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PurplePhase
Platinum Member
Joined: Jun 08 2004
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Points: 232642
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Posted: Apr 17 2014 at 9:46pm |
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The poly tubing usually used for irrigation is ideal for making hula
hoops. Most hoopers use either 160 psi 3/4" diameter pipe (my favorite)
or 100 psi 1" diameter. If you want a lighter hoop, or are making them
for kids, use 100 psi 3/4" tubing. (Note: 160 psi 1" will make a very
heavy hoop.) Tubing usually comes in 100 foot coils, and can be found
at irrigation supply stores, and at some Home Depot and Lowe's-type
retailers. (Prices range from $15-25 per 100' -- enough for 8 hoops)
[Having trouble finding tubing? Hooping.org has suggestions.]
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Other supplies:
- Ratcheting PVC cutter (the best way to cut tubing - see below)
- Insert-connectors (1" connectors for 1" tubing ; 3/4" for 3/4" tubing)
- Colorful tape (electrical tape works well)
- hairdryer (to soften the tube ends - soaking in hot water also works)
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Choose your hoop size - and cut. (My hoops are usually between
11'6" and 13' in circumference, but instead of measuring you could just
make a loop that stands somewhere between navel and shoulder height.)
You could use a hacksaw or a sturdy blade, but to make a safe, clean
& easy cut, I've invested in a $12 ratcheting PVC cutter. It works
beautifully.
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The two ends will be connected with an inserted connector. These
should be available wherever you buy the tubing. Make sure you get 1"
connectors if your tube is 1" in diameter (and 3/4" connectors only if
you have 3/4" tube).
At this point, you can add weight or
noisemakers into the hoop. For extra weight (a better workout - and
perhaps a bruised waist), pour in a cup of water or sand. For noise,
pour in 20-30 small beans or corn kernels. (Note that you can't easily get these things out once the hoop is made, and that you might not always want to have a noisy hoop....)
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The tubing ends must be heated to make them pliable enough to
accept the connector. A few minutes of focused hairdryer heat will do
the trick, as will soaking the ends in hot water. (You can also
carefully hold them over a stovetop gas flame, but you really don't want
to start melting the stuff.)
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Quickly grab a connector, and push the two tube ends together
over the connector. If it doesn't go in, you need to heat it up more.
The connector should disappear entirely within the tubing. As the
tubing cools, it will contract around the connector for a strong seal.
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I don't think it's needed, but I usually duct tape the seal.
At this point you could also apply some padding. Matt recommends
wrapping copper pipe insulation; I like Rubatex pipe insulation that
fits over the hoop..
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Now comes the fun part: Decorating!
I tend to make colorful candycane stripes of electrical tape. You could also duct tape the whole thing, or leave it black.
A huge selection of tape, from the mundane to the fantastic, can be found at identi-tape.com
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Three finished hoops, ready for action. For a quick hooping demonstration, look here. [269K]
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Edited by PurplePhase - Apr 17 2014 at 9:47pm
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maysay1
Elite Member
Joined: Jul 02 2009
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Points: 101644
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Posted: Apr 17 2014 at 9:52pm |
Ok purp now you have me thinking I can actually make a hula hoop...crimson and cream mmmhmmm.
I bet using the weighted ones on my arms would be great too. Low impact exercise that's right up my alley (especially since I can't seem to find a heated pool).
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Midna
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Points: 236072
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Posted: Apr 17 2014 at 9:55pm |
Do they have clear versions cus uh.. I wanna make it glow.  I've been learning how to program LEDs!
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PurplePhase
Platinum Member
Joined: Jun 08 2004
Status: Offline
Points: 232642
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Posted: Apr 17 2014 at 10:22pm |
what you gon' be doing with that hoop Midna? lol
I don't know about clear irrigation tubing.. it's probably out there though.
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PurplePhase
Platinum Member
Joined: Jun 08 2004
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Points: 232642
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Posted: Apr 17 2014 at 10:26pm |
if you make one, a tip to make the tubing easier to cut is to heat it with the hair dryer before cutting. I just use a box cutter to cut my tubing, and after heating tube w/ BD, it cuts like butter .
Edited by PurplePhase - Apr 17 2014 at 10:27pm
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ModelessDiva
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Joined: Dec 31 2010
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Posted: Apr 17 2014 at 10:31pm |
I have a weighted hula hoop.. It tightens your core/ab muscles, you can feel them tighten while you are hooping...
I think the longest i have done was 15 mins straight. Whew. I kept looking at the clock every second.
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PurplePhase
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Points: 232642
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Posted: Apr 17 2014 at 10:34pm |
I hoop to songs that way I can go longer w/out realizing it. In my head I'm on stage lol.
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coconess
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Joined: Dec 30 2006
Location: Cali
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Posted: Apr 17 2014 at 10:34pm |
i bought a weighted hood forever ago cus i read about it sculpting your stomach..
i barely used it. i still have it..
anywho latifah looks good.. i havent seen her in years. and i thought i was a great hula hooper but yea.. shes great.
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ModelessDiva
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Posted: Apr 17 2014 at 10:41pm |
PurplePhase wrote:
I hoop to songs that way I can go longer w/out realizing it. In my head I'm on stage lol.
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lol i stand in front of the TV
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Midna
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Joined: Sep 02 2010
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Posted: Apr 17 2014 at 10:52pm |
Purp, you need to get back into hooping because there is magic to be spun!!
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