Keeping Hips Flexible

Hips support the upper body and help in agile movement of the lower body. It also supports the lower back and enables us to maintain all the sitting and standing body positions. Hips need to be kept strong yet supple and flexible so that our day to day movements are easier and nimble.

Taking care of hips is also essential so as to avoid backache, back problems like not being able to turn or bend, inability to carry weights, inability to sit for longer durations and so on. There are certain precautions and exercises that can be followed so that the hips remain flexible yet strong.

Weight gain in the hip region should be avoided. The hip region can be kept flexible and in good shape by exercises directed specially in the region. Both standing and sitting position exercises can relax the tense and strained muscles in the area.

Stand erect with your legs parted slightly. Turn to your right upto 90 degrees or more, hold for count of 5 and then get back to original position. Take a 90 degree turn to the left, hold upto count of 5 and then return to original position. Take care to see that the hips are being twisted to change position rather than turning legs. Repeat atleast 10 times. The same exercise can be done sitting on the floor, following the same procedure.

Another method is to slowly rotate the hip area in clockwise and anti clockwise direction both 10 times each. It is best to do this exercise slowly concentrating on the movement and pressure exerted on the hips.

Hips are also exercised by bending them forward and backwards. Stand erect with hands raised, breathe in and bring down the hands (to touch the floor) bending the back and slowly release breath. Hold for count of 5 and come up breathing in. Repeat the process 10 times.

Aerobics, belly dancing and jiving also help in exercising the hips. Playing golf or swimming too adds to flexibility.