Best exercises for hips: Fitness experts love these 5 workouts that burn hip fat, make lower body muscles strong

Best exercises to burn hip fat: Squats are a power-packed workout that targets the muscles in your hips, thighs, and glutes (Image: Canva)

While it is flattering for most, generously larger hips may be a concern for others, affecting their appearance, self-confidence, and overall health. Accumulated fat near the hip area often provides an outward extended look to the lower half of the body. Having less fat and stronger lower body muscles may give your hips a leaner, more sculpted appearance. Fortunately, there are specific workouts that can help target and reduce hip fat.

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Let’s explore five effective workouts that can assist you in achieving those toned hips you desire:

1. Squats

Squats are a power-packed workout that targets the muscles in your hips, thighs, and glutes. They are highly effective at burning calories and building lean muscle mass in the hip area. To perform squats correctly:

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Keep your back straight and chest up.
• Lower your body by bending your knees and hips, as if you are sitting back into a chair.
• Aim to get your thighs parallel to the ground or as close as possible.
• Push through your heels to return to the starting position.
• Repeat for three sets of 12-15 reps.

2. Lunges

Best exercises for toned hips: Lunges engage the muscles in your hips, thighs, and buttocks (Image: Canva)

Lunges are another excellent exercise to target hip fat and tone your lower body. They engage the muscles in your hips, thighs, and buttocks. To perform lunges:

• Stand with your feet hip-width apart.
• Take a step forward with one leg, keeping your back straight.
• Lower your body until both knees are bent at a 90-degree angle.
• Ensure your front knee is directly above your ankle.
• Push back up to the starting position.
• Repeat for three sets of 12-15 reps on each leg.

3. Hip Raises

Best exercises for sculpted hips: Hip raises, also known as bridge exercises, work wonders for your hip muscles and lower back (Image: Canva)

Hip raises, also known as bridge exercises, work wonders for your hip muscles and lower back. They help tighten the muscles around your hips and reduce fat accumulation. To perform hip raises:

• Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
• Place your arms at your sides, palms facing down.
• Lift your hips off the ground by squeezing your glutes and core.
• Keep your feet, shoulders, and upper back on the ground.
• Hold the raised position for a few seconds, then lower your hips back down.
• Complete three sets of 12-15 reps.

Best exercises for toned hips: Bicycle crunches are an effective way to target not only your hips but also your entire abdominal area (Image: Canva)

Bicycle crunches are an effective way to target not only your hips but also your entire abdominal area. This exercise helps in burning calories and reducing fat around the hips and waist. To perform bicycle crunches:

• Lie on your back with your hands behind your head.
• Lift your head, shoulders, and feet off the ground.
• Bring your right elbow towards your left knee while extending your right leg.
• Alternate by bringing your left elbow towards your right knee while extending your left leg.
• Continue this pedaling motion for three sets of 12-15 reps on each side.

Best exercises for hips: Side leg raises are a targeted workout to trim those hip fat deposits (Image: Canva)

Side leg raises are a targeted workout to trim those hip fat deposits and strengthen your hip abductors. To perform side leg raises:

• Lie on your side with your legs straight and stacked on top of each other.
• Place your bottom arm under your head for support and your top hand on your hip.
• Lift your top leg as high as you can without moving your upper body.
• Lower your leg back down.
• Repeat for three sets of 12-15 reps on each side.