Stand tall with feet slightly apart. Place hands on hips. Raise your left foot slightly off the ground in front of you and slowly draw circles with your leg for several reps, then go in the other direction for several reps. Swap legs and repeat.
Hip opener. Strengthens thighs, buttocks, and hamstrings. Activates and mobilizes the hips and groin.
A) Hip circles moving legs to the side B) Hip circles moving legs behind you. C) Hip circles with leg crossing over the other leg. D) Keep feet on the ground and only circle the hips.
Knee injury.
Click here for lots of FREE downloadable Yoga lesson plans.
Click here for lots of FREE downloadable Pilates lesson plans.
What are the benefits of the standing hip circle exercise?
Hip opener. Strengthens thighs, buttocks, and hamstrings. Activates and mobilizes the hips and groin.
What should I be aware of when doing the exercise?
Raise left foot slightly off the ground. Rotate in (internal rotation) and out (external rotation) from your femur. Be aware of which one is more challenging and call it your “Rehab Position”.
What are some modifications to standing hip circles?
A) Hip circles moving legs to the side.
B) Hip circles moving legs behind you.
C) Hip circles with leg crossing over the other leg.
D) Keep feet on the ground and circle the hips (roll your hips around in a circular motion).
E) Keep feet together during the exercise (instead of slightly apart).
Yoga Lesson Planner
Pilates Lesson Planner
