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Hip airplane: An exercise to improve hip mobility and balance

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Hip airplane: An exercise to improve hip mobility and balance

Improve your balance, and hip mobility by mimicking the motion of a flying airplane. Spread your arms, and balance on one leg to do the hip airplane exercise.

Squats and lunges may be your go-to exercises to strengthen your lower body. Add the hip airplane to this list to make your legs, and hips stronger. Your legs, and hips have to be in good shape, as they support your body, and keep you moving. This exercise, which involves spreading out your arms, and standing on one leg, can help to improve balance, and mobility of your hips. It may look like child’s play, but it is not that simple to do this exercise. Coordination failure can lead to a fall, and you can end up with injuries. That’s why it is important to learn how to do it properly.

What is the hip airplane exercise?

The hip airplane exercise is carefully designed for dynamic balance to enhance the strength and flexibility of the lower body. “This exercise, involving the leg and the hip, mainly focuses on improving the hip’s stability, balance and mobility,” says fitness expert Aman Puri.

Hip airplane mimics the motion of a plane. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

It is performed by standing on one leg while balancing the body in a controlled manner. The movement and body posture imitate the motion of a flying airplane, earning it the name hip airplane exercise.

What are the benefits of the hip airplane exercise?

This balance exercise should be part of your fitness routine, as it has many benefits:

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1. Improves alignment and posture

With the help of controlled rotation of the hips, this exercise helps in aligning the hips, pelvis area and spine. “This leads to a better aligned posture, and helps in overcoming the risk of lower back pain,” says the expert. You should work on your posture, as poor posture can increase mechanical stress in the lower back, and in turn, lead to low back pain, as per research published in EFORT Open Reviews in 2023.

2. Good for mobility of hips

“This exercise involves proper rotation of the pelvic and hip area, which helps strengthen hip joint muscles,” says the expert. It specifically improves the internal and external rotation of the hip and loosens tight hips, which can be a risk factor for musculoskeletal injuries in the lower extremities, as per research published in the Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics in 2021.

3. Better balance

The hip airplane exercise helps improve the body’s balance by involving muscles like the glutes, foot, core and hip muscles. “Proper coordination involving hip rotation or leg extension helps enhance neuromuscular control to create a balance,” says Puri.

4. Activates the core

The hip airplane exercise activates the core muscle, which helps control the required motion, providing stability while rotating. It tightens and strengthens the core, which encompasses the abdominal, pelvic floor, back, diaphragm, hip, and gluteus muscles. It connects the upper and lower extremities, according to research published in Biology Of Sport in 2023.

5. Helps prevent injuries

While working out with weights or gym equipment, you can easily get hurt. “This exercise can help prevent injuries, as it does not involve intense movements or weights,” says the expert. It can be done by most people, but you should be cautious while performing it.

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How to do the hip airplane exercise?

Here are steps to do this exercise:

  • Stand using one leg and bend your knee slightly while spreading your arms out to the sides. Engage your core area to maintain a careful balance.
  • Extend your other leg backward, and lean forward with a straight spine.
  • Rotate your entire torso gradually outwards and keep your leg extended outward just like an extended airplane wing.
  • Hold for a few seconds in the extended leg position.
  • After that, move your hip back to the centre and move back to your starting position.

“If you find it difficult to perform this exercise, you can take help by holding a wall,” suggests Puri.

Hip pain
Avoid mistakes while performing the hip airplane exercise. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Common mistakes to avoid

Focus on controlled and coordinated movements while doing the hip airplane exercise. Here are some mistakes to avoid while doing it:

  • Hip overrotation strain: Uncontrolled movements can lead to overrotation of the hip, which can lead to dislocation.
  • Overbending back: Another common mistake is slouching the spine or overbending which can lead to stress on the knee or the hip joints.
  • Loose leg positioning: Loosely placing the legs or letting them hang without stretching them completely won’t give maximum benefit as it does not activate the muscles, especially the hip muscles and glutes.

Who should avoid the hip airplane exercise?

It can be done by most people, but some may have to be more cautious:

  • The elderly and beginners can perform this exercise with a supported variation as there is a risk of falling.
  • Those with weak bones or have a history of past injuries should avoid performing this exercise or use support initially.
  • People with chronic medical problems should consult a doctor before performing the hip airplane exercise.

The hip airplane exercise is perfect for your lower body. It does not involve high-intensity movement, so it can be performed by most people. But if you find it hard to balance, opt for a supported version to avoid any risk of falling.

Related FAQs

Which muscles does the hip airplane target?

