How Often Should You Do Hip Mobility Exercises?
Jason NIsta
Exercises & Fitness
|
Healthy Lifestyle
7 minute read
If you’re wondering why hip mobility exercises are important, then you're not alone! Most people only think about hip mobility when they're experiencing pain in that area. And while it's certainly true that having mobile hips is key to avoiding pain, there's much more to it than that.
In this guide, we'll explore all the ways hip mobility exercises can benefit you. From improving your performance in your favorite activities to preventing pain down the road, there are plenty of reasons to add a few hip mobility exercises to your routine.
What Are Hip Mobility Exercises?
Hip mobility exercises are a type of exercise that helps with the range of motion in your hips. This is important because if your hips don't have the same range of motion as your shoulders or elbows, you'll have a harder time completing certain exercises and movements.
That's why it's important to do hip mobility exercises on a regular basis. They'll help loosen up your hips and make it easier for you to move them in all directions. Moreover, most hip mobility exercises act as highly effective flexibility exercises.
How Do Hip Mobility Exercises Help You?
Hip mobility exercises help you in a number of ways that you probably aren’t aware of yet. Firstly, they help keep your hips moving and flexible. This is important because if your hips are tight, you can end up with all sorts of problems, like lower back pain, knee pain, and even neck pain.
Secondly, hip mobility exercises help you move better. When your hips are loose and flexible, you'll have an easier time bending down to pick something up off the floor, getting up from a seated position, and even squatting down.
Lastly, hip mobility exercises help you stay healthy. By keeping your hips loose and flexible, you're less likely to experience pain or injuries in the future.
What Muscles Do Hip Mobility Exercises Work?
Your hips play a crucial role in both movement and stability. They connect your upper and lower body and are responsible for moving your legs in all directions. So it's important to keep them mobile and flexible.
Hip mobility exercises work the muscles around your hips and upper thighs. These include the glutes, hamstrings, quads, and hip flexors. Doing these exercises on a regular basis will help keep these muscles supple and flexible, which will in turn improve your range of motion and mobility.
Examples of Hip Mobility Exercises
Now let’s get to the good stuff: what kind of hip mobility exercises should you do? Some popular examples include hip hinges, squats, side-lying leg raises, and fire hydrants. To try a hip hinge, stand with your feet hip-width apart and hold onto a post or chair for support. Push your hips back and down as if you were about to sit in a chair and feel the stretch in the back of your legs. Come up slowly and repeat 8-10 times.
Squats can also be a great way to increase your hip mobility — just make sure you keep good form by keeping your chest up, pushing through your heels, and not letting your knees move beyond your toe line. Side-lying leg raises are also another great way to target the deep glutes which help with stability and strength. To try this move, simply lie on one side while keeping your hips stacked by using a towel or pillow between them if needed. Lift the top leg up as far as you can without pain – control the movement when bringing it down. Lastly, fire hydrants are an effective move for those seeking tighter glutes — start on all fours in tabletop position then lift one leg out to the side maintaining body alignment (no arching or crunching) with 3 sets of 10 reps per side.
These are just some basic examples of what you can do—you can always mix it up by adding more dynamic moves like lateral lunges, single-leg RDLs, or lateral squats for an extra challenge!
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How Often Do You Need to Do Hip Mobility Exercises?
The real question is: how often should you be doing hip mobility exercises?
Well, it can vary depending on your individual needs, but generally, experts would recommend 3-4 times a week. That way, you can ensure that you’re regularly stretching and strengthening your hip muscles and keeping your hips mobile.
If you’re starting out and are new to hip mobility exercises, start off slowly and gradually increase the intensity as your body gets used to the movements. You may also want to work with a physical therapist or personal trainer who can show you the proper form for each exercise.
That way, you can ensure that you are doing the exercises correctly and safely.
Hip mobility is important for avoiding injuries, improving your performance in sports and daily activities, and restoring function and movement in the hips. Performing hip mobility exercises on a regular basis is essential for achieving and maintaining optimal hip health.
However, not all hip mobility exercises are created equal. The best exercises for hip mobility are those that target the multiple muscles and tissues around the hip joint. So, before starting a hip mobility exercise program, it’s important to understand the anatomy of the hip and the different muscles and tissues involved in hip movement.
If you wish to make your hip mobility exercises more effective, then you’re highly recommended to follow a suitable diet plan alongside your exercise routine. This ensures that your body has a direct source of the essential nutrients that it needs to grow and strengthen. In those regards, Clean Eatz Kitchen has got exactly what you need! Our highest-quality meal plans are certain to keep you motivated through all your workout sessions.
Final Thoughts
Hip mobility exercises help with the range of motion in your hip. These exercises can help you relieve pain, increase flexibility, and keep you healthy. They work your glutes, hamstrings, quads, and hip flexors. Some examples of hip mobility exercises include hip hinges, squats, side-lying leg raises, and fire hydrants. You should do hip mobility exercises 3-4 times every week for optimum results.
FAQ
Is yoga good for improving hip mobility?
Yes, yoga can be highly effective for improving hip mobility. Many yoga poses target the hips, helping to increase flexibility and range of motion in this area. Poses like pigeon pose, butterfly pose, and hip-opening sequences are particularly helpful.
Are there any precautions to consider when working on hip mobility?
It's essential to start slowly and progressively increase the intensity of your hip mobility exercises. If you have a pre-existing hip condition or are recovering from an injury, consult with a healthcare professional or physical therapist before beginning a new hip mobility routine.
How long does it take to see improvements in hip mobility?
The time it takes to see improvements in hip mobility varies from person to person. Some individuals may notice improvements within a few weeks of consistent practice, while others may take several months. Patience and consistency are key.
Can improved hip mobility help with pain and injury prevention?
Yes, improved hip mobility can help reduce the risk of hip, lower back, and knee injuries. It can also alleviate discomfort and pain associated with tight hip muscles and joints.
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