this is with a backward and forward motion.
This gives good power while retaining control.
Ultimately you should be making circles in which you power the hoop at all times by pushing against the hoop at every point during its revolution.
Learners often put most force into the forward motion, throwing the hoop forward, as many people have learnt to put one foot forward,
all the force is concentrated into one hip which therefore develops a large bruise.

So how do I avoid bruising?

Bruising only occurs when technique is not well developed.
When making smooth circles there is never a point of impact.
Technique is learned over time and so the best way for beginners to prevent bruising is to change the position of the hips.
This will also engender good technique.

Will hooping help me lose some inches from my waist?

Hooping is good aerobic exercise and the best thing about it is that it's fun.
You can hoop while you watch TV, if you like, so can fit a session into your schedule quite easily.
Hooping (on the waist) will strengthen and tone the muscles in your stomach and lower back as well as your pelvic floor and core muscles.
If you hoop on other parts of your body you will feel the benefit there and there are some great exercises for legs and arms.
My understanding of weight gain and loss is that each person tends to put weight on in a certain area first and this area will be last to lose it.
So while hooping may help tone your stomach muscles, it will not work specifically on weight loss from the waist.

What colour options are there?

The cloth grip tape is available in;
Wide tape - Black, Blue, Red, White, Purple, Teal and fluorescent Pink, Orange, Yellow and Green.
Narrow tape - Black, Blue, Dark Blue, Dark Green,Olive, Burgundy, Brown, Grey, Red, White, Purple, Teal and Fluorescent Pink, Orange, Yellow, Green and Blue.
Very narrow tape - Fluorescent Pink, Orange, Yellow or Green.
Mirror tape in Silver and Gold. .
Glitter tapes in Silver, Gold, Red, Blue, Green, Raspberry, Fluorescent Pink or Fluorescent Green.

Do you offer a discount on large orders?

Yes I do, contact me for details.

How long until I get my hoop(s)?

Once I know exactly what you want and have received payment I aim to make your hoop within 24 hours.
I then book the hoop in for courier collection.
The courier should collect the following day and delivery will take 1-3 days.

The hoop I want is not pictured.

The hoops pictured are a selection of the hoops I've made but are not a comprehensive list of them.
If the hoop you want is not pictured then I may be able to make it for you.
Contact me to discuss your desires.

Where is the shipping info for overseas customers?

The site is set up for UK sales only.
I can send collapsible hoops worldwide but price is dependant on weight, an average price is £7 for Europe and £10 for the rest of the world.
Please contact me for an exact quote.

What is your return policy?

Every hoop is custom made and many are unique. I don't keep any hoops in stock as no two people want the same thing.
If the hoop I send you is not the hoop you ordered then I will replace it with the correct hoop at my own expense.
If you decide that you don't want the hoop and wish to return it then I will consider your request but may not accept it.
If I do accept the return for replacement or refund the hoop must be unmarked/unused and well packed for the return journey.
I cannot refund the postage charge.
If you think the hoop is too big and want to return it for a smaller one then please read the next item.

I received my hoop and it's too big.

The sizing advice I give is based on my experience of the needs of a beginner.
A larger hoop is easier and so helpful when learning.
People who can already hoop and want more of a challenge may prefer a smaller hoop.
People often have a response to adult hoops that they are too big and that they will be more difficult to use.
A larger hoop is actually easier to use.
A smaller hoop that "looks" the right size may in fact be too difficult to use.
Im my experience a hoop may well be too small but is unlikely to be too big.