If you experience cramping in your hips during certain exercises, your fist step is to modify or stop the exercise until the cramping subsides. Most hip cramping occurs during hip flexion movements (bringing your knees towards your chest). If you notice your hips cramping during this motion, slowly extend your hips, bringing your knees away from your chest until the cramping ceases. The cramping feeling may be caused by tightness of your hip flexors (muscles near the front of your hips). Foam rolling (a form of self-massage used to alleviate knots in your muscles) and static stretches for your hips may help lengthen and relax these tissues preventing future hip cramps. Start by foam rolling your outer thighs, inner thighs, and quadriceps. Next, try a kneeling hip stretch, holding the stretch for at least 30 seconds. After stretching your hip flexors perform a ball bridge. This exercise will further help elongate your hip flexors and, as an added benefit, will strengthen your glutes at the same time.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.