Your hip joint is responsible for your ability to walk, run and play. It is critical in nearly every aspect of your daily life, from bending over to pick up something to turning around to look at your loved ones to sitting down to watch television. The website HealthyExerciseWorld.com calls the hip joint "one of the most important joints in the body" and notes that hip exercises help strengthen, stabilize and stretch this critical muscle group. Consult your doctor before embarking on any exercise program.
Dumbbell Front Squat
This exercise can be performed with or without weights as prescribed by your doctor. Hold a dumbbell in each hand, stand with your feet shoulder width apart and your palms facing your body. Tighten your stomach muscles, and bend your arms until the weights are at about shoulder height. Bend forward slightly at your hips, and bend both knees until your upper legs are parallel with the floor. The American Council on Exercise notes that you should keep your head upright and look forward throughout this exercise. Use your thigh and hip muscles to push upward and return to the starting position.
Lying Leg Raise
This exercise helps strengthen your hip muscles by using your body weight as resistance. It is performed by lying on your back on a bench or mat with your hands resting under your buttocks to help stabilize your pelvis. Lift your legs by bending at your knees, and bring your knees toward your chest. Keep your feet off the floor while you straighten your hip and knee joints, extending your legs with your feet held off the floor. You can increase the intensity of this exercise by touching your heels to the floor each time you extend your legs, according to the hip exercise page of ExercisePrescription.net.
Dumbbell Step-Up
This exercise requires an elevated platform such as stairs, a box or a low stepstool, according to the American Council on Exercise. Hold a dumbbell in each hand, stand in front of your step with your feet shoulder width apart and your arms by your sides with your palms facing your body. Step onto the elevated platform with your right foot and bring your left foot onto the box as your weight transfers to the platform. Step backwards with your left, then step down with your right foot, returning to the starting position with both feet on the floor. Repeat using your left foot as your lead foot, according to the American Council on Exercise.
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