(Image credit: Shutterstock)
At 35 (ahem, nearly 36), I've learned that building strong hips is a secret weapon for boosting mobility and keeping my body robust as I get older. Not only does it improve my ability to squat, deadlift and lunge safely, but it also helps me walk and run with more freedom, hike with less stiffness and feel generally more free and open.The best hip mobility exercises will focus on strength, range of motion, balance and stability. For that reason, I want to share three simple exercises I swear by; if you sit at a desk for long periods, these are a game-changer for waking up stiff hips and relieving tension.Check them out below, as well as some benefits.3 simple hip-awakening exercises to try at homeBeen at your desk a while? Here is your call to action. If you can, stand up, push your laptop aside and try these moves. 1. Single-leg hingeThis exercise opens your hips, rotates them and stretches the adductors, the muscles along the inner thighs.Think of this exercise as a joint lubricant: aim for slow, controlled movement and try to increase the range of motion available with every rep.Stand with a chair to your right side and extend your right leg to the side, resting the inner part of your foot on the chair, toes pointed forwardPlace your hands on your hips and stand tall through your spineBring a very soft bend to your left knee. Slowly hinge forward at your hips and push your butt back, lowering your chest to almost parallel to the ground in front of youPause when you feel a stretch through your inner thigh. Drive upward to stand, then turn your toes to point to the ceilingReturn to your starting position, complete your reps, then switch legsAim for 3 sets of 10 to 12 repetitions per side, twice per week.2. Lean back with hip liftLean backs are typically categorized as a core exercise, but this move also stretches and extends your hip flexors and works your quads. The aim is to keep both knees pressed down; if you need to, place a cushion or rolled-up mat beneath your knees for support.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.Aim to keep your back straight and gaze forward, chin tucked.Kneel on a yoga mat or similar, toes tucked or untucked depending on your preferenceSit tall through your spine and brace your stomach, engaging your core while maintaining your breathExtend your arms in front of you or overhead, then slowly lean back as far as you can without lifting your knees or losing your straight spinePause. Place your hands just behind your hips, then press your hips upward toward the ceilingSlowly lower your butt to your feet, then return to your starting positionAim for 2 sets of 8-10 reps several times per week.3. Figure-4 squatThis is a test of balance, control and stability. If you need, have a stable surface nearby that you can use for support.It doesn't matter if you wobble or fall out of the posture, as this will improve as you build strength in your lower body over time. Figure-4 stretches your glutes, including the deep piriformis gluteal muscle, and also targets your groin and hips, works the small stabilizing muscles in your upper and lower legs, and strengthens your hips, knees and ankles.Stand tall with your feet hip-width apartPlace your right foot just above your left knee and gently draw your right hip open. Flex the foot to protect your kneeSend your hips back and lower into a single-leg squat, maintaining the figure-4 position while keeping your chest lifted and back straightPause at the bottom of the squat, then press through your left foot and leg to standAim for 2 sets of 6-8 reps per leg, several times per week.What are the benefits?
