Hoop around your waist
Make a simple hula hoop from a plastic tube or pool noodle, then practice spinning it around your waist to learn balance and rhythm.
About this activity
Make a simple hula hoop from a plastic tube or pool noodle, then practice spinning it around your waist to learn balance and rhythm.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Pick whether you will make your hoop from a pool noodle or from flexible plastic tubing.
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Step 2
Measure your waist with measuring tape or by wrapping a string around your waist and then measuring the string.
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Step 3
Add 6 inches 15 cm to the measurement to give extra length for joining the ends.
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Step 4
Use the marker to mark the added length on your pool noodle or plastic tubing.
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Step 5
With adult help cut the noodle or tubing at the mark to the length you measured.
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Step 6
If you used plastic tubing push the cut ends into a connector or push them firmly together until they form a circle.
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Step 7
If you used a pool noodle overlap the cut ends slightly and wrap the joint tightly with strong tape until it feels secure.
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Step 8
Wrap the entire hoop with strong tape to smooth and strengthen the seam.
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Step 9
Decorate the hoop using colourful tape or markers to make it bright and fun.
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Step 10
Stand up with your feet shoulder width apart to get into a good hooping position.
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Step 11
Place the hoop around your waist put it against your back and give it a strong forward push to start it spinning.
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Step 12
Keep the hoop spinning by moving your hips in a steady circular motion and practice for one minute.
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Step 13
Share a photo or video of your finished hula hoop and your best spin on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I make and use a simple homemade hula hoop?
To make and use a simple hula hoop, cut plastic tubing or a pool noodle to fit comfortably around your child — when stood vertically it should reach chest-to-shoulder height for beginners. Join the ends with a PVC coupling or wrap them tightly with duct tape. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, one foot slightly forward, give the hoop a gentle push, and move your hips forward and back to keep it spinning. Keep sessions short and encouraging.
What materials do I need to make a hula hoop for kids?
You’ll need flexible plastic tubing or a pool noodle, a connector or strong duct tape to join ends, scissors or a small saw to cut, and measuring tape or marker to size it. Optional items: foam grip or electrical tape for better hand comfort, and a soft mat for practice. Avoid sharp tools around children and supervise cutting and assembly.
What ages is homemade hula hooping suitable for?
Hula hooping works well for children about 3 years and up with supervision. Preschoolers benefit from larger, softer hoops (pool noodle) and adult help; ages 6–9 build coordination and rhythm quickly; older kids can learn tricks and longer practice. Always match hoop size to the child and supervise younger kids to prevent falls or accidental hits.
What are the benefits and safety tips for hooping around the waist?
Hooping boosts core strength, balance, coordination, and rhythm, and is a fun cardio activity. For safety, clear the area of furniture, practice on grass or a mat, use a soft pool noodle for beginners, and stop if the child feels dizzy or uncomfortable. Teach gentle starts and supervised practice to prevent trips and bumps.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we can't find a pool noodle or flexible plastic tubing?
Use a soft garden hose or split foam pipe-insulation taped into a loop and follow the same measuring, cutting, joining and taping steps to form and reinforce the hoop.
My hoop keeps falling apart at the seam — how do I fix it?
If the seam comes loose after pushing ends into a connector or taping overlapped pool noodle ends, re-cut for a cleaner fit, increase the overlap or use a sturdier connector, and tightly wrap the joint with heavy-duty duct tape with adult help.
How can I adapt the activity for different ages and abilities?
For younger children make a larger-diameter hoop by adding extra length before cutting and use a thick pool noodle for slower spins, and for older kids use narrower plastic tubing and reduce the extra length to create a faster, more challenging hoop.
How can we enhance or personalize our hula hoop beyond decorating with tape?
Besides decorating with colourful tape or markers, personalize and extend the hoop by zip-tying small weights or an LED strip before sealing the seam to change weight and appearance, then practice keeping the hoop spinning for one minute and share a photo or video on DIY.org.