20/06/2024
🔈 IMPROVE YOUR HIP MOBILITY
The hip joint is also known as a ball and a socket joint. It is where the top of the thigh meets the pelvis. There are certain health conditions such as arthritis, limit the range of motion of the hip joint. Also, strenuous exercise, wearing high heels, and certain leg and back injuries can have a similar effect on this joint. All this affect the motility. However, certain exercises that can help loosen the soft tissue and improve the flexibility and mobility in the hip area are of great help.
The following moves will mobilize the hip flexors, the hip extensors and the hip rotators, all of which contribute to pain-free function and improved athleticism.
Try these exercises postworkout or pre-bedtime for better movement in and out of the gym.
🔒 Hip-Flexor Stretch
1. Stand inside a doorway and turn to face the door frame on your right.
2. Step back with your left foot and place your knee and lower leg on the floor to the left of the wall behind you (place a pad under your left knee if necessary).
3. Slide your left leg backward along the wall until you feel a stretch in the front on your left hip.
4. Raise your chest and torso and extend your arms overhead.
5. Grab the doorjamb behind you and slide your arms as far overhead as possible.
6. Press your lower back toward the doorjamb and hold it there for the duration of the stretch.
7. Breathe deeply, hold for one to two minutes, and repeat on the other side.
🔒 Flex-and-Rotate Hip Stretch
1. Stand facing a thigh-high table, desk, high bench, or the armrest of a couch.
2. Bend your right knee and raise your leg to rest your shin on the table, as if you’re doing a modified pigeon-pose stretch.
3. Bend your torso directly forward over your leg.
4. Press your elevated leg into the table for a five-count, then release for a 10-count, moving more deeply into the stretch. Contract and release five times.
5. Repeat the stretch with your torso rotated gently to the left, and again rotated to the right. Keep your back neutral and avoid rounding forward.
6. Slowly come out of the stretch.
7. Repeat the entire sequence with your left leg on the table.
It is not necessary that everyone can pull up the exercise with ease. It will take time for some, while a few might experience pain and stiffness in the muscles in the beginning. In any case, if the pain persists for long do not delay getting an advice from the health professional. For those with known joint and muscle problems or previous injuries and pain, it is better to seek medical advice before beginning with any exercises.
