A hoop hanging in the air — and suddenly you don't want to come down. Aerial Hoop captivates from the very first moment: the combination of strength, elegance, and the feeling of weightlessness makes this sport so special. Whether you're seeing the aerial hoop for the first time or have been thinking about trying it for weeks.
Here you'll find everything you need to know about aerial hoop — from choosing the right hoop and mounting it, to your first moves and appropriate clothing. This guide is for everyone who not only wants to watch but also wants to get into the hoop themselves.
The Most Important Points in Brief
- Aerial Hoop (also known as Lyra or Aerial Ring) is acrobatics performed in a suspended metal hoop — suitable for beginners to professionals
- Single-point hoops spin freely and are suitable for dynamic moves, two-point hoops are more stable for static poses
- Common diameters range from 80–100 cm — the right size depends on your height
- The suspension is the most important thing: only on load-bearing concrete ceilings or with a certified rig
- Close-fitting clothing with grip is crucial for a secure hold on the hoop
Table of Contents
What is Aerial Hoop and why is it worth getting started?
Aerial Hoop — also known as Lyra or Aerial Ring — is a discipline of aerial acrobatics where you train in and on a suspended metal hoop. The hoop is attached to the ceiling or a rig and hangs freely in the air. In it, you perform moves that combine strength, flexibility, and balance.
Unlike other aerial disciplines like aerial silks or aerial yoga, with the hoop, you work on a solid, round structure. This makes getting started easier in many ways: you have a tangible frame to hold onto, and the first sitting positions are more intuitive than on silks.
Aerial Hoop as a sport trains the entire body. Upper body strength, core stability, grip strength, and flexibility are all challenged simultaneously. At the same time, hoop is surprisingly meditative — once you're in the hoop and spinning, you forget everything else. It is precisely this mix of challenge and flow that makes it so appealing.
Buying an Aerial Hoop: Size, material, and what matters
If you want to buy an Aerial Hoop, you'll face a few decisions. The most important: single-point or two-point suspension? Single-point hoops hang from a single point and spin freely — ideal for flowing choreographies and spinning moves. Two-point hoops are attached at two points and are significantly more stable, making them perfect for beginners and static poses.
In terms of material, stainless steel and powder-coated steel dominate. Stainless steel is more durable and offers better grip with skin contact. Powder-coated hoops are often cheaper and more flexible in color, but the coating can wear off over time. For regular Aerial Hoop training, investing in stainless steel is worthwhile.
The right size for your Aerial Hoop
The diameter of your Aerial Hoop should match your height. As a rule of thumb: sit upright in the hoop — there should be about a hand's width of space between your head and the top edge. The most common sizes are between 80 and 100 cm inner diameter.
Aerial Hoop Set or buying individually?
A complete Aerial Hoop Set includes the hoop, carabiners, sling (suspension strap), and often a swivel for rotation. For beginners, a set is the easiest solution because all components are coordinated. If you buy individually, you must pay attention to the load capacity of all parts — every element in the chain must bear at least 500 kg of static load.
Buying a used Aerial Hoop can be worthwhile, but you should check the hoop for dents, rust, and welds. A bent or corroded hoop is a safety risk. When in doubt, it's better to buy new — at prices from approx. 80–150€ for a good hoop, it's not a huge investment.
Only buy Aerial Hoops from specialized suppliers with load capacity certification. Decorative rings from the internet are NOT suitable for acrobatics and can break under stress.
The right clothing for your Aerial Hoop training
Maximum grip. Perfect fit. Designed by dancers for dancers.
To the Collection →Hanging an Aerial Hoop: Mounting, rig, and ceiling installation
The Aerial Hoop suspension is the most critical point when training at home. An improperly secured hoop can be life-threatening. Basically, you have two options: ceiling mounting or a freestanding rig.
