What are the Best Exercises for Hips?

The best exercises for hips will work the muscles of the thighs and gluteal muscles to encourage definition and tone as well as strength. The best way to improve the muscles is certainly to do exercises for hips, but the exercises must be done as part of a workout that consistently targets the muscle groups over a long period of time. Simply doing the exercises once in a while will not provide tone or definition, and strength cannot be built this way. Begin a workout of exercises for hips by doing squats, which target the thighs, hips, and glutes, and remember that simple, everyday exercises such as walking and running can work the hips and help strengthen key muscles.

Squats are one of the best exercises for hips because they work the muscles that support and strengthen the hips. Begin with the feet about hip width apart. The back should be straight throughout the exercise. Squat into a sitting position and hold, then return to the standing position. Do this motion up to ten or fifteen times, then rest. One can do two to three sets of this exercise, depending on his or her physical fitness level. Squats are one of the main components of the workout that should be done two to three times a week for up to six months.

Other exercises for hips that can enhance a hip workout are leg lifts and lunges. To execute a leg lift, one should lie down on the side of his or her body and lean the weight of the upper body on the forearm. Simply lift the upper leg upward toward the ceiling, forming a V-shape out of the legs. One should be sure to do this exercise slowly; doing leg lifts too quickly encourages momentum, which discourages true muscle growth and tone.

Lunges are a great exercise for both hip strength and thigh strength. One should begin by standing up straight with the feet hip-width apart. Then, lunge forward with one foot and get into an almost-kneeling position. The knee of the back leg should not touch the ground. Hold the position for a second or two, then return to the staring position. Repeat this motion with the other leg as well. Do several repetitions, then rest. For a variation on this exercise, one should hold weights in either hand while performing the lunge. This will add more resistance to the exercise and further strengthen the hips and thighs.