The 3 Best Hip Exercise You Are Not Doing

Dr. Josh Wideman helping a patient with the 90-90 hip exercise.

Dr. Josh Wideman coaching the 90/90 exercise

Why the Search for the 3 Best Hip Exercises Falls Short: A Personalized Approach

Introduction:

Regarding fitness, especially in improving mobility or strengthening critical areas like the hips, there's often a quest for the holy grail: the three best exercises. You've probably stumbled upon countless articles claiming to have found them. But here's the truth: the concept of a one-size-fits-all solution to hip exercises needs to be revised. Let's explore why searching for the three best hip exercises needs to be improved and why a personalized approach is not just critical but empowering for you. Stop searching for exercises on Instagram and YouTube, instead get an assessment to determine what is best for you.

Dr. Josh Wideman assessing hip range of motion

Dr. Josh Wideman assessing hip function

Individual Variability:

Our bodies are as unique as our fingerprints. Many factors are at play, from anatomy to biomechanics, muscle imbalances, and injury history. What works wonders for one person may yield different results for another. It's like trying to find shoes that fit everyone's feet perfectly—it's just not realistic. But here's the thing: we understand and embrace this individual variability, so crafting an effective hip-strengthening or mobility regimen for you is our priority.

Functional Context:

Squats, lunges, and clamshells are commonly touted as excellent hip strengtheners. But do they translate into improved performance and reduced injury risk in our daily activities? Not necessarily. The effectiveness of an exercise lies in its relevance to our functional movement patterns. It's about bridging the gap between the gym and real life. What good is a hip exercise if it doesn't help us move better in our day-to-day tasks?

Assessment and Progression:

Here's the thing—you can't know where you're going if you don't know where you are. Prescribing the three best hip exercises becomes a shot in the dark without a personalized assessment of our mobility, strength, flexibility, stability, and movement patterns. This assessment might involve a physical examination, reviewing your fitness goals, and discussing any past injuries or limitations. Based on this assessment, a personalized program can be developed, including exercises to improve hip mobility, strengthen specific muscles, and correct imbalances. A tailored approach based on your unique needs and goals is paramount. And let's not forget about progression. As you grow more robust and proficient, your exercise needs evolve. It's a journey, not a destination.

Conclusion:

So, the next time you encounter an article promising the three best hip exercises, take it with a grain of salt. There's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to fitness. Embrace your uniqueness, prioritize personalized assessment and programming, and trust the process. The key to unlocking strong, functional hips lies not in a generic list of exercises but in understanding and addressing your individual needs. It's important to note that a personalized approach may require a financial investment or a commitment of time and effort. However, the benefits of a tailored program that meets your specific needs and goals far outweigh these considerations.

Secure your success by scheduling a comprehensive evaluation to help create a clear plan to achieve your goals.

Previous
Previous

Rehab is Training in the Presence of Injury

Next
Next

Embracing the Sidekick Mentality: Fixing to Empowering