We know those hips don’t lie. How can we keep them happy? Mobility exercises just might be the missing component of your routine. Check out these 5 Hip Mobility Exercises that you can easily add to your day.
5 Hip Mobility Exercises To Add To Your Daily Routine
Mobility is the bridge between strength and flexibility. These types of exercises help your joints move more freely and with a greater range of motion. “Having good mobility allows you to perform the movements and exercise that’s a part of your daily life—and it can make you less likely to suffer certain injuries,” Peloton instructor Andy Speer says. “Mobility basically gives your body room to move.” (Source)
Top 5 Hip Mobility Exercises
Hip CARs
Otherwise known as controlled articular rotation or hip circles.
Windshield Wipers
Sitting on the floor, knees bent with feet flat. Drop knees to one side and then the other back and forth like a windshield wiper.
90/90 hip switch
This exercise allows the hips to externally and internally rotate improving the range of motion in the hips.
Fire Hydrants
Helps to improve the muscles in the hips and glutes.
Abductor Rocks
A great exercise for the hips and the inner thighs.
Why do hip mobility exercises?
Mobility exercises improve flexibility, ensuring a full range of motion in joints and muscles. This increased flexibility aids in achieving improved running form thus reducing the risk of injuries.
Performing regular mobility exercises addresses common tightness areas in the hips, hamstrings, and calves which are common among runners.
Adding just 5-10 minutes a day of exercises like these can be more effective than doing them for longer periods of time once a week. They just might be the key to enhancing your running performance as well as contributing to your overall feeling of well being.
If you are a Peloton user, you can find a large library of mobility classes (like this one) to target these issues mentioned above.
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
Mobility exercises have helped me so much. I include alot of these in my routine!
Deborah Brooks says
yes they have helped me as well!
Melodie says
I love all of these. I learned the hard way how important mobility exercises are!!
Deborah Brooks says
They really are so helpful as part of a daily routine
Debbie says
I do most of these and also add them to my stretch classes. They are so important and really help with mobility. I also use a faster version of the CARS as a running warmup.
Deborah Brooks says
yes, I do the CARS as part of my warm up as well. So helpful for everyday mobility
Kimberly Hatting says
I usually do the windshield wipers first thing when I wake up most mornings. My hips really appreciate it!!! I just need to be more mindful of doing them (as well as the other moves) throughout the day.
Deborah Brooks says
The windshield wipers are so helpful and I love al the variations you can do as well.
Catrina says
I should do more of these!
I have never heard of the Abductor Rocks, they look like a useful exercise! I will definitely try this.
The fire hydrants are so effective! I often do them banded, just to add a bit of spice.
Deborah Brooks says
I like them banded as well. When your guard feels better-try them standing up w a band 🙂
Jenn says
:saves post, plans to add these to morning workout:
Seriously. Those windshield wipers are fantastic. I just do them nearly enough.Time to get serious.
Deborah Brooks says
I am always happy after I do these
Jenny says
Whoa, that 90/90 hip switch looks awesome. I do a full-body mobility routine most days, but I could definitely focus on the hips more. I’m going to try these!
Deborah Brooks says
Great! I think you will like them
Darlene S Cardillo says
I have very tight hips. I focus on those hips machines at the gym..
These are great!!
Thanks…
Deborah Brooks says
I also have tight hips and these definitely help to loosen them up. Hope you enjoy