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Joel Eshelman

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June 24, 2026

Tight Hips and Low Back Pain? Mobility Could Be the Missing Piece

If you spend most of your day sitting, there's a good chance you've experienced tight hips, low back stiffness, or both.

At The Gym MPLS, these are some of the most common movement issues we see. The good news is that improving mobility can often help reduce stiffness, improve movement quality, and support better performance in and out of the gym.

Why Hips and Low Back Work Together

The hips and lower back are closely connected.

When hip mobility is limited, the lower back often compensates by moving more than it should.

Over time, this can contribute to:

  • Stiffness
  • Discomfort
  • Poor movement mechanics
  • Reduced performance

Signs You May Need More Hip Mobility

You may benefit from mobility work if you notice:

  • Tightness after sitting
  • Difficulty squatting
  • Low back stiffness
  • Limited range of motion
  • Difficulty bending or rotating

Three Mobility Exercises to Try

1. 90/90 Hip Rotations

This exercise improves internal and external hip rotation.

2. World's Greatest Stretch

A full-body movement that targets the hips, hamstrings, and thoracic spine.

3. Hip Flexor Stretch

Many people develop tight hip flexors from prolonged sitting.

Consistency Matters

Mobility isn't about spending an hour stretching.

Just five to ten minutes a few times per week can improve movement quality and help you feel better.

Final Thoughts

Better mobility often leads to better workouts, improved movement, and less discomfort throughout daily life.

Want to Move Better?

Our coaches at The Gym MPLS can assess your movement patterns and help you build a personalized plan to improve mobility, strength, and overall fitness.

Contact us today to get started.

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