A well-rounded exercise routine includes working all parts of your body. An area that can be neglected in some workout routines, however, is the hips, which can benefit from exercises that tone and strengthen. Exercising your hips won't help you lose fat there, but it may help tone and firm the muscles, enhancing your lower half by creating a more fit and healthy appearance. Working this area of your body may also help undo some of the tightness caused by long stretches of sitting at a desk or in a car.
Side Kick
Stand on a firm surface with your feet about hip-width apart. Place your hands comfortably on your hips, standing straight with your shoulders back. Slowly bring your right leg straight out and upward toward your side. Keep your foot turned toward the front and avoid rotating your thigh. Try to pull your extended leg all the way up to the level of your thigh. Hold the position for a count of three, then slowly lower and relax. Repeat the movement 15 times with each leg.
Prone Hip Abduction
Lie on your side on a floor or mat with your legs and body in a straight line, one ankle resting on top of the other. Keep your knees straight, and place your lower arm comfortably under your head for support. Keep your head aligned with your spine. Breathing out, raise your upper leg straight up toward the ceiling, keeping your knee and foot facing forward. Continue to lift your leg until your hips begin to tilt upward or you begin to feel tension in your back or abdomen. Slowly lower your leg to the starting position. Repeat the movement eight to 10 times, then roll over to your other side and perform the exercise on your other hip.
Resistance Band Hip Flexion
Using a sturdy resistance band, sit on an armless chair with your back straight and centered. Wrap the band over the lower half of your left thigh. Bring the ends of the band straight down and tuck them under your right foot, holding them firmly in place. Keeping your knee bent in a 45-degree angle, gradually raise your left thigh upward off the chair, creating tension against the band. Lift as high as possible, and then slowly lower your leg back to the seat. Repeat the exercise eight to 10 times with your left leg, then switch to your right and perform the exercise in the same manner.
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