The Hip and Athletic Performance

Zachary Long takes a closer look at hip anatomy and identifies common dysfunctions that can limit CrossFit athletes.

The hips serve as the primary generator of force in the majority of movements performed in athletics, and this statement remains true for the exercises most commonly performed in CrossFit.

The pelvis, lumbar spine and core play a vital role in stabilizing the trunk to allow force to be transferred through the body. Despite the importance of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex, dysfunction of muscle activation and mobility is very common.

These dysfunctions can greatly decrease performance, and it is therefore important to identify common impairments seen in these areas and better understand the hips’ relationship with the pelvis and lumbar spine.