Strong hips are crucial for overall stability, mobility, and injury prevention. The hip joint is central to various movements, including walking, running, and jumping, and plays a pivotal role in connecting the lower and upper body.
Strengthening the hip muscles, particularly the glutes, hip flexors, and abductors, helps maintain proper alignment, reducing the risk of injuries in the lower back, knees, and pelvis.
Additionally, strong hips contribute to better posture and balance, enhancing athletic performance and everyday activities.
Whether you’re an athlete looking to improve agility or someone focused on maintaining joint health, building strength in the hips is essential for a functional and resilient body.
Try these two exercises:
1. Forward and Back
a. Lay on your side with your shoulders and hips in alignment, feet slightly in front of you
b. Inhale to prepare
c. Exhale, engage your core and gently move the leg forward, as far as you can without the top hip rolling forward
d. Inhale and hold
e. Exhale, engage your core and move the leg back so it is slightly behind you
f. Inhale and hold
g. Exhale, engage your core and move the leg back to centre
h. Repeat 8 to 10 times
2. Up and down
a. Lay on your side with your shoulders and hips in alignment, feet slightly in front of you
b. Inhale to prepare
c. Exhale, engage your core and gently move the leg up, as far as you can without the top hip rolling towards your rib cage
d. Inhale and hold
e. Exhale, engage your core and move the leg back to hip height
f. Repeat 8 to 10 times
