Good hip mobility is an important part of a healthy body but so is good mobility in any joint.
The hips are a major joint in the body. The hips are a stable ball and socket type of joint and have a large amount of muscle surrounding it.
It goes without saying that the hips are important joints in the body, being a major joint in walking, standing, and running.
Actions of the Hip
The hip performs many motions including: flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation. Because this joint has all six of the motions, a person can perform a combination of the motions to also do circumduction (a circular motion).
Since the hip has the ability to move in multiple directions, it is important to maintain good hip mobility.
Benefits of Hip Mobility
Having flexibility in the hips helps decrease pain, reduce muscle imbalances, and improved posture. Many injuries can occur if a person has reduced hip mobility.
If the hip does not have proper flexibility and mobility low back pain and injuries to the lower extremity are known to occur.
For more information on research for the benefits of hip mobility training check it out here.
Exercises
Pigeon stretch
90/90
Hip flexor stretch
Piriformis
Frog stretch
Butterfly
Cossack squats
Since these exercises are not strengthening but closer to stretching, you can change up how many sets and repetitions to perform.
Usually with stretches, I prefer to perform 3 sets of 30 second holds, which is what I recommend for these. Check out this blog post here on why stretching for 30 seconds is the best length of time to hold.
If you want to prevent pain and improve your posture, please remember that having good hip mobility is an important part of a healthy body and should be taken seriously.