Most of us assume that tight hips are something that just “happens” over time…

But the truth is, we do have some control! 

Three of the biggest reasons we end up with tight hips are: 

• Sitting for too long. When you sit, your hips stay in a bent position. Over time, this makes your hips tighter and less flexible, which can lead to stiffness and discomfort when you try to move around again.

• Staying stressed. Your hips are directly connected to your “fight or flight” response. When you’re stressed, your hips tense up to take flight, but the energy usually isn’t released. After a while, the tension can lead to chronically tight hips!
  
• Muscle imbalances. If your glutes or core muscles are weak, your hips have to work harder to compensate. This imbalance can cause your hip muscles to tighten up over time, which again — leads to discomfort and limited mobility! 

But knowing what causes the tightness can help you be more mindful of how you move throughout your day so you can prevent tight hips in the first place. 

The goal is to be proactive, not reactive — which goes for any of your health goals! 

Some ways to make sure your hips stay healthy include stretching, moving your body throughout the day, foam rolling, and massage.  

REFERENCES:
http://www.healthline.com/health/mind-body/the-powerful-connection-between-your-hips-and-your-emotions
http://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-pain/hip-pain-when-sitting
https://sportsmedicine.mayoclinic.org/condition/muscle-strains