Attaching an Aerial Hoop to the ceiling
If you want to mount your Aerial Hoop, the ceiling must be made of concrete — wooden beam ceilings only after professional inspection, drywall and suspended ceilings are absolutely forbidden. The Aerial Hoop ceiling mount is drilled directly into the concrete with heavy-duty anchors. Use only certified anchor plates with a load capacity of at least 1,000 kg.
Ceiling height also plays a role: you need at least 3 meters, preferably 3.50 meters or more. The bottom edge of the hoop should hang at hip height so you can easily get in, and you need enough space above for moves over the hoop. If in doubt, have the installation done by a professional — this is not a DIY project for a Sunday afternoon.
Aerial Hoop Rig as an alternative
A freestanding Aerial Hoop rig is the safest solution if your ceiling is not suitable or if you live in a rented home. Good rigs are made of steel tubes, are height-adjustable, and can be dismantled for transport. Prices range from 400–1,200€ depending on quality and size.
Start your Aerial Hoop training in a studio before investing at home. This way you'll find the right hoop size, learn the basics safely, and can then make an informed decision about which setup is right for you.
Aerial Hoop moves for beginners and advanced practitioners
Aerial Hoop moves range from simple sitting positions to breathtaking drops and spinning combinations. As a beginner, you start with moves that build your confidence in the hoop — as you advance, you build on these and develop your own style.
Aerial Hoop beginner moves
The first Aerial Hoop exercises revolve around safe entry and exit, sitting positions, and simple poses. Here are the most important Aerial Hoop beginner moves with their names:
Seated Position: The foundation — you sit in the hoop like on a swing. Sounds simple, but requires core stability and confidence.
Man in the Moon: One of the most iconic Aerial Hoop poses — you sit sideways in the hoop, one leg bent, the other extended. Looks spectacular and is achievable for beginners.
Mermaid: You lie prone over the bottom bar of the hoop, legs stretched back like a mermaid. Trains back muscles and balance.
Gazelle: Similar to Mermaid, but with one leg bent and one stretched — more elegant and slightly more challenging.
Star: You hang extended from the hoop, arms and legs outstretched. One of the first moves that truly looks like aerial acrobatics.
Aerial Hoop poses for advanced practitioners
With growing strength and confidence, more dynamic Aerial Hoop poses are added: drops (controlled falling into the hoop), rotations, moves above the hoop, and flowing transitions between positions. Advanced practitioners combine individual moves into entire choreographies — this is where training becomes art.
No matter what level you train at: consistent Aerial Hoop training is key. Most studios offer courses by level, from Open Class to Performance. And even if you have the equipment for home — regular studio training with an instructor is essential for safety, especially with new moves.
The right Aerial Hoop clothing for your training
For Aerial Hoop, you need clothing that can do two things at once: provide grip and not get in the way. Loose clothing gets caught in the hoop, and overly smooth fabrics offer no grip. The ideal Aerial Hoop clothing is close-fitting, elastic, and leaves skin exposed in key areas — inner thighs, backs of knees, armpits.
For the top, close-fitting tops or sports bras that won't ride up when you're upside down are suitable. On the legs, short shorts work best because they allow maximum skin contact with the hoop. Those who prefer an Aerial Hoop outfit as a one-piece can opt for a bodysuit with strategically placed skin areas.
Especially at the beginning, knee pads are a good investment — many hoop moves put pressure on the backs of the knees, and with padding, confidence builds faster. Lou's Aerial Hoop collection is specially designed for the demands of the hoop: grip where you need it, freedom of movement where it counts.
Clothing that can keep up with any move
Grip, fit, freedom of movement — developed in the studio, made for your flow.
To the Collection →- Start in a studio before investing at home — this way you'll find the right hoop size and learn the basics safely
- When buying, pay attention to stainless steel, certified load capacity, and the appropriate size
- Suspension is the number one safety issue — only concrete ceilings or certified rigs
- Beginner moves like Man in the Moon and Mermaid are more achievable than you think
- Close-fitting clothing with grip makes the difference between a secure hold and slipping
"The hoop gives you back exactly what you put into it — strength, courage, and eventually the feeling of being able to fly."