Hip airplane mostly targets the glutes minimus, gluteus medius, maximus, and posterior hip muscles. These muscles play a crucial role in stabilising hip and leg movement. The gluteus maximus strengthens control of the hip joint. Gluteus minimus and medius support in stabilising pelvic movements while piriformis is the posterior hip muscle involved in maintaining balance and assisting in hip rotation. Foot muscles and core muscles are also involved during this exercise.

Is the hip airplane exercise good for seniors?

Yes, this exercise is good for the elderly if performed in the right manner using controlled movements. It can help improve the flexibility of hip joints, enhance coordination and balance, prevent hip and pelvic injuries among seniors, and strengthen the muscles of the hip and legs. Seniors can also perform this exercise without overexerting their body as it does not involve any high-intensity movements. As seniors have a higher risk of injury involving weights or intense training, this dynamic exercise can be easily performed without equipment.

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Adults hop on viral ‘rebounding’ trend to make exercise fun again — ‘I feel like a kid’

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Adults hop on viral ‘rebounding’ trend to make exercise fun again — ‘I feel like a kid’

Forget boring home workouts, on-demand HITT classes and cold winter runs.

The latest wellness trend bouncing around TikTok involves a workout you might not even realize you’re doing, and that’s the point. It’s called rebounding. This low-impact exercise involves jumping on a mini fitness trampoline — called a rebounder — to get your heart pumping and support lymphatic drainage.

On Amazon, this best-selling model is currently on sale for just $129. It measures in at just 40 inches, making it ideal for small spaces while still offering room for an adult to jump, squat and jog in place. Users swear it gives them a seriously effective full-body workout, and many remark that it’s “so much fun” to use.

Clinical trials also back the benefits: a 12-week rebounding program for overweight women showed significant improvements in body composition as well as a decrease in diastolic blood pressure.

Ready to jump on the rebounding trend, too? You’d better hop on this Amazon deal fast.

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Amazon

This sleek rebounder by BCAN is sturdy and easy to set up, thanks to pre-assembled bungees and simpel video tutorial.

Reviewers say it’s completely changed their workouts, with one remarking they “feel like a little kid again.” Others have also noted it’s much easier on their joints than higher-impact exercises.

“It absorbs impact well and allows for a nice, smooth rebound that is gentle on the joints, making it perfect for a low-impact cardio workout,” one person explained. “Whether I’m doing high-intensity intervals or simply bouncing for fun, the movement feels fluid and responsive.

The BCAN model features an upgraded handlebar for added stability. It’s 8mm premium bungee — with a durable woven outer layer and a 350-strand natural latex core — delivers smooth, quiet bounces, so you can enjoy your workout without disturbing others.



This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to the viral Oura Ring to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable toddler by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.

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Fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares why exercise is crucial for kids: ‘Not just about health and fitness’

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Fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares why exercise is crucial for kids: ‘Not just about health and fitness’

Exercise is often spoken about in the context of physical fitness – stronger muscles, better stamina and improved overall health. But its value, especially for children, extends far beyond the body. Regular physical activity can quietly shape character, teaching lessons about effort, patience, discipline and resilience that mirror how the real world works. From learning to cope with discomfort to understanding that progress takes time, exercise can become a powerful training ground for life itself.

Exercise is important for kids. (Image generated via Google Gemini)

Also Read | Chennai fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares 5 simple things to focus on for long-term fitness

Chennai-based fitness trainer with 18 years of experience, Raj Ganpath – founder of the Slow Burn Method, co-founder and head coach at Quad Fitness, and author of Simple, Not Easy – is shedding light on why exercise is important for kids, with the benefits going beyond health and fitness. In an Instagram video shared on February 27, he explains how the impact of exercise extends far beyond physical wellness, shaping resilience, discipline and long-term character development.

Embracing discomfort

According to Raj, exercise is one of the healthiest ways to help children learn how to sit with discomfort in a safe, structured and sustainable way. Life inevitably brings challenges and unease – something adults understand well – but many children today are shielded from situations that test their resilience.

He explains, “Exercise is a great way to experience this discomfort in a safe and sustainable manner. Lifting weights, holding a plank, doing cardio, repping till it burns, all of these things are opportunities to embrace discomfort, opportunities to put themselves in a place where they’re not comfortable and learn from it, opportunities to practice physical and mental resilience.

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Learning hardship

The fitness trainer emphasises that hardship is an inevitable part of life, and meaningful success often requires pushing through moments of difficulty. While most adults recognise this truth through lived experience, children may not always have the same exposure to challenge. Raj believes exercise can bridge that gap.

He elaborates, “It will teach them that they need to do hard things if they want to accomplish something. Getting through a very hard workout, setting a goal and achieving it, completing a task. All of these things are not just random chores. These are incredible opportunities – opportunities to experience hardship and build fortitude.”

