Exercises That Are Gentle on Your Hips

If you have hip pain, either from a previous injury or simply due to a bad hip, then you may be 
wondering how you can still exercise and stay in shape. Luckily, there are plenty of things you 
can do even with a bad hip. The following exercises are a little gentler on your hips.

Elliptical

While the treadmill can be a little hard on your hips since walking on a hard surface is difficult, 
the elliptical is something else entirely. This can actually be more of a smooth cardio workout, 
where there isn’t as much tension and stress on your legs and hips. People have even noted 
that their knees can handle an elliptical a little better than a treadmill. Try adding just a few 
minutes of elliptical training per day to burn calories while staying fit.

Seated Workouts

If you recently had hip surgery, you are probably told that the more weight you put on your legs, 
the more painful it is going to be. While you are recovering, or if you just have a bad hip, you 
should try workouts while sitting down. There are a lot of amazing seated workouts that will 
keep you in shape without affecting your hips at all. They range from doing all your weight lifting 
while sitting down, to moving your legs in various positions to get them working as well. 

Resistance Training

Resistance Training is often done just standing or even sitting down. While you might need to 
modify some exercises, this can be something that is easy on your hips. One great way is by 
using a TRX. The TRX, which stands for total-body resistance exercise, uses a strap that 
provides suspension for your resistance training. It is very easy on all of your joints, but a good 
workout for your muscles. Most gyms will provide a TRX you can use, or you can get a set on 
your own and use them at home.

There are instructions that come with the TRX to show you how to set it up and where to use it 
safely. You can start slow, then gradually increase your intensity as you get used to the 
workout. Add it to your fitness routine along with other workouts that are easy on your hips, and 
you will be staying fit even while your hip continues to heal.
