Exercise to Increase Hip Bone Density

Low bone density increases the risk of developing osteoporosis, a disease that causes bone loss and deterioration. It also makes your hips more susceptible to injury. Weight-bearing exercises for your hips increase bone density and strengthen the hips. While exercise plays a key role in increasing hip bone density, certain lifestyle factors also influence bone density. Talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Step 1

Aim for four hours of cardio each week and choose weight-bearing exercises, such as hiking, walking, skipping and jogging. Skip exercises, such as swimming and cycling, that are not weight-bearing and will not affect hip bone density. A 2002 study found that women who did four hours of cardio exercise each week lowered their risk of hip fractures by over 40 percent, reports The New York Times.

Step 2

Do full-body strength-training sessions two or three times a week. Weight-bearing exercises place stress on your muscles and bones, causing an increase in overall bone density.

Step 3

Include hip exercises in your strength-training sessions. Examples include squats, lunges, mountain climbers and dumbbell stepups. Hold dumbbells to increase difficulty and place greater stress on your hips.

Step 4

Do balance training exercises during your sessions. Improvements in balance, combined with an increase in bone density, will reduce your chance of falling or injury. Do your lunges with one foot on a step stool, perform one-legged squats or try standing hip extensions. Take a yoga class or do tai chi to improve balance and increase bone density.

Tip

Personal health can affect how much calcium and vitamin D you need daily, so talk with your doctor to determine your specific needs and possible supplementation. Bone mineral density testing determines the health of your bones. Contact your doctor for more information.

Warning

Talk to your doctor if you have low bone density -- you may need to take certain precautions and avoid high-impact exercises during your workout.