Hoops
Gymnastics hoops: Have a lot of fun!
Buying guide: How to choose the right gymnastics hoop for school, clubs, competition and therapy
Gymnastics hoops are true all-rounders. They promote movement, coordination and creativity and can be used in children’s gymnastics, school sports, rhythmic gymnastics and therapy. To find exactly the right model for your target group and area of use, it’s worth taking a closer look at size, material, weight and certification. In this buying guide, you’ll discover what really matters when choosing a gymnastics hoop.
Buying criterion no. 1: area of use
- What is the right size?
- Gymnastics hoops made of wood or plastic? Pros and cons
- Colours and visibility: more than just looks
- Are there certified gymnastics hoops?
- Gymnastics hoops vs fitness hoops – what’s the difference?
Buying criterion no. 1: area of use
A gymnastics hoop is much more than a classic accessory for movement exercises. It can be used for coordination drills, agility and balance training, running and chasing games, motor skills development for children, fitness workouts, therapy and rehab exercises, as well as rhythmic gymnastics. The key question before buying is therefore: Who will be using the hoop? Requirements vary depending on age group and application.
++ For children in nursery and primary school, play, movement experience and motor skills are the focus. Particularly suitable are:
- small to medium diameters
- lightweight models
- robust materials
- high-visibility colours
++ In PE lessons and sports clubs, gymnastics hoops are often used for group exercises, obstacle courses or coordination training. Recommended are:
- different sizes for different age groups
- durable versions
- sets for frequent use
++ In therapy and rehabilitation, safe, controlled handling is especially important. Recommended are:
- hoops that are easy to control
- sturdy construction
- a suitable size depending on movement goals and user group
++ For fitness, gymnastics and dance, handling, dynamics and flow of movement play a bigger role. Key criteria are:
- comfortable weight
- good balance
- a diameter that matches the specific exercise style
All criteria by area of use at a glance:
|
Area of use |
What matters? |
Recommended features |
Typical sizes |
|
Training |
Versatility, easy handling, regular use |
robust, easy to control, light to medium weight depending on target group |
Children: approx. 60–80 cm Adults: approx. 80–90 cm |
|
Leisure |
Fun, easy to use, flexible applications |
simple, hard-wearing, often rather light |
Children: approx. 50–70 cm Adults: approx. 90–100 cm |
|
Competition |
Precision, consistent properties, clean movement execution |
dimensionally accurate, high-quality finish, tailored to discipline and age group |
usually standardised competition sizes, often approx. 80–90 cm, depending on discipline |
What is the right size?
The right size depends on height, age and intended use. Younger children usually do better with smaller, lighter hoops. For schools and varied movement activities, medium sizes are a good choice.
Rule of thumb: When the hoop is placed upright on the floor, it should reach roughly up to the hip or waist.
Size guide for gymnastics hoops:
|
Target group |
Recommended size |
Typical weight |
|
Nursery/preschool |
50–60 cm |
approx. 150–250 g |
|
Primary school |
70–80 cm |
approx. 250–400 g |
|
Teens/adults |
80–90 cm |
approx. 400–600 g |
|
Competition |
80–90 cm (inner) |
min. 300 g |
Gymnastics hoops made of wood or plastic? Pros and cons
Gymnastics hoops are mainly made from wood or plastic. In terms of storage and care, there are generally no major differences between the two. Price and weight are often similar as well. Thanks to multi-layer bonding and smooth sanding, you don’t need to worry about splinters with wooden hoops. Scrapes or minor burns don’t occur more frequently with wood than with plastic. Plastic hoops are often more colourful, have a stronger appeal and therefore particularly attract children to join in. They are also completely waterproof and smoother, making them especially suitable for beginners. However, this also means they offer less grip than wooden hoops. Plastic hoops usually need direct skin contact and, for certain moves and tricks, grip tape that must be replaced regularly. This tape can also leave colour marks on walls and floors.
Colours and visibility: more than just looks
Colours play a bigger role in everyday movement than you might think. Different colours help to mark stations, divide groups and make games and movement activities more engaging.
Tip: For schools, clubs and nurseries, sets are often particularly practical because they open up multiple uses straight away.Are there certified gymnastics hoops?
Gymnastics hoops with FIG reference are especially interesting for performance-oriented rhythmic gymnastics. When choosing, check whether the hoop is explicitly designed for competition or training according to FIG specifications. Important factors are the correct dimensions, weight and high-quality workmanship. For schools, leisure or general training, FIG reference is usually not necessary. However, all details should always be clearly and transparently stated.FIG requirements for gymnastics hoops:
- Inner diameter: 80 to 90 cm
- Minimum weight: 300 g
- Shape: circular
- Material: plastic or another suitable material with similar properties
- Area of use: competition and performance-oriented training in rhythmic gymnastics
Gymnastics hoops vs fitness hoops – what’s the difference?
Gymnastics hoops and fitness hoops mainly differ in their purpose. While gymnastics hoops are designed for versatile exercises in schools, clubs or therapy, fitness hoops focus on training, rotation and workouts.
|
Feature |
Gymnastics hoop |
Fitness hoop |
|
Purpose |
Gymnastics, coordination, play, movement education |
Workout, hula hoop, endurance and core training |
|
Weight |
usually lighter |
often heavier |
|
Handling |
versatile, ideal for throwing, rolling and guiding |
designed for smooth, continuous rotation |
|
Typical locations |
Schools, clubs, nurseries, therapy, leisure |
Gyms, group classes, home workouts |
|
Target group |
Children, groups, schools, clubs, therapy |
Teens and adults focused on training |
|
Special feature |
flexible for many different exercise types |
often specifically designed for fitness use |
Whether you need certified competition hoops or fun hoops for children’s gymnastics: you’ll find the right gymnastics hoop online at Sport-Thieme. Still have questions? Give us a call – we’re happy to help you choose.