Delayed gratification

In today’s fast-paced world, the desire for instant gratification is stronger than ever – and children are growing up at the centre of it. With technology, streaming platforms and 10-minute delivery services, almost everything is available at the tap of a screen. As a result, the ability to wait, persist and work steadily towards a long-term goal can easily take a back seat. Exercise, notes Raj, offers a powerful counterbalance.

He explains, “Everyone wants everything right away today. This is true for us adults too, but it is even more true for our kids because this is the only world they know. A world where everything happens right then and right there, whenever they want it, wherever they want it. Exercise will teach them to wait, to be patient, to trust the process, to fail and still keep going, to work towards something larger that they will get much later. This is a very important character building quality and will serve them well for many, many years to come.”

The fitness trainer concludes, “Exercise is not just about health and fitness. It is a simulation of life itself. A ready-made character building tool available to you to help prepare your kids for life, the raw and real life that they’re going to have to deal with no matter what. So make sure they build the habit and make sure they embrace it.”

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Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

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What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack

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What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack

The World Health Organization says the average adult is supposed to get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity five days a week, which sounds somewhat doable until it’s 9 p.m., your kids are finally in bed, and you just want to fall onto the couch and dissociate. But more and more people online are talking about “movement snacks” — little bite-sized amounts of exercise you can do throughout your day to meet your 60-minute goal without having to make special time for one big workout. Because yes, we all want to be our healthiest, but sometimes a HIIT class at the gym is just not in the schedule.

We asked personal trainers and fitness coaches for their favorite movement snacks you can do in the office, around the house, and on busy weekends when everyone’s home.

How much exercise is a person really supposed to get?

While the WHO recommends 60 minutes a day, the CDC is a little more lax, recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, or about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. While it may feel like you’re the only one struggling to fit a workout into your daily routine, you’re far from alone. In fact, it’s always been hard for most Americans. So, while movement snacks may be a cute new term we’re all hearing for the first time, fitness pros have been promoting bite-sized exercise forever.

“I work with busy professionals, so I’ve been integrating micro workouts of two to 10 minutes into my clients’ lifestyles for almost 20 years,” says Andrea Marcellus, certified personal trainer and CEO of AND/life.

The most important thing for your health isn’t getting all your daily movement done in one big, perfectly curated workout — it’s about being consistent, Marcellus says. Movement snacks can help you stay consistent because you don’t have to budget a big chunk of time; instead, you can fit something simple into your day when you have three minutes to spare. Hell, you don’t even have to change clothes or go anywhere.

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“Most people think movement only counts if it’s a workout. That mindset is what keeps people sedentary. In reality, your body doesn’t care if steps come from a hike, a gym session, or pacing when you’re on a call,” says Lindy Royer, physical therapist and balanced body educator. “This is where you win the game — by stacking movement into things you’re already doing.”

Movement Snacks To Try Throughout Your Day

  • Set an alarm on your phone to chime every hour — that’s what women’s fitness coach Allison Kalsched tells her clients. When it goes off, stand up and do 10 bodyweight squats. Then go back to work. When you get tired of squats, mix in walking lunges, push-ups (it’s fine if they’re modified!), or dead bugs. Throw on 30 seconds of jumping jacks or high knees for bone-building benefits, which is important for women in menopause, she adds.
  • Take a micro walk. “Five minutes or 500 steps is my absolute favorite,” says Dr. Milica McDowell, doctor of physical therapy, author of the forthcoming book Walk, and exercise physiologist at US Physical Therapy. “It changes mood, lowers blood pressure, boosts mental clarity, and can help you get your cumulative steps in.”
  • Dance to your new favorite song with your kids or all by yourself. “Dance party was big with my kids after dinner,” Marcellus says. “It takes four to 10 mins and helps kids burn off dinner energy, while also giving parents a metabolic boost.”
  • Stop and do 60 reps of any full-body exercise, like squats, lunges, or jumping jacks — this usually takes about two minutes, no matter which one you choose, Marcellus says. Or, hold a plank for one to two minutes.
  • Pair walking with habits that already exist to get your steps in, like marching in place while brushing your teeth or doing a lap inside the house while your food is in the microwave. “This means you’re not adding time — you are upgrading your time,” says Royer.
  • Count your housework. Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, general domestic labor — these things totally contribute to your total exercise time each day, says Royer.
  • If you go up or down the stairs at home, just… do it two or three times. That little extra here and there adds up, according to Royer.

The best advice is to focus not on “how can I move right now?” but “how can I do something that isn’t sitting right now?” Royer says. “The real truth that most people ignore is that sedentary time is the real enemy, not a lack of workouts. Focus on breaking up your sitting time. Build in frequent movement snacks. You’re not looking for perfection, just something more than nothing. You don’t need more time; you actually just need more conscious efforts to move.”

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