If you spend a lot of your day sitting, chances are your hips are uncomfortably tight. This can eventually lead to limited mobility or even back pain.
But you can counteract the effect of prolonged sitting with just a few minutes a day. Yoga instructor Emily Mouu recently shared five stretches designed to open up the hips and release tension.
While these movements can offer immediate relief, to improve long-term hip mobility you’ll need to practice regularly.
How to do the hip-opening routine
You don’t need any equipment for this routine but a yoga mat can make it more comfortable because all the moves are floor-based. Check out our guide to the best yoga mats if you want to invest in a quality one.
Mouu offers beginner and advanced options for each movement, so pick the version that matches your flexibility range. Aim to hold each stretch for 20 to 30 seconds or move in and out of it, depending on Mouu’s demonstration.
The benefits of mobilizing your hips
As the hips play a crucial role in everyday movement, doing hip mobility exercises does more than just ease tightness. With regular practice, they can significantly improve how it feels to perform everyday activities like sitting, standing, walking and bending to pick things up from the floor.
Tight hips can make your joints more prone to discomfort as they limit your range or motion. So regular stretches can lower your risk of injury.
As the hips support the lower back, stiffness here can also contribute to back pain. Incorporating stretches into your routine can help alleviate discomfort or prevent future issues.
All hips need some TLC and these movements are the perfect starting point. Try dedicating just 10 minutes a day, a few times a week to see noticeable improvements in your hip mobility and overall comfort.
