Back
, , , , , ,

3 exercises for hip relief

stretches, hips, tight hips, stretching hips, foam roller, foam rolling, personal trainer, south jersey, fitness

Top 3 Ways to Stretch the Hips for Hockey Players Using Foam Rolling

If you’re a hockey player, for that matter. We understand the struggle of dealing with tight hips. Hours spent skating weekly, driving from game to game, and traveling across states can put your legs through a beating. Consequently, you may experience lower back tightness or tightness in the groin, often stemming from tightness in the hip region. Here are three quick stretches to help loosen up your hips and improve mobility, specifically tailored for hockey players.

Foam Rolling: Why It Helps the hockey athlete

Placing the foam roller directly under the tailbone/hips helps alleviate pressure on the hips and enables a wider range of stretching. This is particularly beneficial for hockey players, whose hips tend to be in Anterior Pelvic Tilt due to the skating motion and stance.

Stretch 1: Leg Sweeps

With the foam roller under your hips, keep the knee extended and toes flexed to emphasize the groin. Perform leg sweeps in a circular motion, gradually increasing the size of the circle with each rotation. You may feel tightness being released, often accompanied by a “cracking” sensation. Take your time with this stretch, aiming for 5-10 reps clockwise and counter-clockwise.

Stretch 2: Lying Knee Pull (Hug)

After completing leg sweeps, shake out your hips and keep one leg extended on the ground. Hug your other knee to your chest and hold for 10-15 seconds to feel the stretch and allow the joint to relax. Slowly extend the hugged knee, shake out your legs, and repeat with the other leg. Perform 1-2 sets or as needed.

Stretch 3: Lying Hip Tilts

Begin by lying on the foam roller with your stomach facing the ground. Tilt one hip at a 45-degree angle onto the roller, while the other hip faces the ceiling. Use your bottom leg and arms to roll up and down on the hip flexors, focusing on areas of tightness. Apply pressure to the roller for 10-15 seconds to release tension. Roll after releasing and repeat as necessary, then switch to the other hip.

No Foam Roller, No Problem

If you don’t have a foam roller, you can still try these stretches, although you’ll experience a deeper stretch with the roller. Additionally, there are other bodyweight exercises to loosen up the hip/pelvic area, such as the Figure 4 Stretch and Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch. Stay tuned for next week’s article for more on these stretches specifically beneficial for hockey players.

#unleashthepotential

Written by:

Darrid Watson, CSCS, NSCA-CPT

Take action… Now!

Name(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Training Aspects Personal Training and Sports Performance:

Visit us:
Inside of the Flyers Training Center
601 Laurel Oak Rd.
Voorhees, NJ 08043

Recent posts
  • Labor Day version: best season yet
    Cherry Hill sports performance, Sports performance, Uncategorized
    Labor Day version: best season yet

    New Season- Labor Day starts off the athletic success 🏒🇺🇸 Labor Day marks the end of summer and the start of new seasons on the ice and in life. Just like workers across America are celebrated today for their grit and dedication, athletes have to bring that same level of commitment as hockey season begins…

  • How to Live a Self Fulfilled Lifestyle: 3 Actionable Steps for Growth & Balance
    Fit and healthy, Personal trainer tips
    How to Live a Self Fulfilled Lifestyle: 3 Actionable Steps for Growth & Balance

    Creating and living a self fulfilled lifestyle isn’t about chasing perfection or living up to someone else’s idea of success. It’s about creating habits and practices that make you feel purposeful and balanced in your own life. Whether it’s in training, career, or personal growth, fulfillment is built through intentional choices. Here are three actionable…

  • Top 3 Exercises for Sports Longevity
    Cherry Hill sports performance, Hockey Performance, Personal trainer tips, Sports performance
    Top 3 Exercises for Sports Longevity

    Top 3 Exercises for Sports Longevity Everyone is looking for the secrets to sports longevity! How can you stay healthy and not only enjoy the sport you love but also potentially make a long career out of it? We all want to be the next Tom Brady when it comes to longevity but what’s the…

Subscribe to our newsletter
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.