Exercises to strengthen my hip flexors

[PinkCloudDweller]

Hi,

I've got a dull pain in my hip that has prevented me from running for the last four months. It gets aggravated if I do any lifting, as when I carry my children. My GP thinks my core muscles are weak and this is causing it, and a running friend has recommended I try and strengthen my hip flexors.

There's far too much information online, so I was hoping some of you could recommend any good videos or links. Thanks in advance!

Hi,

I do two I like

One is a sort of squat - keep knees behind toes and then put your arms on your thighs and gently push your thighs outwards.

Second is a bit like a lunge - step one foot back and straighten the leg so you're on your toe and bend the front knee (knee stays behind toe). Start by reaching the arms forward, then lift up up high, then place the hand opposite to the forward knee on the floor and stretch up with the other. (i.e. Left foot forward right hand on floor and left arm In the air).

I use the Nike training club app and the Nike run club app to both improve running and strength as they have running schedules tailored to you and a range of work outs all for free. I've also done Pilates in the past to help improve core strength.

Hope that's helpful :)

Thanks, Glamdring. I will check the Nike app, I wasn't familiar with it.

I had a hip issue due to weak core/pelvic floor area after having DS2. I was recommended some Pilates moves by a physio. You can probably find guidance online if you don't want to see a physio but unless you already know "core stuff" it could be tricky to know you are doing them effectively.

I'd say it's more likely that your hip flexors are too tight and it's your glutes that you need to strengthen (most people have week glutes from sitting down all day long).

This guy's website is quite good for glute information (he's known as the Glute Guy!): bretcontreras.com/

This website here explains about tight hips: www.stack.com/a/4-hip-flexor-stretches-to-relieve-tight-hips