Improving hip stability not only strengthens the fundamental core muscles of the body that assist with running, but also their ability to detect and respond to changes in movement to keep the body supported in a more efficient position.
A more stable torso during running helps improve your running posture and helps to coordinate the movement of the upper and lower body. This creates greater range of motion at the hips and increases the likelihood of your feet landing beneath your body’s centre of gravity, promoting forward momentum, lessening the impact on joints and saving energy. Poor hip stability can lead to areas of the body collapsing under impact, putting unnecessary pressure and imbalances on the lower back and lower body joints and creating poor running biomechanics.
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(balanced vs. imbalanced posture)
My favourite hip stability exercises
Hip stability exercises can easily be done as part of a core workout routine, at the end of a run or for gluteal activation before a run.
Be aware of any instability on each side of the body and look for improvements over time.
TIP: SLOW and controlled movement is the key!
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Side_Leg_Raise
Pistol_Squat1
Hip_Raise1
Fire_Hydrants
HAPPY RUNNING!
