Most of us are not really paying much attention to our hips when it comes to working out, but you should start considering it as the hips play a huge role in our body. Not only do your hips connect your torso to your lower extremities, but it is also the one responsible for providing support and stabilization for your body while standing and walking. What’s more, your hips can help you bend from your waist and even raising your knees too. Basically, without your hips, you will not be able to walk and move around that much.

Fortunately, there are exercises that you can do to help stretch those tight hips of yours. Here are a few that you should try out.

Bound angle pose

Sit while your legs are extended in front of you. On exhale, bend knees as you bring your heels to your pelvis. Drop your knees gently out on the sides while pressing your soles together. While holding your feet with your hands, bring your feet closer to your pelvis as much as you can. See to it that your spine remains elongated. Stay in this pose for 1 to 5 minutes.

Lunge with spinal twist

For this exercise, you will need to stand straight with your feet together. With your left foot, take a big step forward to go into a staggard stance. Bend your left knee to go into a lunge pose with your right leg straight at the back with the toes pressed on the ground. You are sure to feel a stretch on your hips. Now place your right hand on the floor as you twist your upper body towards the left with your left hand reaching towards the ceiling. Hold this pose for 30 seconds to 2 minutes if you can manage before releasing. Do the same with the other leg.

Fire log pose

Another stretch that can help open your hips up is the fire log pose. In this yoga stretch, you will need to start in a seated position with your legs spread out in front of you. Now move your right shin towards your position until it becomes parallel to your mat. Make sure that your right foot is on its side. Do the same with your left leg with your left shin placed on top of your right. While keeping your spine elongated, you can straighten your spine fully or, you can hinge from your hips to fold your torso forward slowly. You should take deep breaths as you stay in this pose for a full minute.

Knee to chest

In this stretch, you should start by lying down on your back, with your legs stretched out. Now bring your right knee towards your chest while keeping your left leg in the first position. Keep your lower back pushing against the floor. Hold this pose for 30 seconds to 2 minutes then go back to your first position. You should do the same with your other leg.

Kneeling side bend stretch

For this exercise, you should first kneel down on your mat with your legs pressed together, your core engaged, and your back ramrod straight. Now bring your left leg out toward your side until it is perpendicular to your body. Bring your right arm overhead while resting your left arm on the other leg. Bend towards your left gently to bring your right arm to this side. Your hips should be facing forward. Stay in this position for 30 seconds up to 2 minutes before going back to your first position. Repeat the steps to the other side.